BajaNomad - Speeding ticket, now what?

Speeding ticket, now what?

Frank - 7-7-2005 at 09:27 PM

With all of the new radar guns in use, what happens when you get pulled over for speeding. I have heard that they take your license and hold it until you pay the fine. How do you get the license back? From the officer, the station? Can you still drive in Mexico without it? What if they lose it? I know its a lot of questions, but after my last trip down I just want to be prepared, Im hoping to go back when the fishing picks back up. Thanks

David K - 7-7-2005 at 09:30 PM

The fines are cheap, go to the station and pay.

Or maybe try

jrbaja - 7-7-2005 at 09:37 PM

Obeying the law as the signs say! :light:

Obedezca las se?ales.
They put them there for a reason.

Frank - 7-7-2005 at 09:44 PM

I didnt get a speeding ticket, Im only preparing to get one. :biggrin:

40km in the out skirts of GN is a little tough to do sometimes. I have no problem paying the fine, if I did the crime. Im really interested in how you get the license back, and what happens if your drivng without it.

SOS

LaTijereta - 7-8-2005 at 06:17 AM

I signed up for "SOS" (Support of Sinicatura), and they sent out a package of forms. Included is a list of all fines for various violations, and what should be paid in front of a judge.
The decals they sent for the car was installed before our last trip down. Only instance I had was just north of Loreto when a PFD "highway patrol" turned around and followed me for about 2 miles "right on my bummper". He had to be reading the decal "no alimentamos la corrupcion" :biggrin:

He finnaly went around me smiling

Happy Trails....

Good Idea

The Gull - 7-8-2005 at 06:33 AM

How does one sign up for SOS?

Oso - 7-8-2005 at 07:08 AM

http://campolorenzo.com/_wsn/page2.html

I'm still not quite decided myself. Looks good but I'd like to know more-such as why the address is in the U.S.

TMW - 7-8-2005 at 07:26 AM

When you get a speeding ticket the police officer will take your license and give you a temporay driving permit for Baja. He will instruct you on where to pay the fine, sometimes you have choices. You tell the officer where you will pay and that is where the license goes. Whether you can get your license back when you pay the fine will depend on if it has arrived. Most likely you may need to come back at a later time and get it. The problem is that if you don't get your license back you will need another form of picture ID to get back into the U.S. I recommend getting your passport. You may need it in the future anyway.

With that said, the officer may offer to take care of the fine for you. In that case you pay him and take off. The officer and his family have a bonus from you. You have to decide which is best for you under the circumstances.

The Sculpin - 7-8-2005 at 10:25 AM

Sometimes you have no choice. I was pulled over by a PFD fro speeding outside of Colonet, and since I was driving somewhat aggressively, I didn't argue. Being the 1st day of the trip, he asked where I wanted to pick up my license and pay the fine, TJ or La Paz! The ticket he gave me included a temporary license - it had all the pertinent info from my license filled in - and he said it would also be recognized in the US. He also said that if I were pulled over again prior to getting my license back, the officer could decide that I was a menace to the Mexican roadways and impound my vehicle! So he admonished me to be very careful! When I returned from my vacation, I went to TJ, paid my fine, and got my license back. The only inconvienence was the lost day of work to go back to TJ, however, it was made up by a really nice lunch!

My advice? Ask for the ticket, or ask to go to the station. Don't pay anyone during the stop. Yes, it may cost you time and energy, but it's better to do it by the book - unless you really do have something to hide (like expired tags, no tourist card, expired license, 20# of mota, and a 150mm howitzer in the tent trailer)!

pokey - 7-8-2005 at 01:51 PM

Personally I pay the fine at the station, as the fines are not excessive and the ticket won't affect my insurance. Imo people who pay off the officer are doing a disservice to other drivers especially foreigners.

Despite what the officer claims a tow truck WILL NOT come to tow away the car.

Phil C - 7-8-2005 at 05:24 PM

For a few years I've had a sticker on the back of my drivers license. "Sindicatura Del Gobierno Municipal" with the Tijuana and Ensenada phone numbers for this agency in place. Luckely I haven't had the opportunity to see it's effect on an officer. LaTijereta, I would like to hear more about "SOS"

Frank - 7-8-2005 at 07:09 PM

Thanks, this is the info I was looking for. Looks like I will still be driving Mex 1.

going2baja - 7-9-2005 at 11:11 PM

Early Friday morning the day before the Baja 500 we were stoopped on the way up the hill out of TJ. The radar said 99 kph. The officer offered to take us to the TJ station and pay the fine when they opened - 9am or pay him there. He asked for $100 USD and settled for $50 USD - he even gave us $10 USD for the Tolls. What a guy... :no:

As far as I'm concerned if I had the opportunity to pay a CHP $50 and skate on a ticket I would!!

