On May 26, 2026, a significant legal update was published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), granting Mexico’s National Guard expanded powers to enforce traffic regulations on federal highways. This reform to the Reglamento de Tránsito en Carreteras y Puentes de Jurisdicción Federal marks the return of “los federales” as active traffic enforcers, now authorized to inspect vehicles, direct traffic, and issue fines to drivers who violate the rules.

The decree aims to enhance road safety and strengthen collaboration with the Secretaría de Infraestructura, Comunicaciones y Transportes (SICT) to prevent accidents. Starting May 26, 2026, National Guard officers can:

– Inspect vehicles and verify braking systems
– Issue technical reports and draft official traffic incident records
– Enforce sanctions on drivers who break federal highway traffic laws
– Support SICT personnel in verifying drivers of federal and private transport services

Drivers who refuse to comply with orders, fail to present their driver’s license or vehicle registration, or engage in threats or aggression toward officers or emergency personnel will face corresponding penalties.

The National Guard’s role also includes assisting investigative authorities by pursuing and detaining individuals caught in flagrante delicto and providing general support as requested. Their enforcement powers range from verbal warnings aimed at educating drivers and passengers to detaining involved parties and vehicles for further investigation.

The DOF specifies fines based on the 2026 Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), including:

– Disobeying authorities or traffic control devices: 40 to 50 UMAs daily (approx. 4,692 to 5,865 pesos)
– Operating vehicles in poor physical or mechanical condition: 20 to 30 UMAs daily (approx. 2,346 to 3,519 pesos)
– Failing to take safety measures during mechanical failures or fuel shortages: 10 to 20 UMAs daily (approx. 1,173 to 2,346 pesos)
– Missing or incomplete service hour logs for federal or private transport: 20 to 30 UMAs daily (approx. 2,346 pesos)