English Translation of Mexican Road Signs A-L

Safe Driving in Mexico Requires Understanding Common Highway Signs

Apr 2, 2009

Left Lane For Passing Only, Prudy Bowers

While some Mexican road signs are understandable, others are less clear. Knowing precisely what they mean improves safety and reduces driver stress.

For North Americans, driving in Mexico can be confusing and stressful. Trying to interpret road signs while driving can be difficult and time critical for non-Spanish speakers.

Common Mexican Road Signs Beginning with A-L

This list of common and important Mexican road signs with their English translation is designed to be printed, reviewed in advance and taken along when driving a car south of the border. Key words used in road signs are also included to assist North American drivers.

Refer to the companion article for Mexican road signs beginning with M-Z.

Note that some literal translations have been modified to reflect common North American usage.

A 2 Km/500 m (In 2 Kilometers/500 Meters)
Acotamiento (Shoulder)
Alto (Stop)
Alto Total (Complete Stop Required, usually for military or other inspection)
Area De Descanso (Rest Area)
Autobus (Bus)
Autopista (Improved Highway, Toll Road)
Autopista De Cuota (Toll Road)
Banos (Bathrooms)
Basura (Garbage, Trash)
Camino (Road)
Camiones (Trucks)
Carretera (Highway)
Carril (Lane)
Carril Izquierdo Solo Para Rebasar (Left Lane For Passing Only)
Caseta De Cobro (Toll Booth)
Ceda El Paso (Yield)
Cinturon De Seguridad Obligatorio (Seat Belt Required)
Con Niebla/Lluvia Encienda Sus Luces (With Fog/Rain Turn On Lights)
Conceda Cambio de Luces (Consider Dimming Your Lights)
Conserva Limpia La Carretera (Keep The Highway Clean)
Cruce (Crossing)
Cruce De Escolares (School Crossing)
Cruce De Peatones (Pedestrian Crossing)
Cuota (Toll)
Curva Peligrosa (Dangerous Curve)
Derecho (Right)
Desviacion (Detour)
Disminuya Su Velocidad (Reduce Your Speed)
Encienda Sus Luces (Turn On Your Lights)
Entrada (Entrance)
Entronque (Intersection)
Esta Carretera No Es De Alta Velocidad (This Highway Is Not For High Speed)
Este Camino No Es De Alta Velocidad (This Road Is Not For High Speed)
Ferrocarril (Train)
Frene (Brake)
Guarde Su Distancia (Keep Your Distance) (Don't Tailgate)
Ingreso (Entrance)
Izquierdo (Left)
Libre (Free/No Toll)
Lluvia (Rain)

Expressing Distances in Mexico

Mexico uses the metric system, and distances are expressed in meters and kilometers. For simple approximation in U.S. terms, treat meters as yards (one meter is somewhat more than three feet), and a kilometer (one thousand meters) as six-tenths of a mile. To convert kilometers to miles, divide by ten and then multiply by six. For example, 200 kilometers divided by ten equals 20, times 6 equals 120 miles.

Many Mexican signs are followed by a distance, using a lower case "a", followed by the distance in meters or kilometers, expressed as "m" or "km". For example, a sign that reads "Curva Peligrosa a 500 m" means "Dangerous Curve 500 meters ahead".

Speed Limits in Mexico

Speed limits are expressed in even numbers between 20 and 110 kilometers per hour. Approximate equivalents in U.S. terms, using five mile increments, are as follows:

20 kmh (10 mph)
30 kmh (20 mph)
40 kmh (25 mph)
50 kmh (30 mph)
60 kmh (35 mph)
70 kmh (40 mph)
80 kmh (50 mph)
90 kmh (55 mph)
100 kmh (60 mph)
110 kmh (65 mph)

Driving in Mexico

Driving through Mexico allows you to see much more of this fascinating country than any other way. Understanding common road signs will make your trip much more relaxing and enjoyable.

The copyright of the article English Translation of Mexican Road Signs A-L in Mexican Travel is owned by Bob Bowers. Permission to republish English Translation of Mexican Road Signs A-L in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.