Cancun, Mexico’s crown jewel of tourism, has created a stir with its new policy: issuing digital “traffic fine exemption cards” to tourists. This card shields tourists from penalties for minor infractions like speeding and parking violations.

But how do people feel about this move? A recent survey launched by Real Research, an online survey app, sheds light on the diverse perspectives surrounding this innovative, yet controversial, approach.

Here are the key findings of the survey report:

  • 40.43% were completely aware of Cancun exempting tourists from traffic fines.
  • Over 67% believed that exempting tourists from traffic fines in Cancun would likely or very likely lead to an increase in minor accidents.
  • Nearly 91% believed that exempting tourists from traffic fines would improve Cancun’s image.

The “Traffic Fine Exemption Card”

The survey reveals that 40.43% of respondents were completely aware of Cancun exempting tourists from traffic fines, but nearly as many (39.87%) had a vague understanding.

Opinions were divided on the issuance of separate cards for tourists. While over a third (35.22%) supported the idea, a similar percentage (30.02%) opposed it. The remaining third were unsure.

traffic-fine-exemption-cards
Figure 1: Respondents’ stance on issuing “traffic fine exemption cards” to tourists

Accidents on the Rise?

The survey also explored the potential impact on traffic safety having Cancun exempting tourists from traffic fines. Over 67% believed the card would likely (46.17%) or very likely (21.32%) lead to an increase in minor accidents.

minor-traffic-accident-rates
Figure 2: The likelihood of minor traffic accident rates to increase

Cancun’s Tourism

Interestingly, a strong majority (nearly 91%) believed that Cancun exempting tourists from traffic fines would improve the city’s image. In detail, almost 60% felt it would absolutely improve the perception of Cancun as a tourist-friendly destination.

Cancun-improve-due-to-the-introduction-of-the-card
Figure 3: Will the image of Cancun improve due to the introduction of the card?

The survey concluded by gauging public opinion on extending the policy to other Mexican tourist destinations.  While over half (54%) expressed some level of agreement, around 46% disagreed.

Methodology

Survey TitleSurvey on Cancun Exempting Tourists from Traffic Fines
DurationJanuary 3 – January 10, 2024
Number of Participants6,000
DemographicsMales and females, aged 21 to 99
Participating Countries Afghanistan, Algeria, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Benin, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Chile, China, China (Hong Kong) China (Macao), China (Taiwan), Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Greanada, Guatemala, Honduras, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Latvia, Lebanon, Libya, Lithuania, Malaysia, Maldives, Maluritania, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar [Burma], Namibia, Nepal, Nicaragua, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, Yemen, Zimbabwe.