I'll be curious as to what my experience is in Baja with the police. I've only been to the mainland, but my experiences have all been good ones so
far.
1) Ojinaga, Chihuahua: Federales pulled me over a few miles west of town asking for my permits. I didn't have any, but I explained to them that I was
just going to the canyon a few more miles up the road which was my side of the old garita. They were cool and they were just going to have me turn
around to go get permits if I was going farther into Mexico. It ended with handshakes.
2) South of Jimenez, Chihuahua: I was on 49D and the speed limit was 100. The limit randomly dropped to 40. The car in front of me didn't slow down,
but I saw the federales up ahead and slowed down to probably 60. I got pulled over because they were suspicious that I slowed down for the speed limit
LOL. They searched my car for drugs. They politely asked for a couple bottles of water because they saw I had a big case of it (I obviously said yes).
We ended in handshakes.
3) Durango, DGO: Estado Policia checkpoint. They were instantly curious about my Indiana license plates. They claimed to have never heard of Indiana
before, but one of them made a wise crack about Indiana Jones which we all laughed to. I showed them my drivers license. They gave it back. I popped
my trunk. I was on my way.
4) Sinaloa: Two Federales under a bridge in the shade east of Villa Union on 40D. They asked me where I was going. I told them Mazatlan. They looked
in my car and sent me on my way. Before I left I asked "Quieres agua?" because it was pretty hot and they were both very appreciative of the water I
gave them.
Bottom line is I try to obey the traffic laws and when I get pulled over I'm always very respectful and give them the benefit of the doubt. These guys
have tough jobs as it is. Respect and a good attitude go a long ways. |
Be a good person, Richard.