4 Mexican cities to revoke licenses for serious driving offenses

Mexico City — Traffic authorities in Mexico City, Cancún, Mérida and Puebla are applying tougher penalties under local laws that allow them to revoke driver’s licenses for serious offenses.

Depending on the severity of the incident, the level of risk involved and whether the driver is a repeat offender, officials can impose fines, impound vehicles, temporarily suspend driving privileges or permanently revoke the license.

While no single federal law governs traffic penalties across all of Mexico, state and municipal codes in these four jurisdictions have tightened rules for drivers who get behind the wheel while intoxicated, rack up camera-issued citations or cause accidents with injuries.

Serious violations that can cost you your license

• Driving while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs.
• Causing or being involved in a traffic accident that leaves people injured or dead.
• Accumulating penalties from electronic detection systems such as photo-enforcement cameras.
• Repeatedly committing dangerous traffic violations.
• Excessive speeding or driving in reserved bus lanes.
• Disrespecting or assaulting traffic officers during an enforcement stop.

What local laws say

Mexico City: The city’s Mobility Law (Articles 67 and 68) provides for license suspension from six months to three years, or permanent cancellation for repeat drunk-driving checkpoint failures, loss of all points under the ‘fotocívicas’ camera system, or serious accidents.

Cancún, Quintana Roo: The state Mobility Law (Articles 188 and 188 Bis) authorizes IMOVEQROO and municipal traffic authorities to revoke licenses for repeat breathalyzer failures or involvement in severe accidents.

Mérida, Yucatán: The state Traffic and Road Safety Law (Articles 42 and 153) requires direct revocation of a license for anyone caught driving under the influence of drugs or who commits serious violations repeatedly.

Puebla: The state Mobility and Road Safety Law (Article 127) orders withdrawal of the driving permit for deliberate risky behavior, repeat offenses, or crimes committed while driving.

Graduated penalties

• Fines and towing of the vehicle to an impound lot.
• Hours of detention in administrative facilities or community service.
• Temporary suspension of driving privileges.
• Permanent revocation of the right to apply for or hold a driver’s license.

How to keep your license

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or taking medications that cause drowsiness.
• Slow down and always yield to pedestrians at marked crossings.
• Check official portals regularly to ensure there are no outstanding photo fines or unpaid citations.
• Follow traffic officers’ instructions and keep your documents up to date.