BajaNomad

Where are the speed traps?

Lee - 1-16-2021 at 04:13 PM

Last Spring driving from El Marasal to Guerrero Negro, about 60 miles, on the lookout for federales, I came up on one about 20 miles into the drive. Forget the speed limit there, he was driving less than 60 mph, and I was too a distance back.

Other vehicles were passing me, and would come up to him, then go around him.

At least once he put on his left turn signal (guessing it was for me to pass), and I ignored it. Wasn't going to pass this guy.

About 10 miles outside GN, he pulled off the highway and I passed. I saw him get back on the highway and didn't go over 60 mph in the event he was going to come up on me.

Anyone know of known places where these guys might be hanging?

Howard - 1-16-2021 at 04:45 PM

On the long stretch south of G.N., on several occasions I have observed more than the normal amount of Federales. One time I was going around 70-75, got pulled over and he was very polite, checked my VIN to my registration and politely told me to be careful and slow down. Absolutely no talk of mordita and I was speeding.

[Edited on 1-17-2021 by Howard]

David K - 1-16-2021 at 05:58 PM

Between the Los Pinos Gas station and El Rosario, where the big vados are. Radar federal policia.

[Edited on 1-17-2021 by David K]

mojo_norte - 1-16-2021 at 06:13 PM

Below the big hill before Santa Rosalia - but have seen them all the way to that little town a bit South on San Ignacio .

AKgringo - 1-16-2021 at 06:38 PM

In mid October, a few miles west of the last inspection point before getting into El Centenario, I got pulled over. It was getting dark, and what I thought was an oncoming car was a federale that apparently was using a radar.

I did not think I was speeding, but I am not sure what the actual speed limit was right there. He lit up his lights just as I came next to him, so I pulled over, turned on my interior lights and started getting paper work together.

That is when things took a strange turn! He never mentioned why he pulled me over, but from at least ten feet away, he asked me if it was my car. I held up the paperwork, but he didn't want to look at it.

He asked me if I was "Vacation?", and I said "No, voy a mi dentista en La Paz". He then sent me on my way with just a "Quidado!", and no explanation why he lit me up!

I wonder if my Gringo plates, and a fear of covid19 bought me a free pass?

MulegeAL - 1-16-2021 at 10:24 PM

The speed traps are where there have been fatal head-ons.

The long straights GN to Vizcaino.

Years ago used to blast through there fast, no more.

The hwy 1 junction to El Arco, Federales will park on the turn lane, radar traffic, write real tickets.

They used to just roll their lights and wave me to slow down, but now they will write you up for 20 over.

[Edited on 1-17-2021 by MulegeAL]

JZ - 1-17-2021 at 03:00 AM

Just before Santa Rosalia heading South.

RocketJSquirrel - 1-19-2021 at 04:15 PM

I had the good fortune to follow a DHL van from La Paz north about 16 months ago. I figured he knew where the cops were. I had a really hard time keeping up with him - even in a VW Jetta and him in a van - we were doing 100mph from time to time, in the mountains it was really hard to keep up. But he knew the road and conditions.

He'd slow down and sure enough - cop ahead. Or bad vados, blind curves or...

Thumbs up for DHL!


Edit for atrocious grammar...

[Edited on 1-19-2021 by RocketJSquirrel]

AKgringo - 1-19-2021 at 04:40 PM

I once made the mistake of passing a slow bus near the top of a long grade. The driver must have taken it personally, because he made it clear that he was going to pass me on the down grade, no matter what the risk.

I could not drive fast enough in my Suburban to put any distance between us, and it was many miles before I found a place that I could safely get out of his way!

thebajarunner - 1-19-2021 at 07:15 PM

We chased a bus southbound out of Santo Tomas years ago
When we hit the grade we figured we could ease around him
Halfway up the hill he was leaving black marks on the road as he drifted through the turns
Quite a virtuoso performance

RocketJSquirrel - 1-20-2021 at 07:22 AM

I ride a moto most of the time and I never want a semi or bus behind me on the way DOWN the hill, any hill. Certainly not in Baja! Patience my friends! Keeps you alive.

