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The Quintana Roo Congress approved a new reform on July 5th, establishing prison penalties (varying from six months to two years) for anyone found guilty of driving while intoxicated.
Most people would agree that driving under the influence should be penalized, but opponents of the reform believe that this rule might be going too hard on both tourists and locals.
In fact, the law has been quite controversial and has received backlash from the press and the business community, who consider the reform too extreme and believe that tourists should not be criminalized over what they believe to be an administrative offense.
As you might imagine, critics have also raised concerns about the reform’s impact on the local economy and even potential corruption.
So, let’s dive into the implications of the reform, what it means for tourists, and some tips on how to navigate the issue as a traveler and ensure a smooth stay in Cancun.
Why This Reform Was Proposed
The background for this law is the alarming number of automobile accidents related to alcohol and drug consumption in Quintana Roo, with an average of 20 crashes each month in the northern region alone, with six turning out to be fatal.
These stats have definitely raised some eyebrows among health authorities, one of the main drivers behind this new reform.
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However, critics of the new law argue that the numbers simply don’t justify the adoption of these harsh measures.
Only 63 of the almost 2000 people jailed in Quintana Roo in 2022 were actually detained for driving while intoxicated, according to the official figures.
The vast majority of arrests were not related to drunk driving but rather to brawls in public spaces or cases of domestic violence.
Furthermore, authorities have implemented strategies in response to drunk driving, such as alcohol checkpoints, to reduce accidents. For instance, Cancun reported a 33% reduction in accidents due to alcohol checkpoints.
Different Perspectives
Stronger penalties for driving while intoxicated, in the opinion of the new reform’s proponents, would encourage tourists to reconsider driving after drinking while visiting the area.
On the other hand, there are concerns that visitors may be wary of the potential legal repercussions and choose locations with laxer laws against driving under the influence.
Several associations have expressed their reservations about the recently passed rule, even requesting a meeting with the Secretary of Government to discuss the matter with experts in the field.
They believe that the issue could potentially lead to legal challenges and even involve the intervention of the National Human Rights Commission.
Moreover, they argue that reform raises many questions. What’s the threshold for landing in jail? One beer? And who decides that? The police officer who pulls you over? The medical examiner? The prosecutor? The lack of clarity leaves room for interpretation.
How To Navigate The Issue As A Traveler
For now, whether the new reform will be put into effect or not is still in question, as it must still go to the Supreme Court. So, should you be concerned about running into legal problems on your next Cancun trip?
Well, it probably goes without saying that it’s never a good idea to drive while under the influence of alcohol – whether it’s in Cancun or anywhere else.
However, it’s also true that as a tourist, sometimes it can be difficult to understand and follow local alcohol and driving laws.
So, as a rule of thumb, it’s best to drink responsibly and know your limits, plan transportation back to your accommodation in advance, and use alternative transportation like taxis, buses, or rideshares.
Many tourist areas in Cancun also allow you to stay within walking distance of attractions and venues, making it convenient to avoid driving altogether.
By keeping these suggestions in mind, you can have a worry-free and enjoyable time in Cancun. Happy traveling!
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