Pets take up more and more space in our daily lives and, for many people, that also includes traveling by car. Taking the dog on an excursion, to a family member’s house or simply to the vet is part of the routine of thousands of drivers. The problem arises when this seemingly innocent gesture becomes a risk on the road and, furthermore, a possible traffic violation. In Mexico City, transporting an uncontrolled dog inside the vehicle can not only compromise driving safety, it can also be expensive.
Why do we talk about fines. If in recent days there has been talk of fines for traveling with dogs in the car, it is not so much because a new rule has appeared, but because the amount in pesos changes over time. Many infractions are calculated based on the Measurement and Update Unit (UMA), an economic reference that is reviewed each year by the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI). For 2026, the daily UMA was set at 117.31 pesos and began to be applied on February 1. This adjustment automatically updates the cost of sanctions that were already provided for in the capital’s regulations.
What the rules say about traveling with pets. The reference is in article 38 of the Mexico City Traffic Regulations. This section regulates various behaviors that can interfere with driving, including the way animals are transported inside the vehicle. The text establishes that the person behind the wheel must not “hold, carry or place people or animals between their arms and legs.” According to the regulation, this situation can limit the driver’s movements and obstruct part of the visibility towards the road, two factors that increase the risk while driving.
The fine and administrative penalty. The regulation also establishes the consequences for anyone who engages in this behavior. The penalty is calculated in a range of 10 to 20 times the current UMA, which with the value of 2026 is equivalent to approximately between 1,173 and 2,346 pesos. In addition to the payment, the violation implies three points less on the driver’s license. And, in the sections applicable to this case, the regulation also includes a point for vehicle registration, an additional penalty that should be taken into account.
How to take the dog in the car without exposing yourself to a violation. The aforementioned official text does not prohibit traveling with pets, but it does require that they do not interfere with driving, so the objective is to prevent the animal from moving freely within the vehicle. In Motorpasión México they explain that a common option is to place it in the back seat with a breastplate or harness attached to the car. The idea is simple: keep the dog in a stable position and reduce the possibility of it ending up moving towards the handler’s area.
The carrier alternative for traveling with pets. In addition to using a harness in the back seat, another recommended option is to use a pet carrier. Experts cited by UNAM Global point out that these systems must be rigid, have good ventilation and have the appropriate size so that the animal can move with some comfort within its space. When the dog is used to this type of transport, the carrier can be an effective solution to keep it in a delimited area inside the car.
In the end, the key is not whether or not the dog can travel in the car, but how it does so. As we can see, the Mexico City Traffic Regulations establish limits when their presence can interfere with driving. Following these recommendations helps to comply with this standard and reduces risks during the journey.
Images | Blaire Harmon | Sandra Gabriel
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