I just found out that the fine for using a cell phone in CDMX is now through the roof. Since February, they’ve updated everything, and if they catch you with your phone in your hand while you’re driving, it costs between 3,500 and 4,100 pesos. That’s quite a bit more than in Jalisco, where the most they can charge you is about 2,900. The difference is that in the capital they assign more UMAs for the same infraction, so it obviously hurts more in your wallet.

What’s interesting is that here in CDMX there’s a discount if you pay quickly. If you pay the cell phone fine within the first 10 days after they notify you, you get an automatic 50% discount. That really softens the blow. In Jalisco, it’s not like that—the final amount depends on what the traffic officer considers.

And most importantly: the ban applies everywhere. It’s not only when you’re driving. Even if you’re stopped at a traffic light or stuck in traffic, you still can’t even touch the phone. Only integrated hands-free devices. So if you live in CDMX and you’re one of those who checks their phone at every red light, you’d better start leaving the phone stored away, because the cell phone fine now really hurts.