BajaNomad

Possible Speed Trap into La Paz

BCSTech - 10-1-2006 at 02:15 PM

While on the way from Todos Santos to La Paz at 10 AM Saturday morning, we were stopped at the outskirts South of the city limits by the Policia for "speeding." I saw the cop with someone else pulled over on the other side of the highway and I didn't think anything of it, and we even made eye contact as we drove by. As I wasn't going fast, I didn't think to check my speedometer. Many cars had passed us and continued to do so. Two miles down the road, he caught up and pulled us over and accused us of speeding. He informed us that, although the Federal Highway speed is 80 km, it drops to 60 km at the city limits and said we were going faster than that. This was out on the four lane where the new section meets the old.

When he said he was going to write us a ticket for $807 pesos, we swallowed our anger, paid a mordita and went on our way.

Could have just been bad luck but it's possible they're targeting cars there now because the road is better coming into town and people enter the city limits with greater speed. BTW, parts of the same section of older four lane are posted with various and conflicting speed limit signs reading 40 km and even 30 km (for metrically challenged readers, that's only 18 mph on a four lane highway!). So, may be nothing but be cautious. - Alan and Debra

cabobaja - 10-1-2006 at 02:38 PM

BCSTech................you are correct. Have had two friends in the past week (both female with US plates) experience the same situation. They paid the cop and went on their way.

My wife was also stopped (she is Mexican) and told the cop she was not speeding and she would prefer to go to the police station and speak to his supervisor. He told her to slow down and have a good day!
My experience after many years in Baja is to be nice and request the nice cop to take you to the station. Not once is in the past 33 years in Baja has a copper escorted me to the copper station.

comitan - 10-1-2006 at 03:12 PM

Just one little bit of advice Never ever make eye contact with the police, don't ask me why but your odds go way up when you do.

Comi------I think you are on to something here-----

Barry A. - 10-1-2006 at 03:44 PM

-------but i don't know why----------?????? tho I admit that it appears to work------something about not challenging their authority---------as a long time cop, I know that when somebody challenges your "authority" it is annoying at the very least.

In my 50+ years of driving in Baja, I have NEVER, even once, payed any Mordida-------and I have never been taken to the Police Station either. But in all honesty I have seldom been pulled over.

In my opinion, (my 2 cents worth) paying the Mordida is the root cause of the corruption, and it will continue until all (at least most?) stop participating in the practice.

BCSTech - 10-1-2006 at 03:57 PM

I agree. It really bothered me to pay one and I told my wife it just encourages them. But it was our first time getting pulled over, we were beginning to be late for an appointment, bla, bla, bla.

We had a long discussion about it and next time we will demand we go to the station.

Bajabus - 10-1-2006 at 04:45 PM

two great points...never make eye contact and never ever pay the mordita...always ask to go to the police station. if the officer insists it's better to pay now because it's more expensive at the station (a common retort) tell the officer you will pay if he gives you a receipt with his name on it and the name of his chief. that pretty much shuts them up right away and they send you off with a warning.

if he tries to get the mordita out of you but eventually takes you to the station because you insisted...make sure you mention to the chief that the officer tried to give you a "discount" out on the road.

bancoduo - 10-1-2006 at 05:04 PM

Quote:
if he tries to get the mordita out of you but eventually takes you to the station because you insisted...make sure you mention to the chief that the officer tried to give you a "discount" out on the road.
Better make sure he knows where you live so he can come by and thank you for being FIRED. Seems to me there are a lot of [know it alls] out there giving questionable advice.:mad:

bancoduo - 10-1-2006 at 05:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by comitan
Just one little bit of advice Never ever make eye contact with the police, don't ask me why but your odds go way up when you do.
I would think not looking them in the eye is a sign of weakness. I stare them down, but I am always respectful. It works for me. The key here is do what the Mexicans do. The bite is a age old tradition so you might want to honor the culture, Whats left of it,:bounce::bounce:

[Edited on 10-2-2006 by bancoduo]

Bajabus - 10-1-2006 at 05:27 PM

Yeah well I did it in Todos Santos (I live south of the town by about 14 miles) and it's the last time they hassled me. After living down there full time for about 9 years my advice is not based on idle speculation.

bancoduo

Barry A. - 10-1-2006 at 07:12 PM

"-------so you might want to honor the culture, Whats left of it,----------"you say????

"Honor" corruption???????? I don't think so. :mad:

"If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." somebody once said.

