Is it safe to drive by night in Yucatan

I would say it's safe enough, but those speed bumps (topes) are axle killers they are hard to see during daytime, so you would have to take it real slow after dark.

There is a B&B with restaurant in Santa Elena close to Uxmal, the food was really good and it would shorten the drive at night, check for 'The pickled Onion' if it doesn't have to be Merida.

Thanks. We can certainly reduce speed. Our main concern was about other threats. The more I read posts about Mexico, the more I become concerned about risks in general (ie rapes in resorts, police who stops to take money... etc).

We don't stay in ressorts, but it seems there is a problem with rape in a particular one, police stopping and asking for money can happen during day time too, don't hand over drivers license or passport and request a ticket that you can pay at the police station, the police officer can write everything down while you hold your license.

We spend 2 weeks in Yucatan and felt perfectly safe, but we avoid night time driving everywhere except at home, during vaccation I much rather sit somewhere at dusk having something to eat and a nice drink without worrying about driving, in case you like some wine or beer with your food you need to know that in Mexico insurance is void as soon as they find any blood alcohol, I was told they don't do random testing very often or at all, but a small fender bender can get pretty expensive that way.

Most of the issues with police asking for bribes happens near the main tourist centers of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. I've never heard of any issues in the state of Yucatan. Never say never but it shouldn't be a concern for you if driving between Uxmal and Merida. Most of the road is highway so there are few topes; mostly you'll have to watch out when the highway does a bypass around the town of Muna. You will likely encounter slow-moving vehicles, which will require passing or, more pertinent, you may encounter cars coming from the opposite direction that have made a risky pass and are in your lane. Other than traffic safety issues, it's very unlikely you'll have any problems related to crime or scams.

Most of the issues with police asking for bribes happens near the main tourist centers of Cancun and the Riviera Maya. I've never heard of any issues in the state of Yucatan. Never say never but it shouldn't be a concern for you if driving between Uxmal and Merida. Most of the road is highway so there are few topes; mostly you'll have to watch out when the highway does a bypass around the town of Muna. You will likely encounter slow-moving vehicles, which will require passing or, more pertinent, you may encounter cars coming from the opposite direction that have made a risky pass and are in your lane. Other than traffic safety issues, it's very unlikely you'll have any problems related to crime or scams.
Thanks. This is very reassuring. I think we will have dinner in Merida and will drink soft drinks only

Watch for pedestrians, mascots, cyclists, and livestock on the roads after sunset.

PS: I was a passenger in a colectivo van driven by a ¨professional¨ when we hit a tope at full speed during the daytime. Lucky I didn´t lose any teeth!

Ok... good to know! Thanks

And if you do get stopped, speak only English even if you are fluent in Spanish. Just keep repeating, 'I'm sorry, I don't understand'. It usually works pretty well.
Another thing to look out for are big rocks in the roadway. Kind of a Mexican safety flare to indicate a broken down car or truck ahead. Lovely.

Just to pile on, Yucatan state is exceedingly safe from a violent crime perspective. I mention these two statistics regularly on the forum and people probably get tired of reading them, but they are particularly useful illustrations of the point: per the most recent data I have seen, Yucatan state has a lower violent crime rate than Canada; and local police do not carry firearms because they are considered unnecessary.

Watch out for pedestrians, cyclists, and livestock on your drive, but otherwise I would not be concerned in the least about driving in the Puuc at night.