DIWR17 - 1-21-2021 at 08:41 AM

Came through Mexicali January 1st. Did not see another car after leaving San Felipe the next day until GN. Saw a couple of Guardia Nacional vehicles around Constitution. 4 days in the car and 45 minutes to home in SJD, got pulled over on the Todos Santos bypass by the local Municipal Policia. I was the slowest in a train of 6 vehicles but the Armada and the new Honda hanging off the back did the trick for them. Was too tired to argue and listen to their BS about having to return to La Paz to pay a $4,000 peso ticket.

Hwy between SJD and San Lucas is being heavily monitored by these new Guardia Nacional guys.

JC43 - 1-23-2021 at 12:34 AM

The Pandas are no problem anymore. Watch out for the new Police-Force Guardia Nacional ... white cars !! No negos, no mordida possible w/ those guys.
Don`t make any offer! They`ll get you cuffed.

[Edited on 1-23-2021 by JC43]

JC43 - 1-23-2021 at 12:39 AM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Came through Mexicali January 1st. Did not see another car after leaving San Felipe the next day until GN. Saw a couple of Guardia Nacional vehicles around Constitution. 4 days in the car and 45 minutes to home in SJD, got pulled over on the Todos Santos bypass by the local Municipal Policia. I was the slowest in a train of 6 vehicles but the Armada and the new Honda hanging off the back did the trick for them. Was too tired to argue and listen to their BS about having to return to La Paz to pay a $4,000 peso ticket.

Hwy between SJD and San Lucas is being heavily monitored by these new Guardia Nacional guys.


Question: US plate? Preferred target !

DIWR17 - 1-23-2021 at 03:23 PM

Florida tag but obscured by the Honda and the mountain bike hanging off the back. Targeted for sure. Nice things must have money.

JC43 - 1-23-2021 at 09:18 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Florida tag but obscured by the Honda and the mountain bike hanging off the back. Targeted for sure. Nice things must have money.


Police mostly is looking from the front what car is approaching.
Then they make their decision to stop or not.
Unfortunately the Mexicans - and not only the police - likes the US. Citizens for their money , and if they can get some the love is endless. Otherwise the love is limited.
And Trump just made it worse! Not only w/ the border wall. But that does not say that one can live in MX or Baja and nobody will bother you. It´s like always: It depends on the individual and how one behaves towards their hosts. I know from US Citizens, Canadians and Germans living in Baja for centuries and feeling like at home.
And this board is the best evidence that Mexico, in particular Baja, is a good place to live. Baja depends on the tourists - and that pays!
(in Money even for the police:bounce::bounce::bounce:)

[Edited on 1-24-2021 by JC43]

JC43 - 2-2-2021 at 12:41 PM

Quote: Originally posted by DIWR17  
Florida tag but obscured by the Honda and the mountain bike hanging off the back. Targeted for sure. Nice things must have money.


@DIWR17
Are you driving a Tacoma? This happened on Monday, Januray 25th. On my way home from Mulege to Cabo San Lucas I passed a Pick-Up w/ camper some miles north of the military checkpoint at Loreto. A Tacoma. In rear hanging a motorcycle. Couldn`t figure the make. But fully covering the lic.plate. We then drove into the military checkpoint side by side because in front of me there was a 18wheeler making a lot of dust.
Was it you by any chance?

David K - 2-2-2021 at 12:52 PM

An Armada is a Nissan product.

mtgoat666 - 2-2-2021 at 02:42 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
An Armada is a Nissan product.


"armada" is also the spanish word for "naval fleet." From latin "armare" or "to arm.

"armada" is a very silly name for an oversized station wagon, in my opinion.


JC43 - 2-2-2021 at 04:11 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
An Armada is a Nissan product.


"armada" is also the spanish word for "naval fleet." From latin "armare" or "to arm.

"armada" is a very silly name for an oversized station wagon, in my opinion.




When I was fighting to help Napoleon against Lord Nelson, we fought against Lord Nelsons armada!! (But that is a different story)

mtgoat666 - 2-2-2021 at 04:26 PM

Quote: Originally posted by JC43  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
An Armada is a Nissan product.


"armada" is also the spanish word for "naval fleet." From latin "armare" or "to arm.

"armada" is a very silly name for an oversized station wagon, in my opinion.




When I was fighting to help Napoleon against Lord Nelson, we fought against Lord Nelsons armada!! (But that is a different story)


Loser!
The brits totally dominated france-spain in battle of trafalgar...

