Came back from Loreto via Tecate Sunday afternoon. First time in years that I have had a problem. I got turned around after a couple of taco stand
stops and was not certain of the turn to the border crossing. Just happened to be at a red light (middle lane) next to a federal police truck. I was
driving, and opened the passenger window and asked the officer if I was headed the right way. He gave me a dirty look and told me to pull over. He
came to the passenger window, accused me of driving while texting, making a right turn from the center lane (he was to my right so not sure how that
could happen) and I had an illegal load on my car (my kayak was on the roof). That was really funny considering how many overloaded trucks you see
down there. And he was a total jerk the whole time while I tried to be respectful.
He took my license and registration and told me to follow him. He took me to a station and said I could go to cashier and pay the fine or I could
wait to see the judge. Would have loved that but my passenger had to drive on to Central Cal and was in a hurry, so we opted to pay the fine. Cashier
said I owed $73 so I gave him $80 and explained to him that hassling tourists with made up crimes was bad for tourism, etc. He gave me $40 back and
told me to get lost. Whole thing was funny, but a pain in the butt as well. I plan to write a couple of letters to complain to groups down there who
may care. With I would have had time to speak with a judge.
Moral of the story, think twice before asking a simple question to a Tecate Federale unless you really need help.mtgoat666 - 5-1-2018 at 10:33 PM
I dont know why tecate citizens have a police force. The cops commit more crimes than the criminals! Perhaps the citizens swung a deal with the
cops: rob the gringos, leave the locals alone, and we’ll let you keep your badges, and look the other way, eh? David K - 5-2-2018 at 06:35 AM
Thanks for sharing your story Sparetimewanted. I do wonder if it was a "Federale" (ie. Federal Highway Patrol who work the Mexican federal highways
and not city traffic), Military (called "Federales" by some tourists), or local Tecate City Police?Cappy - 5-2-2018 at 09:20 AM
Drove thru Sunday morning early 6am. Stopped twice at every sign. made sure i was behind the non existent line . Waiting for the motorcycle Bandido.
Made it thru no issue (this time!). thebajarunner - 5-2-2018 at 10:46 AM
I drive through there often.
Lots of "sneaky" stop signs to pay attention to (even though the locals don't seem to make all of the stops)
Never had a hint of a cop problem
In fact I appreciate the way that on busy days the bike cops are keeping the "creeper-creeps" from busting line.HeyMulegeScott - 5-2-2018 at 12:03 PM
I drive through there often.
Lots of "sneaky" stop signs to pay attention to (even though the locals don't seem to make all of the stops)
Never had a hint of a cop problem
In fact I appreciate the way that on busy days the bike cops are keeping the "creeper-creeps" from busting line.
What locals not stopping for stop signs in Baja? Ha. Seems like they take a stop sign as more of suggestion.
We crossed in Tecate last Thursday without issue but Church's camping guide warned about the predatory police and stopping all the way. bajatrailrider - 5-2-2018 at 12:20 PM
Board of tourist report would be good as they are scared of them. They have the power to get them off the Job. I know this for fact also asked the two
local cops I ride with. They stated they would not want to deal with them as they have to power for them to lose there job.ncampion - 5-2-2018 at 01:40 PM
Found this info, will keep it handy. The police problem in Tecate is well documented however I have never personally had a problem.
Tecate Tourism Board
Callejon Libertad, Zona
Tecate, B. C.
Phone (665) 654-5892 Fax 654-5387
Moral of the story, think twice before asking a simple question to a Tecate Federale unless you really need help.
You're almost there. Don't ask cops for anything. Ask a local, tourist or don't need help.
Didn't say if you got his name? Stay out of their radar.bajabuddha - 5-2-2018 at 04:26 PM
Very wise, Lee. I NEVER make eye contact with a Mexican cop for any reason (unless he's a local whom I know) and try to be as unobtrusive as
possible. That kinda includes Stateside as well. When pulled over, the exact opposite. Respect, but stand ground. bajatrailrider - 5-2-2018 at 08:34 PM
Found this info, will keep it handy. The police problem in Tecate is well documented however I have never personally had a problem.
Tecate Tourism Board
Callejon Libertad, Zona
Tecate, B. C.
Phone (665) 654-5892 Fax 654-5387
Make sure you get his plate number and time if you have
another problem Report. Few years back we came to a rider badly hurt up at Rancho Melings. Rescue truck with medical help came up long drive. With
police car they took him to hospital he survived. Doing good I got a letter at my home in Baja from Tourism Board in Spanish. Since I cant read
Spanish threw it away. Week later local police in front of my house. The two cops I ride with tell me I have to answer the letter. So they give me the
office phone number. He speaks English asked me how where medical help/how was care at hospital/ How where two police. Did any of them steel his
money/rings/ Bike or anything wrong. I reported all good very helpful no problems. Next time riding with the Mexican cops I asked them about this.
They said the office Board of tourism can have them fired.Sparetimewanted - 5-3-2018 at 06:11 PM
Thanks. I will write the tourist board. Can't hurt to let them know it still happens.
David, the guy was in a truck that had Federal Police written all over it.
I had such a great trip that I can't stay mad for long. Can't wait to go back, but will probably avoid Tecate.chumlee57 - 5-3-2018 at 09:29 PM
good info on the Tecate Tourism Board, I will also keep that handy. As Lee states, don't make eye contact, or ask the local cops for anything, good
advice. i had an issue a few years ago in Tecate, same program, followed to the police station, b-tched a little and they took $40 bucks from me, not
sure, but I beleive as well that at first they wanted more. Anyway, I'm sure it was the local cops, definatly not the military and I've never been
pulled over or had any contact with the Federal highway patrol. Don't let that shiiate ruin ur trip, but by all means contact and let the Tecate
Tourist Board know, thanks for letting us knowmtgoat666 - 5-4-2018 at 05:59 AM
I find it amusing y’all say “don’t make eye contact with a cop.” Do you really think that will make you invisible or a less likely to be
robbed by a cop?bajatrailrider - 5-4-2018 at 05:22 PM
I find it amusing y’all say “don’t make eye contact with a cop.” Do you really think that will make you invisible or a less likely to be
robbed by a cop?
You
would not know being a tourist with zero knowledge of Baja. Next time your in line at the border going into states keep looking at the officer with
the dog. Then report backUdo - 5-5-2018 at 08:09 AM
I find it amusing y’all say “don’t make eye contact with a cop.” Do you really think that will make you invisible or a less likely to be
robbed by a cop?
