Federal Judge Admits Amparo Over Unequal Driver’s License Fees in Quintana Roo

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A federal judge has admitted the first amparo lawsuit challenging the differential fee structure for driver’s licenses in Quintana Roo, attorney Ernesto Mohar announced in Cancún. The legal action was filed by a state resident arguing that charging different amounts for the same administrative procedure directly violates the constitutional principle of tax equity.

The case has been assigned docket number 299/2026 in the Ninth District Court of Quintana Roo, where the constitutionality of the fee system will be reviewed.

The dispute stems from price discrepancies published on the website of the Quintana Roo Mobility Institute (Imoveqroo), the state agency responsible for issuing licenses. According to Mohar, the agency charges different amounts based solely on the municipality where the applicant resides.

“The same state Mobility Institute charges more for the same type of license, the same procedure, and the same plastic card depending on the municipality,” Mohar said. “The violation is clear: it breaks the principle of tax equity and treats citizens of Cancún unequally.”

The legal argument states that the right to obtain a driver’s license should not be tied to the perceived economic capacity of a municipality or the applicant’s place of residence. Since Imoveqroo is a centralized state entity, its fees for public services must be uniform across Quintana Roo.

Cost Disparities

Evidence in the case is based on current fees published on Imoveqroo’s website. Price differences between municipalities can reach up to three times the base amount for an identical service.

In Benito Juárez, which includes Cancún, a two-year private vehicle license costs 1,897 pesos (16.17 UMA units). A motorcycle license in the same municipality costs 947 pesos (8.07 UMA).

In contrast, in the municipality of Bacalar, a two-year license costs 608 pesos (5.18 UMA), and a motorcycle license costs 352 pesos (3 UMA). These variations are at the heart of the complaint.

Potential Precedent

With the amparo admitted, the case moves to the evidence and justification phase. The district judge will determine the constitutionality of the articles that allow unequal fee collection.

The legal team noted that a favorable ruling could set a precedent for all Quintana Roo residents who consider their rights affected and choose to challenge the differential fees through amparo proceedings.