No, lane splitting is not explicitly legal in Mexico. The Reglamento de Tránsito del Distrito Federal (2021) and Ley de Movilidad (2022) lack provisions permitting motorcyclists to maneuver between lanes. While no federal statute criminalizes the practice, local traffic authorities in Mexico City and other states may penalize it under reckless driving statutes (Art. 25, Reglamento de Tránsito). The 2026 Norma Oficial Mexicana (NOM-194-SCT-2026) on motorcycle safety is expected to formalize restrictions, aligning with global standards excluding lane filtering.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in Mexico
- Federal Ambiguity: No national law explicitly authorizes lane splitting; enforcement defaults to local traffic codes, which vary by state.
- Mexico City’s Strict Stance: The Reglamento de Tránsito (Art. 25) prohibits maneuvers that disrupt traffic flow, with fines up to 2,000 MXN for “zigzagging” between vehicles.
- State-Level Variations: States like Jalisco and Nuevo León classify lane splitting as a traffic infraction under Ley de Movilidad, subject to discretionary penalties.
Local authorities prioritize collision prevention; motorcyclists risk liability for accidents under Código Civil Federal (Art. 1910). The 2026 NOM update may introduce standardized penalties, but until ratified, compliance hinges on avoiding lane splitting in all jurisdictions.