My two cents....Tim.

lizard lips - 7-10-2005 at 01:29 AM

Tim, The officer would have never taken you to the station to pay the fine. You just lost $50 clams my man. All you had to do was to just say "Lets go to the station" and he would have given you a talk and been on his way. Ive never heard of a police station anywhere that is closed and as far as paying a CHP $50 next time you are pulled over in Cali, please offer it to him.....Ive got some beach front property in Arizona I want you to see also.

TMW - 7-10-2005 at 10:40 AM

[if I had the opportunity to pay a CHP $50 and skate on a ticket I would!!]

In CA $50 would be cheap compared to paying the ticket. My last ticket was doing 70 on a 55 country road and it cost me $170 in 1995. Probably double or more now.

Instant Pay

MrBillM - 7-10-2005 at 12:13 PM

Add my name to the last of those who would LOVE to pay 50 % or less on the spot to the CHP or any other law enforcement officer with no record of the event to boost the Auto Insurance. Some corruption is GOOD.

WHAT??

LaTijereta - 7-10-2005 at 02:47 PM

"Add my name to the last of those who would LOVE to pay 50 % or less on the spot to the CHP or any other law enforcement officer with no record of the event to boost the Auto Insurance. Some corruption is GOOD." :barf:

How can paying money to an officer (if you have done no wrong) be "GOOD"? Once you allow this, the door is open for further harassemnt/ stops to make a quick $50 from everyone on the hwy :saint:

One more reason to put a Sinicatura sticker on my truck, so you other suckers can negociate your "$50" fines :biggrin:

Paying for the Crime

MrBillM - 7-10-2005 at 04:11 PM

Oh, I forgot that just about everybody who gets pulled over is innocent of any crime, unlike me.

My experience is that, in 40 years of driving in Baja, I have NEVER been pulled over for an infraction that I had not actually committed, unlike ALL of the rest. I guess that's why I think Pay on the spot is a good idea.

I've have also noticed when I have gone to Traffic School in the U.S. that I tend to be the only one to have ever done the crime for which I was ticketed. Bizarre, isn't it ?

I would add that, for every infraction I've been stopped for, the ones that they missed must be in the thousands so I'm WAY AHEAD on that score. The same goes for goods declared at the border. I'm WAY ahead in that ledger too.

[Edited on 7-10-2005 by MrBillM]

On the other hand,

jrbaja - 7-10-2005 at 04:31 PM

I have been pulled over many times for violations I both did and didn't commit. Seldom do I pay in either situation! La Paz is a different story. :lol:

This post however was directed towards breaking the law and whether it's worth it or not.
Something tells me the rates in Baja will be going up soon when they discover their rich northern neighbors would rather pay than obey! :light:

turtleandtoad - 7-10-2005 at 04:45 PM

I haven't gotten a ticket in Baja, - yet! But I'm sure it's bound to happen sooner or later (I have a tendency to have a lead foot). When it does happen, I intend to go to the station and pay the fine.

However, I do have a couple of questions:

1) When I go to the station, am I supposed to leave my rig and ride with the officer or do I follow the officer in my rig?

2) If I follow the officer, is there going to be room to park a 37 ft RV pulling a toad (about 60ft all together)?

(ignore the coach in my signature, I'm waiting for the delivery of a new 37 ft coach)

Thanks

[Edited on 7-10-2005 by turtleandtoad]

pokey - 7-10-2005 at 05:15 PM

I've always followed the officers in my truck to the police station. My experience with traffic tickets in baja is limited to Ensenada so I'm not sure about other municipalities. There is ample parking at the Ensenada station to accomodate RV's. (if not at the station itself then on the neighboring streets).

A few weeks ago I got a speeding ticket on Reforma. It cost 600 pesos and about an hour and a half of my time. The funniest part of the ordeal was that the officer wanted to arrest me for having a folding branch pruning saw in the truck. Like I was going to go out and wreak havoc on the fine people of Ensenada with a pruning saw. :spingrin:

Dave - 7-10-2005 at 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by pokey
I've always followed the officers in my truck to the police station.

Next time try following at 5 mph. (If you're in a playful mood and have some time to kill.

