In Mexico, it is not uncommon to see vehicles with license plates from other states on the roads. However, residents who live in one state but have a vehicle registered in another state may soon face fines. The government is implementing a new measure to regulate vehicles and ensure that all cars are properly registered and taxed.
Residents who live in a state but have a vehicle with a license plate from another state may be trying to avoid paying taxes associated with vehicle ownership. To address this issue, the government is introducing a control system in each federal entity to track and regularize all vehicles. In the state of Chiapas, for example, a new replacement program will start in February 2025, which will require residents to replace their out-of-state license plates with local ones. Those who fail to do so may receive fines and sanctions.
The Chiapas government has not yet specified the amount of the fines, but it has made it clear that the sanctions will only apply to residents who have not made the change to local license plates. The goal of this measure is to optimize circulation and ensure that all vehicles are properly registered and taxed. By doing so, the authorities will have access to more accurate information about the vehicles on the roads, which will improve mobility, security, and tax collection.
To encourage residents to comply with the new regulation, the government is offering a “Borrón and new account” program, which exempts individuals from debts or surcharges if they make the change of license plates in a timely manner. This means that those who comply with the replacement will not have to worry about unpaid fines or charges accumulated over previous years.
Tourists and visitors to Chiapas will not be affected by the new regulation, as the fines and sanctions only apply to residents who are not regularized. Foreign drivers can circulate without restrictions with their out-of-state license plates, as long as they can demonstrate that they do not reside in Chiapas. This measure is not unique to Chiapas, as other states in Mexico have faced similar problems with unregistered vehicles, leading to delays in vehicular procedures.
The implementation of this new regulation in Chiapas marks a change in the state’s approach to vehicle management. The government is determined to stop the practice of residents evading tax burdens by registering their vehicles in other states. By introducing fines for those who circulate with foreign license plates, the authorities aim to ensure that local residents comply with legal provisions and improve the administration and control of the vehicle park.