May 28, 2026

Under Mexico’s new traffic laws, Mexico’s National Guard are now the top-cops on Federal highways, and they are now allowed to FINE and even arrest drivers and passengers on Federal Highways.

By official decree, the National Guard now has the power to fine you and apply sanctions if you break the traffic regulations for federal highways and bridges. In this way, agents will also be able to hand out both written and verbal warnings.

Yet, if the driver “confesses” (agrees to) the violation to the Guardia Nacional at the time, the fine amount can be reduced by 25 percent. In addition, an additional 25 percent discount will be given if it is paid within the first 15 business days.

According to the new reforms to our REGLAMENTO DE TRÁNSITO EN CARRETERAS Y PUENTES DE JURISDICCIÓN FEDERAL, (Traffic Regulations on Highways and Bridges of Federal Jurisdiction published in the DOF, the Ministry of National Defense and the National Guard will be the party in charge of ensuring that drivers comply with our national traffic laws, on federal roads.

What are the new fines and penalties that the National Guard can provide?

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Penalties for Disobedience and Resistance:
One of the reforms is the criminalization of Contempt of Authority … that can end in immediate arrest, according to Article 201.

Examples of contempt include a driver refusing to hand over the driver’s license and the circulation card … or that he or passengers make threats, insults … or is aggressive with to the officers.

It states that the National Guard will proceed to immediately arrest present the person responsible to the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

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Fines for Failure to Comply with Orders and Control:
“The signals from members of the National Guard prevail over the devices for traffic control and any other applicable rules,”

The penalties are a total of 40 to 50 times the daily quota of the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA), which in 2026 is equivalent to $117.31 pesos, which gives fines ranging from $4,692.4 pesos to $5,865.5 pesos.

https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/nacional/2026/05/27/guardia-nacional-rey-de-las-carreteras-cuales-son-las-nuevas-reglas-y-multas-para-conductores/

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Penalties for the Condition of the Vehicle:
According to Article 80, transit is only allowed for vehicles that have an “ideal physical and mechanical condition,” which ensures their proper operation.

If a traffic “event” derives from the failure of the brake system, a penalty will be imposed, after the authorities have carried out the verification.

The general fine for violating the physical-mechanical conditions results in a fine of 20 to 30 UMAs, which ranges from $2,346.2 pesos to $3,519.3 pesos.

Drivers who, due to mechanical failure or lack of fuel, do not apply safety measures such as using the shoulder and placing safety triangles will be fined 10 to 20 UMAs ($1,173 – $2,346 pesos).

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Penalty for Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or with Other Substances:
The National Guard will begin testing drivers for “intoxicating substances”. According to Article 93, drivers must take tests for “the intake of alcohol, psychotropic substances and narcotics when requested”.

If a driver opposes the tests or tests positive, the agents will proceed to arrest him and transfer him “to the nearest competent authority”.

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Not Having Documents or Service Logs:
For federal and private motor transport, the authorities will impose a fine of 20 to 30 UMAs ($2,346.2 pesos to $3,519.3 pesos); Additionally the circulation card must be submitted at all times for review if requested.

However, Article 86 B sets forth an exception to the penalty, since the lack of license plates or circulation card will not be infringed if a ministerial record is presented for theft lost in less than 15 days, as well as the proof of replacement procedure of more than 30 days.

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Discounts on Fines Imposed by the National Guard:
The official decree describes economic incentives for those who fail to comply with federal traffic regulations.

If the driver “confesses” (agrees to) the violation to the Guardia Nacional at the time, the fine amount can be reduced by 25 percent. In addition, an additional 25 percent discount will be given if it is paid within the first 15 business days.

Cheers,
Dr. Fry


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