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-Editorial
Baja California State Congresswoman Michel Sánchez Allende has introduced a proposal to require a certified driving course as a prerequisite for first-time driver’s license applicants in the state. The initiative seeks to reform the Law Regulating Vehicle Control Services to strengthen road safety across the region.
Citing data from the National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI), Sánchez highlighted that Baja California recorded 13,162 traffic accidents in 2021. More recent figures point to a concerning increase, with over 15,184 accidents reported in Mexicali alone during 2024—an average of at least 40 daily crashes.
According to local media, El Imparcial reported over 390 traffic accidents in Mexicali in February 2025, based on data from the city’s Public Safety Department. Meanwhile, the ZETA weekly noted a 64.9% rise in traffic incidents in Tijuana between January and May 2024, compared to the same period in 2023, using statistics provided by the Red Cross.
The initiative is particularly focused on younger drivers. Data from the Municipal Public Safety Directorate of Mexicali indicates that 80% of traffic accidents in the city involve individuals under 18 or between the ages of 18 and 29, many of whom were not licensed at the time of the incident.
Sánchez cited Mexicali’s “Intensive Driving Course” as an example of successful local programming. Offered by the city’s Public Safety Directorate to individuals aged 16 and older, the course includes theoretical and practical components, covering traffic laws, defensive driving, road safety education, and the official driver’s manual. Certified police officers serve as instructors.
The proposal aligns with the state’s 2023–2027 Sectoral Mobility and Sustainable Transportation Program and is backed by national and constitutional legal frameworks. Sánchez emphasized that the reform would enhance current legal tools to promote and ensure road safety throughout Baja California.
Residents of Baja California applying for a driver’s license for the first time must complete a series of requirements aimed at ensuring road safety and legal compliance. The process begins by scheduling an appointment through the state’s official online portal. Applicants are then required to appear in person at their local Recaudación de Rentas office with both the original and a copy of a valid photo ID—such as a voter credential (INE), passport, professional license, consular ID, or military service card. Proof of residence not older than three months and a medical certificate from a recognized health institution are also mandatory. Applicants must pass both a theoretical and practical driving exam using a properly registered vehicle and will undergo biometric data capture, including fingerprinting, iris scan, and a photograph. Payment for the license can be made using cash, certified check, or most credit/debit cards, except American Express.
Driver’s licenses in Baja California are issued for varying durations and categories depending on the applicant’s needs. Standard automobile and motorcycle licenses are available for three or five years, while commercial licenses—categorized as Chofer C, A, B, and D—are also available for professional drivers. Provisional licenses are offered to minors aged 16 and 17. As of mid-2025, fees range from approximately MXN 776.48 for provisional licenses to MXN 1,599.76 for five-year commercial permits. A standard three-year automobile license costs around MXN 1,051.46, while a five-year version is priced at MXN 1,401.95. These fees are adjusted monthly according to inflation and may vary slightly by municipality