Written in national he 4/5/2025 · 11:22 hs
Last update: 4/5/2025 · 11:24 hs
The importation of used vehicles from the United States is a common practice in Mexico, but not all cars can legally circulate in the country. The Mexican government has updated the “Chocolate Cars” list that cannot be regularized, including Luxury models, high performance sports and armored vehicles.
If you plan to import a car to handle it in the national territory, this is what you should know for Avoid fines, or even the confiscation of the unit being prohibited in Mexico.
What are chocolate cars?
Chocolate cars are irregularly imported vehicles that do not meet the requirements for legalization in Mexico. The authorities prohibit them for:
- Avoid illegal trafficking of stolen cars or fault report.
- Guarantee road safety, since many do not pass mechanical or environmental reviews.
- Frann the informal marketing of luxury cars without paying taxes.
Although some used cars can be legalized, Certain brands and models are totally vetoed.
Cars that cannot be legalized in Mexico
If you have any of these vehicles, you will not be able to regularize it to circulate in Mexico:
- Aston Martin: DB7, DB7 GTA, DB7 Vantage, DB7 Vantage Volante, DBS, Rapide, Rapide S, V12 Vantage, V12 Vanquish, Vanquish Volante, V8 Vantage, V8 Vantage S, DB AR1
- Audi: R8 (all models)
- Bentley: Arnage, Arnage R, Arnage Red Label, Arnage RL, Arnage T, Azure, Continental, Continental Flying Spur, Continental GT, Continental GT Speed, Continental R, Continental Supersports, Mulsanne
- Dodge: Viper SRT, Viper SRT GTS, Zimmer Golden Spirit
- Ferrari: 360, 360F, 456, 458, 550, 575, 575m, 612, California 30, F12 Berlinetta, F-430, FF, Enzo, Laferrari, Supermericaica
- Lamborghini: Aventador LP700-4, Diablo, Gallardo, Gallardo LP550-2, Gallardo LP560-4, Gallardo LP570-4, Hurricane, bat, LP640 bat, LP650-4 Bat, Bat LP670-4
- Maserati: Cambiocorsa, Ghibli, Gran Turismo MC, Sport Tourism, Gran Turismo Convertible, Quattroporte, Quattroporte S, Quattroporte Sport, GTS
- Maybach: 57, 575, 62, 62S
- Mercedes-Benz: CL65 Class, G Class (modelos de lujo), S Class (alta gama), SL65 AMG, SLS AMG Black, SLS AMG GT
- Morgan: Aero 8
- Automotive Moslain: Mosler (all models)
- Panose: Hoping
- Porsche: 911 (all models), Boxster, Cayenne, Cayman, Panamera V6, Panamera V8, 918 Spyder, Macan
- Rolls-Royce: Corniche, Ghost, Park Ward, Phantom, Phantom Coupe, Silver Seraph, Wraith
If you try to enter one of these cars, It will be confiscated and you could face fines.
How to legalize an imported car in Mexico?
If your car is not on the forbidden list, You can legalize it following these steps:
- Verify that it complies with environmental and security standards.
- Make sure you do not have theft report in the United States or Mexico.
- Request an electronic appointment in the repuve (Vehicle Public Registry).
- Pay the procedure (2,500 pesos approx.).
- Performs physical verification in an authorized center.
States where you can legalize
- Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila.
- Nuevo León, Sonora, Tamaulipas, Sinaloa.
- Jalisco, Michoacán, Nayarit, San Luis Potosí.
- Durango, Zacatecas, Hidalgo, Tlaxcala.
(If you live in another state, you must move to one of these).
If you already have an imported car, Check if it is on the updated prohibited list. If not, regulate it as soon as possible to avoid problems.
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