Bajabus - 10-1-2006 at 08:11 PM

I think talking to turismo helps, talking to the local paper, talking to the police chief and talking to the mayor all help. Do they target foreigners more...well in the instance I quoted above I was stopped because I had a cracked windshield.........now you tell me.....what do you think?

El Jefe - 10-1-2006 at 08:24 PM

My favorite story on this subject is David Eidell's one about going through the usual deal on the bogus pull over with the cop, following him to the station and telling him in front of other cops as they entered the station, "Why don't you just give me $20 and I'll forget the whole thing."
That got big smiles around from all the boys at the station.

That's huevos.

bancoduo - 10-1-2006 at 09:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by El Jefe
My favorite story on this subject is David Eidell's one about going through the usual deal on the bogus pull over with the cop, following him to the station and telling him in front of other cops as they entered the station, "Why don't you just give me $20 and I'll forget the whole thing."
That got big smiles around from all the boys at the station.

That's huevos.
David Eidell is a story teller with a vivid imagination. I can't believe anyone takes him seriously. In other words; he is a humorous bullchiter or a pathological liar.

[Edited on 10-2-2006 by bancoduo]

[Edited on 10-2-2006 by bancoduo]

Bomberro - 10-1-2006 at 09:25 PM

We drive to La Paz about 3 to 4 times a month. I have been stopped probably 3 or 4 times in the last two years. I never pay the Mordita, and always am respectful of the police officer. I have never actually gone to the station to pay a fine, as the seem to always drop the charges after finding out that I am willing to go. Many Americans pay a modita at the drop of a hat. They are tooo busy to go to a station to pay fine, belive the cop that the fine is huge, want to take the easy way out. They are the reason so many Americans are stopped, its easy takings. The fines for these offences are very little, sometimes a little as 2 dollars! Just Say No!

bancoduo - 10-1-2006 at 09:44 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bomberro
We drive to La Paz about 3 to 4 times a month. I have been stopped probably 3 or 4 times in the last two years. I never pay the Mordita, and always am respectful of the police officer. I have never actually gone to the station to pay a fine, as the seem to always drop the charges after finding out that I am willing to go. Many Americans pay a modita at the drop of a hat. They are tooo busy to go to a station to pay fine, belive the cop that the fine is huge, want to take the easy way out. They are the reason so many Americans are stopped, its easy takings. The fines for these offences are very little, sometimes a little as 2 dollars! Just Say No!
This man is right. It's a mind game very close to the way I approach it. It works almost every time.

radar detector

stormcatcherbaja - 10-2-2006 at 07:22 AM

After being pulled over North of La paz, 2 Camino Federales, one in the middle of the road with a radar gun, and the other writing tickets, I was 1 of more than 15 cars, the last one also, I gave him my US license(US plates), spoke only English, and cried B...S..., after another 15 minutes he sent me on my way. After getting to San Diego, I went and bought a radar detector, it has saved me at least 20 times in the last couple of years, mainly between San Jose and Cabo, and now my accountant and attorneys have them also.

osoflojo - 10-2-2006 at 09:03 AM

Yeah well, I dont think there is any "all encompassing" right way, wrong way. I have done it both ways with varying re****s. The last time I went "to the station" it cost me 50 pesos more than I was quoted on the street.

vandenberg - 10-2-2006 at 11:25 AM

A friend of mine made a illegal left turn on a very poorly and weirdly marked intersection in Loreto ( I live here,so know it's true). The cop wanted to write him a ticket for $ 20.00. Following friends advise, he insisted on going to the station and ended up paying $ 64.00. We were waiting for him at the local steakhouse and needless to say ,it ruined a good dinner.

pargo - 10-2-2006 at 11:34 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by vandenberg
A friend of mine made a illegal left turn on a very poorly and weirdly marked intersection in Loreto ( I live here,so know it's true). The cop wanted to write him a ticket for $ 20.00. Following friends advise, he insisted on going to the station and ended up paying $ 64.00. We were waiting for him at the local steakhouse and needless to say ,it ruined a good dinner.


Seems as though no matter what advise you get, theres an example of how it did or didn't work. My advise is play your cards however you wish. If you get away with it = A good Baja experience, if you don't =baja- ja ja. Either way, it's all part of the Baja experiences that keep us loving and going back to Baja...y es todo!;D

Vandenberg-------

Barry A. - 10-2-2006 at 11:40 AM

----the key here (or one of them) was that he apparently was guilty, and knew that.

You would pay a lot more than that, I am thinking, in the USA?. Would he rather pay the $20 and just enable the corruption to keep increasing???

