AAA Arizona has suggestions for safe traveling in Mexico

Spring break is next week for many schools and institutions in Southern Arizona, and auto club AAA Arizona is urging people planning to go Mexico to know the new rules and what to watch for south of the border.

The University of Arizona calls March 15 - 23 spring break and many institutions in this area follow suit.

AAA Arizona said some of the most important changes to know about are the new rules to re-enter the United States.

U.S. citizens 19 and older will have to show a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, and proof of citizenship, such as a U.S. passport or a birth certificate. Eventually, birth certificates won’t be accepted, just the passport.

Citizens 18 or under will need to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or passport.

AAA Arizona said lots of people cross the border heading south.

Last March, more than 718,000 “passenger vehicles traveled into Mexico through an Arizona border,” said AAA Arizona.

Michelle Donati, AAA Arizona public affairs specialist, said often U.S. travelers crossing the southern border “fail to remember they are subject to Mexican Law.”

Some other good rules for crossing the border include:

If driving into Mexico, buy Mexican auto insurance even though some U.S. companies extend their coverage several miles into Mexico.

Pack smart, leave valuables and irreplaceable items at home.

Bring copies of important documents, but keep them separate from the originals.

Leave a copy of your itinerary with a friend or family member at home, and instruction on how to reach you in case of an emergency.

Remember in Mexico, unlike the United States, if you’re arrested, you’re assumed guilty until proven innocent. You could be jailed until you establish your innocence.

Drive carefully, speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, not miles an hour as in the United States.

Pick your return time so not to conflict with heavy-crossing hours. U.S. Customs and Border Protection said peak wait times at the border are Sundays and Mondays between noon and 7 p.m. If you can try to cross the border before 9 a.m., or after 9 p.m.

jlamb@gvnews.com | 547-9749