State of Mexico extends transport vehicle lifespan to 13 years

The State of Mexico has extended the service life of public passenger transport vehicles to 13 years. This move comes after repeated requests from transport operators, particularly following the pandemic. The decision was made by the Mobility Secretariat (Semov). The original regulation allowed vehicles to operate for a maximum of 10 years. Under this rule, 2016 models would have been retired by 2026. With the extension, they can now stay on the roads until 2029.

The 13-year limit is temporary. It will shrink by one year annually until it returns to the standard 10-year cap. The extension was first introduced in 2023 and remains active this year.

Not all vehicles qualify for the renewal. Only models from 2013 or newer can have their documentation updated. Older vehicles are no longer permitted to operate.

An official suggested shifting towards electric or gas-powered transport. This change aims to lower emissions and enhance passenger safety. The extension addresses long-standing industry demands. It allows newer vehicles to remain in service longer while phasing out older models. Authorities continue to push for cleaner and safer transport options.