I think he made the right decision. (easy for me to say) :lol:

I guess that is an individual decision. I know what my decision would be-----but I am a saint. :lol:

baja traffic stops

rhintransit - 10-2-2006 at 12:00 PM

I got stopped in Tecate in an (afterwards) obvious trap, motorcycle cop pulling in behind people as they turned onto a street. since the tendancy is to watch the cop in the mirror, and not pay attention to the street ahead...surprise, road went from one way to two way in one unmarked block. and there I was on the wrong side, keeping my speed down and trying to look innocent.
after the guy stopped me, he explained how dangerous it was (yes) and I most profusely agreed. then he told me the fine was very big, and did I have 750 pesos? in my best single woman alone voice I said, gee, I barely have enough to get home to Phoenix. kept constant eye contact. smiled sheepishly. silence. on his part. and on mine. after a bit of this impassive staring match, I again said how right he was, and how confused I was in my (well, at least that month) time in Tecate. and asked if he couldn't just give me a warning this time.
he stared some more and then sighed and waved me on. I headed to the border line up and there he was again, same corner, waiting on next 'customer.'
I think he was waiting for my move, and when it was neither of the expected...mordida nor take me to your leader, he didn't have a ready answer. so I dodged another one...

pargo - 10-2-2006 at 12:09 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rhintransit
I got stopped in Tecate in an (afterwards) obvious trap, motorcycle cop pulling in behind people as they turned onto a street. since the tendancy is to watch the cop in the mirror, and not pay attention to the street ahead...surprise, road went from one way to two way in one unmarked block. and there I was on the wrong side, keeping my speed down and trying to look innocent.
after the guy stopped me, he explained how dangerous it was (yes) and I most profusely agreed. then he told me the fine was very big, and did I have 750 pesos? in my best single woman alone voice I said, gee, I barely have enough to get home to Phoenix. kept constant eye contact. smiled sheepishly. silence. on his part. and on mine. after a bit of this impassive staring match, I again said how right he was, and how confused I was in my (well, at least that month) time in Tecate. and asked if he couldn't just give me a warning this time.
he stared some more and then sighed and waved me on. I headed to the border line up and there he was again, same corner, waiting on next 'customer.'
I think he was waiting for my move, and when it was neither of the expected...mordida nor take me to your leader, he didn't have a ready answer. so I dodged another one...


Well see? there you go! Sheepish smiles and impassive silence might not work for the next one. Way to go! whatever works for ya!:rolleyes:

Bob and Susan - 10-2-2006 at 12:24 PM

Friday morning the seatbelt police were out at Otay....

10 policemen checking traffic both ways for seatbelt violations....

giving tickets to mostly mexicans....no slack given

BCSTech - 10-7-2006 at 07:09 AM

Seems I remember someone posted the name and telephone number of a Mexican government office to report police corruption. It was suggested that the name of the office and this number be written below a copy of your driver's license so the cop could see it.

Couldn't find that with a search here. Anyone have it?

rrt - 10-25-2011 at 06:21 PM

Hi folks--my first post. Very helpful forum!

I'm going to be traveling to Baja for the first time soon and would like to resurrect this older thread to ask if the cops still frequently stop people and try to shake them down, particularly on the way from the airport to San Jose in a rental car and elsewhere on Mex 1 between Cabo and La Paz.

Someone suggested carrying a photocopy of your driver's license and showing it to the cop instead of your actual license if you get stopped. Will they accept a photocopy rather than the original?

Also, it occurred to me that I could bring along a portable GPS unit, which records trip data, including maximum speed. If I'm stopped, I could show it to the cop to prove that I hadn't gone over the limit (assuming I hadn't). Has anyone tried this or have opinions on whether it would be successful?

Thanks.

BajaBlanca - 10-25-2011 at 07:05 PM

welcome rrt !!!

good idea to show the GPS, esp since then you can say "let's go to the station" and assuming you are in the right, get out of the ticket ...

if you are in the wrong - best to pay the ticket. Andif I understand correctly, one must go to the station at the time of the ticket to pay it. And they keep your license til you do .... ouch !!!

I am going to try to pull up the old thread on police and phone nubers etc.

rrt - 10-25-2011 at 08:12 PM

Thanks, BajaBlanca. The only question in my mind is whether even the police station will accept the GPS reading, or if they'll just ignore it like the cop did (if I have to go to the station).

