Mexico City Tightens Hazardous Cargo Rules After Explosion

The Mexico City government announced a sweeping set of measures to regulate the circulation of vehicles transporting hazardous substances, following the deadly Sept. 10 explosion of an LPG tanker in Iztapalapa. The incident, which killed and injured multiple people, has reignited debate over the safety of double-trailer trucks and the urgent need for stricter federal and local regulation.

New Measures for Safer Transit

Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada detailed a 13-point plan to strengthen oversight of hazardous cargo in the capital. Among the most significant measures are:

• Lower Speed Limits: Vehicles carrying dangerous materials must not exceed 30 km/h

• Capacity Restrictions: Trucks carrying over 40,000L of toxic materials will be banned; those with more than 20,000L of hydrocarbons may only circulate between 10PM and 5AM

• Route Control: Vehicles carrying hazardous loads will be restricted from secondary roads and controlled-access highways

• Enforcement Technology: Mobile radar systems will be installed at the city’s five major highway entrances to monitor compliance

• Licensing and Training: Operators must obtain the new E12 license, requiring certified courses on hazardous cargo handling issued by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transport (SICT)

• Insurance and Compliance: Vehicles must present authorized technical reports from the Energy Regulatory Commission and the Agency for Safety, Energy and Environment (ASEA)

• Increased Penalties: Fines for violations will be doubled, and random inspection points will be established across the city

The plan also foresees federal coordination, including proposals for stricter permits and joint inspections with the Ministry of Energy and ASEA.

Federal Legislative Push

At the federal level, on Sept. 17, Deputy Laura Ballesteros announced upcoming reforms to the Federal Roads, Bridges, and Motor Transport Law. The goal is to phase out double-trailer trucks carrying hazardous cargo within five years, replacing them with safer and more sustainable modes such as pipelines and rail, MBN reports.

“If we are going to regulate to prevent deaths and catastrophic accidents, we must start by eliminating double-trailers, especially those that transport hazardous substances,” says Ballesteros.

The proposals also include an updated highway classification system, tighter driving license rules with two-year validity, and stronger oversight to combat fraudulent certifications.

Iztapalapa Explosion: The Trigger

The Sept. 10 accident occurred when a liquefied petroleum gas tanker from Transportes Silza, traveling from Veracruz, lost control while merging onto the Mexico-Puebla expressway. According to Mexico City Attorney General Bertha Alcalde, the vehicle entered the curve at about 45km/h and collided with barriers, releasing gas that ignited.

Forensic analysis confirmed that the tanker’s brakes, tires, and valves were functioning properly, indicating driver error rather than mechanical failure. The company has expressed willingness to cooperate with authorities and support reparations.

President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that victims may opt for a reparatory agreement under existing legal frameworks, while stressing that new national regulations for LPG transport will be introduced soon.

The convergence of local and federal measures marks a turning point in Mexico’s approach to hazardous cargo safety. With stricter circulation rules, enhanced operator requirements and the prospect of phasing out double-trailers, authorities aim to reduce risks on the country’s busiest highways and urban corridors.