Mexico City Parking Lots Now Liable for Vehicle Theft and Damage
Mexico City, June 17 – The Mexico City Congress has approved significant reforms to the Law of Commercial Establishments and the local Penal Code, mandating public parking lots to assume greater responsibility for vehicle theft and damage. This legislative action, aimed at strengthening user protection and rectifying long-standing grievances among motorists, was passed during a regular session with broad political support.
Reforms Mandate Insurance and Clear Disclosure
The initiative, spearheaded by Deputy Jannete Elizabeth Guerrero Maya, introduces stringent requirements for parking facilities. Under the new regulations, all public parking lots must possess a valid civil liability insurance policy or a bond to safeguard both users and vehicles under their care. Furthermore, these establishments are now obliged to visibly display information about this coverage through signs placed within their premises.
During the presentation of the decree, Deputy Guerrero Maya highlighted a pervasive issue: many establishments continue to post disclaimers attempting to absolve themselves of responsibility for total theft, theft of auto parts, or damage occurring within their premises, despite charging for a custody service. She emphasized that this practice has been a common source of frustration for thousands of drivers.
Addressing Common Driver Concerns
Guerrero Maya pointed out that it is a frequent occurrence for users to return to their vehicles only to discover damage, missing parts, or, in more severe cases, the complete theft of their vehicle, without the establishment accepting any consequences. She also noted that a significant proportion of parking lots in the capital currently fail to comply with existing regulations, including the requirement to have insurance that protects customers against such incidents.
With the approval of these reforms, establishments will be required to guarantee coverage for the theft of auto parts, material damage, and other potential harm to vehicles while they are under their custody. This updated legal framework seeks to provide greater legal certainty for vehicle owners and reinforce consumer protection mechanisms.
A Step Forward for Mexico City Motorists
This measure represents a crucial advancement for motorists in Mexico City, establishing clearer rules regarding the liability of parking lots and reinforcing their obligation to be accountable for the property they accept for safekeeping.
