English Translation of Mexican Road Signs M-Z
Safe Driving in Mexico Requires Understanding Common Highway Signs
Apr 2, 2009
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 M-Z
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 A-L.
Note that some literal translations have been modified to reflect common North American usage.
- Maneje Con Precaucion (Drive Carefully)
- Maneje Despacio (Drive Slowly)
- Maxpista (Super Highway, Higher Speed Toll Road)
- Modere Su Velocidad (Slow Down)
- Niebla (Fog)
- No Deje Piedras Sobre El Pavimento (Don't Place/Stack Rocks On Pavement)
- No Exceda Los Limites De Velocidad (Don't Exceed Speed Limit)
- No Maltrate Las Senales (Don't Deface Road Signs)
- No Maneje Si Cansado (Don't Drive If Tired)
- No Obstruya El Crucero (Don't Block The Crossing)
- No Parar (No Stopping)
- No Rebase Con Raya Continua (Don't Pass With Solid Center Stripe)
- No Rebase Por Los Acotimientos (Don't Pass On the Shoulder)
- No Se Estacione En Curva (Don't Park On Curve)
- No Tire Basura (Don't Litter)
- Parar (Stop)
- Peatones (Pedestrians)
- Peligroso (Dangerous)
- Pendiente Prolongada (Long Steep Incline/Descent)
- PFP (Federal Police)
- Poblado (Town)
- Poblado Proximo (Approaching A Town)
- Prepare Su Cuota (Have Your Toll Payment Ready)
- Principia (Begin)
- Principia Tramo En Reparaciaon (Begin Section Of Road Repair)
- Proximo (Next)
- Puente (Bridge)
- Puesta De Control Militar (Military Control Post)
- Reductor De Velocidad (Speed Bump)
- Respete Las Senales (Respect Road Signs)
- Retorno (Return/Place To Make A U-Turn)
- Salida (Exit)
- Sanitarios (Bathrooms)
- Semaforo (Traffic Light)
- Sinuoso (Winding)
- Si Toma, No Maneje (If You've Been Drinking, Don't Drive)
- Termina (End)
- Topes (Speed Bumps)
- Tramo En Reparacion (This Section Of Road Being Repaired)
- Transito (Traffic)
- Transito Lento Carril Derecho (Slow Traffic Remain In Right Lane)
- Use Acotamiento Solo Para Emergencias (Use Shoulder Only For Emergencies)
- Use/Utilice Su Cinturon De Seguridad (Use Your Seat Belt)
- Vibradores (Multiple Speed Bumps)
- Zona De Niebla (Area Where Fog May Be Present)
- Zona De Derrumbes (Watch For Rocks, Area Of Rockfall)
- Zona Urbana (Urban Zone)
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 "Semaforos En Operacion a 500 m" means "Traffic Lights 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.
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