The Sonora Free Zone – Drive Your Vehicle without a Permit
The Sonora Free Zone is a designated region where foreign vehicles do not need an importation permit or other form of vehicle permit. If you rent a car to travel to Sonora, rental car agencies may require you to stay within the bounds of the free zone.
Also known as the “Hassle Free” zone, the free area extends from the western border of Sonora to Mexico highway 15 and south as far as Empalme. It also includes the first 16 miles of the border between Imuris and Agua Prieta, to include the city of Cananea.
The area of Sonora not included in the Sonora Free Zone is bounded by Mexico highway 15 as its western boundary, Mexico highway 2 as its northern boundary, the border with Chihuahua as its eastern edge and the border with Sinaloa as its southern limit.
Note: While this free zone applies to vehicles, you will still need to stop at a 21km Customs Checkpoint to obtain permits for towed vehicles such as motorcycles, boats, jet skis and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). You will also need to obtain an FMM Mexico tourist visa. Read more about required Mexico travel documentation.
Major cities and towns within the Sonora Free Zone include: Nogales, Naco, Agua Prieta, Cananea, Imuris, Magdalena de Kino, Santa Ana, Altar, Caborca, Puerto Peñasco (Rocky Point), Sonoyta, San Luis Rio Colorado, Hermosillo, Guaymas, Kino Bay and San Carlos.
Destinations outside of the Sonora Free Zone include Ciudad Obregon, Alamos, Navojoa, Huatabampo, Ures and the towns along the Rio Sonora.
If you wish to drive a vehicle outside of the Sonora Free Zone, you will need a Banjercito vehicle permit – either a federal permit or a Sonora Only permit.
