No, generally speaking, travel time from home to your regular workplace is not considered "on-the-job" in Mexico. However, the situation flips if you're traveling for work-related purposes—like going from your office to a client site or attending a training session in another city. In those cases, the time spent traveling is typically counted as working hours.
From my own experience navigating job offers in Mexico, I've learned that the key distinction lies in whether the employee is under the employer's control during the commute. The Federal Labor Law (Ley Federal del Trabajo) defines the workday as the time the worker is at the disposal of the employer. A standard commute—where you choose your route, your mode of transport, and you're free to stop for coffee—doesn't meet that threshold. But if your employer requires you to use a specific vehicle, pick up colleagues, or travel directly to a client's location, then that travel time does count.
Here's a quick breakdown of common scenarios:
| Travel Scenario | Considered On-the-Job? | Typical Practice in Mexico |
|---|
| Commuting from home to office | No | Not paid or compensated |
| Travel between multiple worksites (e.g., two offices) | Yes | Treated as regular work hours |
| Travel to a client or vendor location during the day | Yes | Paid, often with mileage reimbursement |
| Overnight travel for a business trip | Yes, travel time counts | Usually includes daily allowance |
| Remote worker commuting to a coworking space | No (unless mandated by employer) | Not counted |
For job seekers, this matters a lot when negotiating compensation. If a role involves frequent travel, ask upfront: "How does your company treat travel time for payroll purposes?" Many employers in Mexico follow the law strictly, but some offer compensatory time off or travel allowances for longer commutes. Also, note that for field workers (e.g., sales reps, technicians), travel time is almost always considered on-the-job.
I’d recommend checking your contract’s clause on working hours and travel. If you’re unsure, the Mexican Social Security Institute (IMSS) and the Federal Labor Law are the official references, but a quick chat with a local labor lawyer can give you peace of mind.
