The National Guard now has full powers to fine drivers on federal highways and bridges in Mexico, and the new rules include fines of thousands of pesos as well as immediate arrests and referral to the Public Prosecutor's Office, following the decree signed by President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo.
Why can the National Guard detain drivers?
The decree signed by Sheinbaum Pardo grants the National Guard the power to inspect, monitor, and strictly sanction drivers' road behavior on federal roads.
The amendments to the Traffic Regulations on Highways and Bridges of Federal Jurisdiction toughened penalties for those who disobey officers' orders, drive under the influence of alcohol, or operate vehicles considered unsafe.
Thus, they can impose sanctions and fines if traffic regulations are violated, which, although not new, must be respected. Below we explain the main ones.
The highest fine the National Guard can impose on you
One of the most severe economic penalties appears in Article 60 of the regulations, which establishes that orders from National Guard agents have absolute priority over any traffic light, signage, or road rule.
This means that if a driver ignores a direct instruction from agents, they can receive a fine equivalent to 40 to 50 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). With the current value of the UMA in 2026, the economic penalty can range from approximately 4,692 pesos to 5,865 pesos.
Disobeying an agent can lead to arrest
Beyond fines, the reform also contemplates criminal penalties for those who resist or disobey National Guard personnel.
Article 201 states that if there is active opposition, threats, aggression, or repeated refusal to comply with official instructions, agents may immediately detain the driver and place them at the disposal of the Public Prosecutor's Office for the probable crime of disobedience and resistance by individuals.
Conducts considered serious include refusing to hand over documents such as a driver's license or vehicle registration card, insulting agents, or preventing an official inspection.
Driving under the influence can also lead to arrest
The regulations also strengthened the inspection powers to detect alcohol or psychotropic substances in drivers.
According to Article 93, motorists must submit to alcohol breath tests or substance detection when required by federal authorities.
If a person refuses to take the tests or tests positive, the National Guard may detain them and transfer them to the nearest competent authority.
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Vehicles in poor condition will also be sanctioned
The new provisions pay special attention to the physical-mechanical conditions of vehicles traveling on federal highways. The regulations establish that only vehicles with adequate operating and safety conditions may circulate.
If an accident occurs due to mechanical failures, especially related to the braking system, authorities may impose sanctions after an official inspection.
Fines for driving with poor mechanical conditions can range from 20 to 30 UMAs, that is, between approximately 2,346 and 3,519 pesos.
Mechanical failures or running out of gas can also generate fines
Another point that drew attention is that even stopping without applying safety measures can result in sanctions.
If a driver has a mechanical failure or runs out of fuel and does not use the shoulder or place warning triangles or safety signs, the National Guard may impose fines equivalent to 10 to 20 UMAs.
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Not carrying documents will also bring problems
Drivers of federal and private transport must also show official documentation at all times when requested.
Lack of a vehicle registration card, license plates, or service log can result in fines of 20 to 30 UMAs. However, the regulations provide exceptions when there is a recent report of theft or loss, along with valid replacement receipts.
The new rules also include benefits for those who acknowledge the infraction and pay quickly.
The regulations state that the driver can obtain a 25% discount if they accept the fault at the time of the infraction and an additional 25% if they make the payment within the first 15 business days.
