Changes to federal law that require all automobiles being driven on federal highways in Mexico to carry third party liability insurance came into effect on October 1, six months after they were approved by Congress.
However, the Finance Ministry has yet to issue the rules governing this legislation, so the law is unlikely to be implemented this year, industry sources confirm. These regulations will specify the compulsory minimum amount of coverage for all motor vehicles. In addition, the Transport and Communications Ministry (SCT) will issue its own rules and guidelines regarding the law.
As it stands, the law mandates fines of up to 200 dollars for those using federal highways without insurance.
Only a few Mexican states – including Jalisco – have made third party car insurance compulsory. The new law is expected to increase the number of automobiles that are insured in the country, currently about three in ten.