Yes, driving with interior lights on is generally legal in Mexico, but local traffic ordinances may impose restrictions in specific jurisdictions. The Reglamento de Tránsito for Mexico City (2023) and state-level codes, such as those in Jalisco (2024 amendments), prohibit interior lighting that impairs driver visibility or distracts other motorists. Violations may result in fines under Ley de Movilidad frameworks, though enforcement varies by municipality.
Key Regulations for Driving With Interior Lights On in Mexico
- Distraction Clause: Interior lights must not obstruct the driver’s view or create glare for other road users, as per Artículo 36 of the Reglamento de Tránsito del Estado de México (2025 update). Courts have upheld fines for drivers cited under this provision in Monterrey (2024).
- Commercial Vehicles: Federal NOM-064-SCT-2000 mandates that auxiliary lighting in trucks and buses comply with visibility standards, prohibiting unshielded interior lights during operation.
- Local Ordinances: Mexico City’s Reglamento de Tránsito (2023) explicitly bans interior lighting that exceeds 5 watts or emits red/blue hues, aligning with Ley de Movilidad safety protocols. Querétaro’s 2024 traffic code mirrors this restriction.