)

Never complain about fish tacos

yankeeirishman - 7-11-2005 at 11:34 AM

To pay the fine, on the site of an infraction promotes corruption of the Mexican law. No matter how much of a hurry you may be in, no matter how much you can afford to wiggle your way out of a hassle?go through the proper procedure to pay off your fines. Save the rest of us (in the future) the ordeal of dealing with jerk off cops!

And?. never complain about the Fish Tacos or rude behavior of fellow Nomads to a Mexican Police Officer (as I did). No bribe in the world will help you then!

Phil S - 7-11-2005 at 01:17 PM

Anyone reading happen to know the folks who are offering the membership for the SOS??? If so, let us know. I also am interested in this rear window sign. Makes sense to me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

yankeeirishman - 7-11-2005 at 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta
I signed up for "SOS" (Support of Sinicatura), and they sent out a package of forms. Included is a list of all fines for various violations, and what should be paid in front of a judge.
The decals they sent for the car was installed before our last trip down. Only instance I had was just north of Loreto when a PFD "highway patrol" turned around and followed me for about 2 miles "right on my bummper". He had to be reading the decal "no alimentamos la corrupcion" :biggrin:

He finnaly went around me smiling

Happy Trails....

Hey....I musta missed this post of yours. Great idea. Where did you get this material?

Yanqui

MrBillM - 7-11-2005 at 04:37 PM

So Solly (as Charlie Chan would say), but I will continue to promote and support the corruption of first level Mexican officials.
It is an old and venerated custom and far more convenient to my life style.
I feel that the money is better spent at that level in support of the Mexican and his family. To do otherwise simply makes that money available to corrupt Mexican officials at a higher level in the chain and they're already getting enough through official channels.

Do whatever you wish, but I prefer to support the Little Guy.

Sindicatura

LaTijereta - 7-11-2005 at 06:24 PM

The address to send for package:
SOS
7349 Milliken Ave. #140
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Cost of package is $25, and they ship in (2) weeks.

Note: I am not part of this organization, but I have never supported "corrupcion" with the policia on the hwy.

turtleandtoad - 7-11-2005 at 06:36 PM

I don't believe this SOS has any connection with the Sinicatura in Mexico, at least I haven't been able to find one, but for $25, the info they supply and the sticker may be worth it. SOS is also listed on the Vag website.

If you want to lodge a complaint against a corrupt official (including the cops) go to http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/. and click on "complaints" There is an english version for those that don't read/write Spanish.

yankeeirishman - 7-11-2005 at 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by LaTijereta
The address to send for package:
SOS
7349 Milliken Ave. #140
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Cost of package is $25, and they ship in (2) weeks.

Note: I am not part of this organization, but I have never supported "corrupcion" with the policia on the hwy.

Thank you LaTijereta. I will order up tomorrow and see if this works (in the future).

I'll try to bribe em for a cheaper rate :lol:

Baja&Back - 8-4-2005 at 08:22 PM

Nobody has yet pointed out that if you pay a ticket at the station within 24 hours, the fine is cut in half! The regular fine is usually less than what the cop asks for a bribe anyway.

Mexico's fulla bargains!! :saint:

Dave - 8-4-2005 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back
Nobody has yet pointed out that if you pay a ticket at the station within 24 hours, the fine is cut in half! The regular fine is usually less than what the cop asks for a bribe anyway.

Mexico's fulla bargains!! :saint:

Man, are you in for a surprise!

Say you get a speeding ticket on the toll road and they send your license to TJ:

First, you go to the station near the airport where you stand in line to get a copy of the infraction.

Next, you go to city hall where you stand in line while they research your driving record to make sure you don't have any other outstanding tickets.

Next, you stand in another line to pay the fine.

Then, you return to the station by the airport where they record your payment and return your license.

This can take the better part of a day.

Mexico may be full of bargains but this ain't one of them.

I'm with Bill. If you can, pay the mordida. ( That's the real bargain

)

greybaby - 8-4-2005 at 10:25 PM

Have to chuckle at all this. Last week we went to San Felipe with friends of ours who are nationals. One of them got a speeding ticket in SF and they took his license. We asked him what he did about it. He said he didn't care about his license, would wait a month and go down and get another one in Ensenada. When we mentioned that in the states all the computer information is linked throughout the states he laughed and said he doubted Mexico was that sophisticated. He still had a driver's license from when he lived in another state and said he would just use that in the meantime.

