Comments on: Mexican Vehicle Law

By: Barbie -thanks to a reader

Barbie -thanks to a reader — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 05:00:39 +0000

A lot of you may already know this, but I just discovered something new and very helpful for those who have your vehicle in Mexico on a permit. I went to the local Aduana (customs) in Queretaro to inquire about extending my permit there as opposed to going back to the border. I discovered more than expected. The first answer is yes! I was told you don’t have to drive to the border, and any Aduana can renew your permit. That saves 24 hours of driving for me. In addition, I was told they can match my permit length to my Visa length, so instead of 6 months, it now expires in one year. That applies for an FM3 or FM2. Of course, I can not speak for all Aduana locations, I only went to Queretaro.

By: Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 03:42:32 +0000

Still trying to learn this program – sorry – Barbie.

By: Barbie

Barbie — Fri, 14 May 2010 04:41:04 +0000

I believe you can – as long as it’s within those 180 days. But, I’d check for sure through your local Consulate. Barbie

By: Neil

Neil — Thu, 13 May 2010 22:26:52 +0000

I entered Mexico on an FMT and got a Temporary Import Permit, both valid for 180 days. During those 180 days can I fly to Canada for a couple of weeks and return leaving my car here in Mexico?

The car permit has the folio number of my FMT on it, I’m worried that the FMT will be retained if I fly out and any new one issued when I come back will have a number that doesn’t match the car permit.

Any idea what the rules are for this situation?

Many thanks
Neil

By: Sean

Sean — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:15:54 +0000

Is there a way I can DE-register myself from the temporary vehicule importation permit / my FM3 without driving it back to the border… I don’t believe it will make it & I have actually lost all documentation for the vehicule.

Sunny in Mazatlán

By: Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 01:58:57 +0000

Shoot Nancy, You surely knew the rules – and – - – well, I have no idea. Sorry. Maybe start at the Consulate – it seems I did hear that you can renew through the mail – but since you don’t have the original papers – I really don’t know – think you have a real problem.

By: Nancy H

Nancy H — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 20:35:43 +0000

Sunny in Mazatlán

By: Barbie

Barbie — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 17:54:24 +0000

I replied saying I would go with your husband. Logically, you don’t want just anyone able to bring a vehicle with a title – not in their name – and ship it out of the country – any country.

By: margaret

margaret — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:55:56 +0000

I want to have my car shipped back to usa. If only my name is on title can my husband get my bill of laden and take it to customs with out me there

By: Mexico Retirement Blog » Blog Archive » Can You Take Your Car To Mexico?

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 06:32:45 +0000

[...] you have your FM3 Visa (180 day stay with limitless renewals) or your FMT Visa (more than 72 hour stay and no more than [...]

By: W.J. Bear Valonis

W.J. Bear Valonis — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 00:12:08 +0000

Thank you for your quick response. Looks like section ‘C’ in your explanation will cover my situation. Now I have to find a rental casita with a garage!………Bear

Go for it, Bear! Barbie

By: Barbie

Barbie — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 05:48:09 +0000

Bear, you’ve got me on this one :) Maybe better call the Mexican Consulate on this one…I vote yes, but that probably doesn’t count :) You may be able to count that as one vehicle per person??
The way I understand it:
a) A temporary import is only possible for one vehicle at a time. [Except a motor home towing a car or pickup can both be registered by the same person.]

b) The maximum load capacity for a temporary vehicle import is 3.5 tons, not including the weight of the vehicle.

c) You may tow with your vehicle one to three motorcycles, beach cars or dune buggies, or four-wheel motorcycles or ATVs, equivalent to the number of people traveling inside the vehicle. You must be able to provide proof of ownership for the vehicles being transported and they must be returned along with the towing or transporting vehicle.

By: W.J. Bear Valonis

W.J. Bear Valonis — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 19:39:54 +0000

I want to bring my 1967 Harley Davidson motorcycle on a trailer behind my 97 Chevy pickup to Mazatlan. Can this be done? Thanks Barbie for an informative site.I’m counting down to April 18th 2010 !