Various civil organizations have expressed their concern over the proposal by the Head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, to issue permanent driver's licenses and, in some cases, automatically grant them to drivers without prior penalties. The initiative, which will be presented to the local Congress, has generated controversy for contravening provisions of the General Mobility and Road Safety Law, according to complaints.
Salud Justa Mx, Bicitekas, México Previene, and El Poder del Consumidor are some of the organizations that have raised their voices, pointing out that the current law requires a comprehensive exam that evaluates the physical and mental capacity and the knowledge of traffic regulations of drivers, both for obtaining and renewing licenses.
Erick Antonio Ochoa from Salud Justa Mx emphasized that “the General Mobility and Road Safety Law, published in December 2023, establishes the current license as a minimum measure to guarantee road safety, along with respect for speed limits, the use of seat belts, and the right of way for pedestrians.” Ochoa warned that the proposal for permanent licenses without regular exams “contravenes the current national law.”
Blanca Rodríguez from México Previene A.C. warned about the risks of eliminating the prior exam for obtaining the license, as this “eliminates the most effective mechanism for evaluating the updated skills and knowledge of drivers.” In her opinion, this measure could lead to unqualified individuals driving on the streets, increasing risks for all road users.
Agustín Martínez Monterrubio from Bicitekas A.C. recalled that the Mobility Law, in its Article 65, requires a mandatory exam for obtaining licenses, and highlighted the importance of maintaining this measure to ensure that those driving heavy and fast vehicles have the necessary aptitudes.
Finally, Carlos Morales from El Poder del Consumidor cited statistics from the 2022 report on the situation of road safety in Mexico, which indicates that in 2021, 14,715 people died in traffic accidents in Mexico City. Morales called on the new city administration to engage in dialogue about this proposal and seek alternatives that truly contribute to improving road safety in the capital.
The organizations agree that permanent licenses without strict control put the safety of people in the streets of Mexico City at risk and urge the government to reconsider this initiative.