JC43 - 2-2-2021 at 07:34 PM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by JC43  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
An Armada is a Nissan product.


"armada" is also the spanish word for "naval fleet." From latin "armare" or "to arm.

"armada" is a very silly name for an oversized station wagon, in my opinion.




When I was fighting to help Napoleon against Lord Nelson, we fought against Lord Nelsons armada!! (But that is a different story)


Loser!
The brits totally dominated france-spain in battle of trafalgar...



The looser is a l w a y s the one without behavior towards other users.
I do not remember talking about who won or lost !!!!!!!!

[Edited on 2-3-2021 by JC43]

billklaser - 2-3-2021 at 10:34 AM

Last week driving North from Loreto there was a "Guardia National" car with a radar gun just south of Mulege. Specifically just as you are coming down from the hill about 4 miles south of the Pemex station.

John Harper - 2-3-2021 at 10:51 AM

Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by JC43  
Quote: Originally posted by mtgoat666  
Quote: Originally posted by David K  
An Armada is a Nissan product.


"armada" is also the spanish word for "naval fleet." From latin "armare" or "to arm.

"armada" is a very silly name for an oversized station wagon, in my opinion.




When I was fighting to help Napoleon against Lord Nelson, we fought against Lord Nelsons armada!! (But that is a different story)


Loser!
The brits totally dominated france-spain in battle of trafalgar...



With Lord Nelson transported back to England in a cask of brandy.

John

Lee - 2-3-2021 at 10:55 AM

Quote: Originally posted by billklaser  
Last week driving North from Loreto there was a "Guardia National" car with a radar gun just south of Mulege. Specifically just as you are coming down from the hill about 4 miles south of the Pemex station.


Saw him yesterday. He must have been asleep as I came barreling down that mountain headed to Loreto. Those guys are everywhere. Left GN East early a km out a Guardia passed me going West. He turned around and followed me for awhile then turned off. Set the cruise for 80 km/h and saw 2 more Guardias going West. Jet a bit nerve racking.

JC43 - 2-4-2021 at 10:59 AM

Well, the `Pandas` didn`t ticket you until 100 Km/h. As 80 Km/h is the limit.
Does anybody know how the Guardia Nacional is handling that? I heard the are not in the mood of tolerating anything. True or false?
(another way of making money??)

PaulW - 2-4-2021 at 02:58 PM

Can anyone explain Guardia National? Something new tome since we got back in Jan.

JC43 - 2-4-2021 at 03:31 PM

Quote: Originally posted by PaulW  
Can anyone explain Guardia National? Something new tome since we got back in Jan.


Guardia Nacional in MX. In US: National Guard.
The diff in MX is, they are looking after everything. But mainly traffic. I do not have experience w/ them but the grapevine says they are not very "negotiable" if it comes to fining b/c of traffic violations. The `pandas` were happy if one paid them some bucks. Not theses guys. White cars looking very private w/ only the word Guardia Nacional at both sides and a little emblem. You were in Baja in Jan and didn't see them? They are in existence since last year mid term.
------- that reminds me to the following question: Why do have elephants red eyes ??? Only possible answer: That they can hide perfectly in a cherry tree!
Wow! Never seen an elephant in a cherry tree ???
See, that is how good the can hide ---------------

[Edited on 2-4-2021 by JC43]

[Edited on 2-4-2021 by JC43]

BajaMama - 2-5-2021 at 04:22 PM

I only have experience as far south as Loreto. I always drive limit through Maneadero, south of Villa JesusyMaria to about 25 miles south of Guerrero Negro, through Santa Rosalia until south of prison.

JC43 - 2-5-2021 at 04:32 PM

Quote: Originally posted by BajaMama  
I only have experience as far south as Loreto. I always drive limit through Maneadero, south of Villa JesusyMaria to about 25 miles south of Guerrero Negro, through Santa Rosalia until south of prison.


That recipe is no good anymore. Those guys are every where and far from any settlement where you do not expect them. On my return to CSL the week before last week I saw one at El Cien parking there.
Is there any one around here who has actual experience with them? :?:
Everything written here so far is speculation. (even the content of my postings. no actual experience) What I know, I know trough the grapevine. :lol: