BajaNomad - Guerrero Negro checkpoint bypass

Guerrero Negro checkpoint bypass

geoffff - 8-20-2018 at 10:44 PM

Speaking of inspection checkpoints...

When I pass through Guerrero Negro, I usually take the airport road (goes round the airstrip and then to the west end of town) - and thereby bypass the Hwy 1 checkpoint at the border between BC and BCS.

It doesn't slow me down as I'm usually going into town anyway to get groceries, gas, and whatnot, and I get a cheap thrill avoiding the checkpoint. (Not that I'm smuggling anything.) Anyone else do this? Am I risking anything? I've never had an issue. Why have a checkpoint that's so easily bypassed?

-- Geoff

[Edited on 8-21-2018 by geoffff]

Rossman - 8-21-2018 at 04:17 AM

I think calling it a "checkpoint" is a bit over the top. It is an agricultural inspection station, manned by civilians, who charge you 20 pesos to spray your southbound tires. Or one dollar if you don't have pesos. That being said, I usually take the same route as you suggest for the same reason. Generally a stop at Banemex is necessary on my trips through the area, so that route is very convenient, but certainly not to save 20 pesos.

4x4abc - 8-21-2018 at 06:47 AM

have been doing it for 30 years

David K - 8-21-2018 at 07:55 AM

I tried the airport detour for the first time last year. The extra miles and town traffic in Guerrero Negro makes it not worth it, for me as I don't go into Guerrero Negro for anything.

Here is what the state border (28° North Latitude) looks like on that road:

Here is looking east to the Eagle Monument on Hwy. 1 at the border, from that road:

willardguy - 8-21-2018 at 08:08 AM

I've always gone along side the LaPinta by the defunct campground and across the field past the cemetery and into town....like all the other townfolk do.

Archie - 8-21-2018 at 11:39 AM

My only advice on using that road is to be really careful on weekends or after dark, since young folks like to use it for racing their little hondas, burn some rubber or just driving really fast and really drunk to test their (lack of) skills. It's out of town and driving a few meters north you´re out of jurisdiction of local policias.

I´ve seen people to use that bypass in xmas season to avoid the SAT (mex IRS) that parks in the agricultural station to collect taxes on goods people bring from the north, but the last seasons we haven't seen them around.

aguachico - 8-21-2018 at 04:17 PM

20 pesos and never an issue. Just tell them you buy your groceries in GN or Viz.

mojo_norte - 8-21-2018 at 05:39 PM

not so long ago that was an immigration check also (Tourist card)

David K - 8-21-2018 at 05:54 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mojo_norte

not so long ago that was an immigration check also (Tourist card)

The building is still there, it is just north of the ag spray stop. Last time I saw it manned was in 2012 and the officer just waved me on... 2009 and earlier, they checked the FMM or FM-T, but only southbound and that was only for about 10 years or so.

Nextlevelbaja - 8-21-2018 at 07:30 PM

I've been harassed multiple times over the last 20 years at that checkpoint and always go around it. I'm usually ready for a delicious meal and more fuel anyways.

BajaMama - 8-22-2018 at 06:15 AM

Does the spray at the checkpoint cause some damage to paint finish I am unaware of? Hmmmm....

David K - 8-22-2018 at 07:04 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Nextlevelbaja

I've been harassed multiple times over the last 20 years at that checkpoint and always go around it. I'm usually ready for a delicious meal and more fuel anyways.

Please explain "harassed"?
In 2001, the ag spray guy asked for a beer instead of the fee (I only had sodas, he accepted). Viva Mexico!

DaliDali - 8-22-2018 at 07:04 AM

Taking a bypass, and a roundabout way of continuing S/B on the highway to avoid 20 pesos in spray is just silly.

[Edited on 8-22-2018 by DaliDali]

DawnPatrol - 8-22-2018 at 07:47 AM

we always thought it was just plain water!

DaliDali - 8-22-2018 at 08:05 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DawnPatrol

we always thought it was just plain water!

I can smell the definite odor of an insecticide

elgatoloco - 8-22-2018 at 08:40 AM

We give him an extra dollar to not spray our rig. :saint:

Give me a dollar and I promise not to shoot rockets at your camp

thebajarunner - 8-22-2018 at 08:54 AM

Quote: Originally posted by elgatoloco

We give him an extra dollar to not spray our rig. :saint:

Cat pi$$

thebajarunner - 8-22-2018 at 08:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DawnPatrol

we always thought it was just plain water!

elgatoloco - 8-22-2018 at 10:53 AM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

Quote: Originally posted by elgatoloco

We give him an extra dollar to not spray our rig. :saint:

I'll give you two bucks to ramp it up to your full arsenal. :lol:

Go Dodgers
Go Rams
Go Lakers

David K - 8-22-2018 at 11:06 AM

Is this the about the famous Battle of La Gringa? :light:

Yep, you have a good memory

thebajarunner - 8-22-2018 at 02:35 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Is this the about the famous Battle of La Gringa? :light:

Dragging Dodgers, Rams and What's there names into this just ratchets up the stakes.
Seeking new sources for larger weapons.
Matt, I bet you even rooted for the despicable Raiders back in the day....
:biggrin:

David K - 8-22-2018 at 04:38 PM

Quote: Originally posted by thebajarunner

Quote: Originally posted by David K

Is this the about the famous Battle of La Gringa? :light:

Feb. 2001 on the way to Matomí Canyon:

ElGatoLoco is keeping an eye out for incoming rockets from thebajarunner from atop him mobile command center!