It’s official—driving with an expired license in this state could cost you a record $20,000 fine

Driving in Mexico City is about to get a lot more expensive for those behind the wheel without a valid license. As of February 1, 2025, Mexico City—technically considered its own state—has updated traffic fines using the latest Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). While it may sound like bureaucratic jargon, the bottom line is simple: drive without a valid license, and you could face a penalty exceeding MXN 20,000—roughly $1,180 USD.

Let’s break down what’s changed and how to avoid one of the priciest paperwork mistakes on Mexico’s roads.

Understanding the UMA and New Fine Structure

Every year, Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) adjusts the UMA to reflect inflation. In 2025, the daily UMA increased by 4.21% to MXN 113.14. Fines are now directly tied to this number, which means they auto-update each February 1 without new legislation.

The harshest fine related to driver’s licenses? A cancelled license offense now incurs a 180-UMA penalty—totaling MXN 20,365.20. While that’s far from $20,000 USD, it’s still more than what many locals pay in rent or even a down payment on a used vehicle.

Violation	Penalty (UMAs)	Cost in MXN (2025)
Expired License	10–20 UMAs	MXN 1,131–2,262
Cancelled License	180 UMAs	MXN 20,365.20
Vehicle Storage (per day)	—	MXN 84 and up

The Difference Between Expired and Cancelled Licenses

An expired license means your card is simply out of date—something many drivers overlook. Forget to renew it, and you’re looking at a fine between 10 and 20 UMAs.

A cancelled license, on the other hand, is far more serious. It’s issued when a driver has committed major infractions such as DUI, accumulating unpaid fines, or submitting false documentation. Once cancelled, you’re legally considered unlicensed—and the 180 UMA fine kicks in.

How Does It Compare to U.S. States?

For perspective, a first-time offense for driving with an expired license in California might cost around $300 USD, including court fees. In Texas, the fine ranges from $200 to $500 USD. Mexico City’s 180 UMA fine, even after conversion, comes out to more than double the high-end fines in these U.S. states.

Renewing Your License Is Cheaper Than Paying the Fine

Avoiding this nightmare scenario is as easy as setting aside 15 minutes to renew your license. The process can be done online in most cases, and the government will email you a receipt—keep it in your glovebox until the physical card arrives.

Most private drivers won’t see the full 180 UMA fine unless:

• They’re caught driving with a revoked license
• They’ve ignored repeated traffic violations
• They’ve been involved in serious incidents

And yes, if your car is impounded, you’ll also need to pay daily storage fees starting at MXN 84.

Foreign Drivers and Tourists

If you’re visiting Mexico for fewer than 180 days, your valid foreign driver’s license is generally accepted. The steepest fines apply only if you previously held—and lost—a valid Mexican license. However, tourists should still be cautious. Ignoring traffic camera violations or letting a rental agreement expire can trigger smaller UMA-based fines that may affect future travel or vehicle importation.

Mexico uses UMA indexing to ensure penalties keep pace with inflation, unlike the old system which tied fines to the minimum wage. As a result, the UMA-based fine structure is here to stay—and likely to rise each year.

Whether you’re a resident or a tourist, take a moment to check your license. If it expired in 2024, book a renewal appointment immediately. A few pesos spent on renewal now will save you from a five-digit peso fine—and the embarrassment of watching your car get hauled away.

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