SUVCars.com News

🔒
❌ About FreshRSS
☷
△ 🔃
There are new available articles, click to refresh the page.
Before yesterdayRelated Blogs

What You Need to Know Before Driving to Mexico

By The Allstate Blog Team

Whether you’re considering driving to Mexico for fun or business, preparing for a drive across the border might entail a few more steps than you may expect. To help ensure you’ve covered all the bases, here are some tips to help you get ready to travel to Mexico by car:

What Documents Are Required to Drive to Mexico?

According to the Department of State, you’ll need to obtain the following documents as you prepare for your drive to Mexico:

  • A U.S. Passport (or Green Card)
  • A U.S. Driver’s License (or International Driving Permit)
  • Proof of car registration
  • A Temporary Vehicle Importation Permit (TVIP)
  • A Mexico Tourist Card/Entry Permit (FMM)
  • A Mexico tourist auto insurance policy

To help ensure you have all the documentation needed for your specific trip, you may want to contact the State Department to see if there are any additional items you’ll need.

Oops. Something went wrong with the CTA block.

Preparing for Your Drive to Mexico

To help make sure your drive to Mexico is as efficient as possible, consider approaching your travel planning in steps. Getting ready for your trip may be more manageable if you follow these four steps:

Step 1: Begin Gathering Documentation and Determine Your Driving Route

Plan ahead for your trip by gathering existing documents that are necessary to cross the border — for example, many travelers likely already have a driver’s license, passport and car registration. Then, consider your driving route and how long you intend to stay in Mexico. You should also determine how far into Mexico you intend to drive. This information is necessary to obtain your TVIP and FMM cards, according to the Department of State.

Step 2: Purchase Mexico Tourist Auto Insurance

Whether you’re driving your own vehicle or renting a car, you’ll need to purchase a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy for your trip. If you plan on driving your own vehicle, contact your insurance agent about purchasing a Mexico tourist auto insurance policy. If you’re renting a vehicle, the Department of State says you can purchase the insurance directly through most car rental agencies.

Sign up for our email newsletter.

Get more tips and tricks like this delivered straight to your inbox each month when you sign up for our newsletter.

Step 3: Apply for TVIP or FMM Cards

If you’ll be traveling more than 12 miles into Mexico, you’ll need to obtain TVIP and FMM cards, according to the Department of State. The application process to obtain these documents will likely require some of the documents you’ve already gathered, such as your driver’s license or passport.

  • TVIP cards: You can typically apply for a TVIP card online no earlier than 60 days but no less than seven days before your trip, according to ConsulMex. You may also be able to apply for a TVIP card up to six months in advance of your trip at certain Mexico Consulates in the United States. TVIP cards can also be obtained directly at the border crossing before entering Mexico, says the Department of State.
  • FMM cards: You can usually obtain an FMM card online in advance of your trip. Otherwise, you can get one directly at the border crossing, says the Department of State — adding that travelers may be asked to present this card at road checkpoints while within Mexico.

While both cards can be obtained at the border crossing, it may be a good idea to apply for these cards before your trip. That way, you can ensure there won’t be any issues with obtaining the cards after you’ve already hit the road.

Step 4: Prepare for Your Road Trip

Before departing on your trip, it’s a good idea to spend some time familiarizing yourself with driving laws in Mexico, road signage and any current travel advisories, says the Department of State. You should also keep some safety measures in mind as you prepare for your trip. Having an emergency car kit and a written list of emergency contacts on hand may be helpful if you get into a bind. If you’re driving your own vehicle, complete a vehicle inspection and any needed routine maintenance to help ensure your car is road trip ready.

Any trip abroad is an opportunity for adventure and learning. By taking a little time to prepare for your drive to Mexico, you can help minimize potential stress during your visit and enjoy your trip.

The post What You Need to Know Before Driving to Mexico appeared first on The Allstate Blog.

Unusual Traffic Laws in the United States

By The Allstate Blog Team

From stopping at red lights to signaling when changing lanes, traffic laws help keep us, our passengers and other vehicles safe on the road. There are some local and state rules and regulations, however, that you may find surprising. Here are a few unique traffic laws you’ll find in the U.S.

Don’t Honk If You’re Thirsty

Stopping for a late night snack or a refreshing soda? Better not honk your horn, at least not while you’re in Little Rock, Arkansas. After 9 p.m. it’s against the law to sound your car horn at any place that sells cold drinks or sandwiches, according to Trip Savvy.

A Little Warning, Please

Utah drivers must signal at least two seconds before turning. If you’re driving in Utah, keep your eyes on the vehicles nearby. Also, think about starting that turn signal earlier to give the driver behind you a heads-up.

Shut Your Doors

You may find yourself in trouble if you leave your car doors open too long while you’re in Oregon. It is a traffic offense to leave a vehicle door open longer than it takes to load and unload passengers or cargo. You also need to avoid opening a car door unless it is “reasonably safe to do so.” While these regulations seem unusual, the intention is good — to help prevent an accident with passing traffic and to help protect pedestrians and bicyclists on the sidewalk.

Mountain Safety … In a State Without Mountains

Drivers in Nebraska are required to stay in the right-hand lane on mountain highways. They also must honk (or provide other audible warning) to alert other drivers within 200 feet of approaching a curved area with an obstructed view. The odd part of this law is that Nebraska doesn’t have any mountains, according to WorldAtlas.com. To be fair, Nebraska does have elevated, hilly areas where this law could help make driving safer.

Fuel Up

If you’re heading through Youngstown, Ohio, you may want to top off the gas tank. If you run out of gas within Youngstown’s “congested district,” you may be guilty of a misdemeanor. If it happens more than once within a year, the degree of misdemeanor charges will increase. Most likely this is a way of avoiding a traffic jam, but it’s definitely a unique law.

While some of these traffic laws may be a little unusual, it’s a good idea to mind your manners and follow the rules of the road. Wherever you’re driving, adhere to local traffic rules and make your trip a safe one.

Originally published on November 20, 2012.

The post Unusual Traffic Laws in the United States appeared first on The Allstate Blog.

❌