For those Mexican Nationals and Foreigners in ownership of a foreign plated car, that has been in Mexico Since October 19, 2021 there is some good news. The Mexican government released a Federal Decree of Reparation for these cars on Jan 19 2022. Now, the decree has been extended to September 30, 2026.
The term “Chocolate Car” is an allusion to the word “chueco” (meaning “crooked” in Spanish).
For years, Mexicans have crossed over the border to purchase used cars and drive them back into Mexico, where they are still being driven with the original foreign plates. The Mexican government also recognizes that many expats continue to drive their cars illegally within the borders of Mexico. The Public Safety Secretary Rosa Icela Rodriguez, stated that by legalizing the so-called “chocolate cars” Mexico not only gets registration fees that will be used to repair streets, but also will be able to track down owners when vehicles are used in crimes. Unregistered cars hinder criminal investigations and contribute to crimes going unsolved. The registration of these vehicles takes the incentive away for their use in the commission of crimes.”
According to the Mexican Government the program is working well. They have generated 6 billion pesos from the program between March 2022 and March 2024. Originally the program was rolled out for the twelve states of Baja California, Baja California Sur, Chihuahua, Coahuila de Zaragoza, Durango, Michoacán de Ocampo, Nayarit, Nuevo León, Sinaloa, Sonora, Tamaulipas, and Zacatecas. When it was extended it was declared that all states could act upon the regularization program. While the Federal Decree now applies to all states, only some of the other states have moved to accept the Chocolate Car Decree (regularization program). Puebla and Jalisco have recently accepted the regularization program and others may be joining soon.
It is a safe bet that after September 30, 2026, Mexico will begin cracking down on all foreign plated vehicles that are illegal and confiscating the cars, plus charging a fine to the owner. And, in the case of foreigners it may lead to deportation for those who own or drive the vehicles.
There is also more good news is that both Nationals and Foreign Residents may now regularize their vehicles under the Chocolate Car Decree. This means that for a single payment of $2,500 MXN (about $135 USD) which is a fraction of the several thousands of dollars normally charged, the vehicle can be legally imported into Mexico. Another benefit is that the application can be done without the intervention of a customs agent, customs agency, or any other intermediary, which will reduce the costs associated with the procedure.
Program status: The program for the regularization of used vehicles of foreign origin has been extended until September 30, 2026.
Purpose: The goal is to provide legal certainty and control over these vehicles, which are colloquially known as “Chocolate Cars”. The program funds street repair programs within the state of regularization.
Eligibility: Eligibility requirements include;
- The vehicle must have been manufactured eight years before the regularization application
- Some sport models and luxury cars are not accepted into the program.
- The decree requires that only vehicles imported into Mexico before Oct. 19, 2021, to be eligible for regularization.
- The vehicle must not have any technical restrictions on circulation.
- The owner who carries out the regularization process is a natural person, of legal age, and in the case of foreigners hold a Mexican Residency Visa.
Application: To complete the process, owners must present the original title and meet the physical inspection and documentation requirements.
Affected by program: This program affects all states, as it is a federal program, though some states have not opted into the program. Ask your local Public Vehicle Registry about this program to see if they have accepted the regularization program and if so, what are the state requirements.
The original decree can be found (in Spanish) at: https://www.dof.gob.mx/nota_detalle.php?codigo=5643946&fecha=27/02/2022#gsc.tab=0