Baja cop interactions...

bigzaggin - 8-5-2005 at 09:48 AM

are one area where speaking Spanish is a HUGE advantage. On a number of occasions I've managed to eek my way out of a ticket/trip to the station once the cops realized I understand every word they're saying and can argue in their native tongue. It frustrates the crap out of 'em and is always good fun. The sole and consistent exception is in Ensenada proper where, if (when) you get busted, I would strongly reccommend going to the station, keeping your mouth shut, and paying as instructed. I'm sure Rosarito is the same but if you get busted in Rosarito you're a marooon...for going to Rosarito.

And what's more, even moderate fluency can save you a hellish search at the major checkpoints...simply engage your "agent" in some friendly conversation a la, "Yeah, we're going to Ensenada to get laid with some hot chicks" or anything about hot chicks and sex and then offer the guy a Coke. No really, it works.

Bob H - 8-17-2005 at 12:32 PM

Lots of info on SOS ?Support of Sindicatura? at this link...

http://campolorenzo.com/_wsn/page2.html

and here too

http://gringogazettenorth.com/modules/wfsection/article.php?...

Bob H

[Edited on 8-17-2005 by Bob H]

Here's the steeker

Pops - 8-17-2005 at 12:46 PM

Too funny

jrbaja - 8-17-2005 at 01:11 PM

I love the sign. :lol:

BajaBoundMoto - 8-18-2005 at 08:26 AM

I've done the mordida thing quite a few times over the years because unfortunately it seems to always happen when you're in a time crunch (even if I'm pretty certain I did nothing wrong) and I've also had yelling matches (with success) with cops when I absolutely KNOW I'm in the right and I've also talked nicely and wormed my way out of 'em.

BUT in '04, driving thru TJ, before the big hill, on the way to Sur last Nov. we got stopped for "speeding" which was total BS.
We were a good 'mark' for the guy - going down for the 1000 with 2 xr650's, brand new full size crewcab....
I argued with that cop telling him how wrong he was and I wouldn't let him have my licence.
He told me that to pay the fine now (he wanted $50) would be less than at the station but I was RIGHT and told him to pound sand. I know someone on here will tell me I shouldn't argue with them, you can keep that to your self. I don't push the envelope that far.
So he read my licence (while it was in my hand), handed me a ticket and told me to go pay it at the station. Then he just sped away on his cop bike!

This is where it get's interesting...
The ticket was all in English. It had full directions how to send payment from the US and even a list of fines costs with the most expensive being about $65.
I've never seen one of these so I was really interested and wanted to see it thru the correct way.
I had no idea where the TJ station was so I drove into downtown and asked some cabbies.
We found the place, barely found a spot large enough to park (actually it was in the cops reserved area) and went inside to a little window to pay.
Crap! It was $150 for "speeding"!!
"TurtleAndToad" - there is no place to park anything with a trailer at that station. This station was only about 12 blocks due south from the big uphill.
Oh well, live and learn.

[Edited on 8-18-2005 by BajaBoundMoto]

Thanks for that Baja Bound

jrbaja - 8-18-2005 at 08:30 AM

Real life stories are much more useful than armchair advice! :light:

bajalou - 8-18-2005 at 08:46 AM

What was printed on the ticket about "Speeding" You said the highest was $65. What was that (probably don't remember - OK I understand that)

:rolleyes:

turtleandtoad - 8-18-2005 at 09:50 AM

Thanks for the info BajaBound,

I don't think I'll ever need to worry about a ticket in TJ though. I never go through there for that very reason! I use the Tecate crossing and take Mex-3 to Ensenada. Same way coming back.

Mex 3 is a nice and scenic drive, the crossing is a lot faster, and Tecate is a nice, laid back town if you want to stop and do some first/last minute shopping.

I'm curous, was the fines in dollars or peso's?

And did the people in the cop shop have any explanation as to why the fine was higher than what was printed on the ticket?

BajaBoundMoto - 8-18-2005 at 10:15 AM

Lou and Turtle - Yeah, I did whine about the cost and showed the back of the ticket how it read something about the max fine being $65 and the gal simply said how speeding was based on MPH over posted speed (while I still said I was at or close to the posted). The cop had written me up for about double the posted so basically the gal told me 'tough luck'. Ya know, his word against mine.
A good learning experience...
Oh, and the fines shown on the ticket were USD.

[Edited on 8-18-2005 by BajaBoundMoto]

David K - 8-18-2005 at 07:57 PM

Really nice reading your posts, BajaBoundMoto, a welcome addition to the Baja Nomad family! You join with a few fellow Baja moto racing people here, including Corky1, TW, Tunaeater (Paul L.)...

Is it your brother who runs Baja Bound Mexican Insurance, a nice guy we've talked a few times on the phone? .. I have a link to his site on VivaBaja.com.