Nearly 6,000-Peso Fine for Having These Accessories in Your Car

Personalizing a car can be costly in Mexico City if the chosen accessories violate the capital’s traffic regulations. The rules prohibit several additions and modifications on safety grounds, and some offenses can lead to fines of almost 6,000 pesos.

Article 43 of the Mexico City Traffic Regulations bans track belts, metal tires and other traction mechanisms that damage the road surface. Violations carry fines of 20, 25 or 30 times the UMA, equivalent to 2,346.20 to 3,519.30 pesos.

Drivers can also be fined for dazzling headlights that fail to meet Mexican official standards, neon lights, license-plate holders that block information, and transparent or dark covers placed over plates. These violations carry fines of 1,173.10 to 2,346.20 pesos.

Anti-radar systems and speed-radar detectors bring the highest penalties listed in the article, ranging from 4,692.40 to 5,865.50 pesos. Modifying the exhaust to create excessive noise, or installing a horn that is excessively loud or differs from the factory horn, can result in fines of 2,346.20 to 3,519.30 pesos.

Window tint or darkening on side or rear windows is also restricted when it exceeds 20%. The regulation allows it for medical reasons only, provided the need is documented with the authorities and recorded on the vehicle registration card.