I don't expect to be speeding, but it apparently doesn't depend on that. I'm wondering if they're still running this racket to the same extent as before. Also whether it's possible to get away with just showing a copy of the driver's license to avoid having the cop take the original.

slimshady - 10-25-2011 at 08:15 PM

Watch youself on that stretch of highway. They are really hungry for mordita this time of year. Also at the SJD airport the feds are in full effect. Make sure your registration is current and don't let your mexican looking friends pick you up in your US plated car unless they are US citizens and have US licenses as my friend was.

rrt - 10-25-2011 at 08:19 PM

Actually, I was going to rent a car but am wondering if I'd be better off hiring a driver (to Todos) for my first time rather than dealing with this whole thing, which I'm not looking forward to.

Sindicatura

bajaguy - 10-25-2011 at 08:28 PM

Phone number is 072, but don't know if that is for all of Baja or just the Tijuana area/


Traffic ticket info:

http://www.bajabound.com/before/driving/authorities.asp

http://www.las-gaviotas.com/Baja-Traffic-Tickets.htm

rrt - 10-25-2011 at 08:35 PM

Thanks, but those links appear to be for Baja Norte, and I'm going to be in Sur. Also, I don't have a cell phone, so I couldn't call 072 at the time anyway.

Alan - 10-25-2011 at 09:00 PM

A good article in the "Baja Citizen" about this subject this week. It seems that at least here La Paz there is an attempt to do something about this. EMPRHOTUR has developed an official complaint form to address these issues. It is titled "The Official Claims, Complaints & Suggestion Form" and is available in English and Spanish. The article says the form is available at the EMPRHOTUR office, tourist information centers and participating car rental agencies.

They ask that the form be filled out as completely as possible, especially personal details of the officer in question and a detailed description of the event then emailed to Rosa Romero at emprhoturlapaz@prodigy.net.mx

Who knows if this will work but at least it can't hurt. There are many policia throughout Baja and I really don't think one method is effective for all. Just give it your best shot. Some fines MAY be larger back at the station depending on the precinct because El Hefe may be in on it and now you will have to pay both :lol:In the very few times I have been stopped in the 40+ years of driving the peninsula I admit to paying mordita twice but only after haggling him down to 200 pesos and only because I was in a rush Everytime I have demanded to go to the station and have only paid the bite when he kept haggling and delaying me further. I have never gone to "the station". I have been told that in La Paz they can't take your drivers license and I should demand a ticket, no personal experience yet. Years ago in the border towns like Ensenada it was common for them to take your license plate (usually parking violation) then sell it back to you because they knew most would ignore a ticket and just drive back NOB.

rrt - 10-25-2011 at 09:11 PM

Thanks for the info. It's not really the price of the ticket I'm worried about--I'm only going to be there a week or so--just that I'd like to avoid the whole experience if possible, especially because I don't speak Spanish. I've read that they're cracking down on it, and I'm glad to hear it.

Incidentally, do cops wear namebadges there or something to identify them with, other than their signature on a ticket?

[Edited on 10-26-2011 by rrt]

dtbushpilot - 10-25-2011 at 10:08 PM

Stop worrying rrt, you'll just ruin your vacation. Don't do anything stupid and try not to look like a potential victim and you will be fine. Even if you do get pulled over it will still be fine, just go and have fun.

I live in BCS most of the time, I drive over the speed limit everywhere I go sometimes WAY over the limit. If I was doing what they said I negotiate the best deal that I can and ask the officer if he will pay my fine for me as I am in a hurry to get to an important meeting. If I wasn't doing what they say I will say that I wasn't, let them know that I am a local and know the drill and demand that they take me to the station to pay my fine. I've never gone to the station.

I've been pulled over a couple of times for turning the wrong way on a one way street in La Paz and was let off with a warning both times. I'm always polite, especially if I was in the wrong, it's never been a big deal regardless

David K - 10-25-2011 at 10:13 PM

The true speeding fine is way way less than the mordida the cops know you will give! At least that is what is reported... How about it, anyone actually go to the station/ judge and pay?

rrt - 10-25-2011 at 11:08 PM

Thanks, dt, but what else would I worry about? There are no drug gangs, the weather's great, cost of living is low. But I'll get over it.

David, I have to wonder if there is an actual fine--it seems to be very flexible, even at the station, depending on how much you have with you. I hope not to find out.

Jack Swords - 10-26-2011 at 07:14 AM

Our new 4Runner goes incredibly fast, so did our older one. Twice entering and leaving Cd. Constitucion we were followed by Federal Highway police at 90+ mph only to be passed. Found that two way street in La Paz that turns into a one way going the wrong way only to have a local police van pull up and have me turn around. Tecate police have done the same. Been stopped for many reasons, but never written up. Did pay $20 mordida in Tijuana for no turn signal (bogus) as we entered the line to the border crossing after a 12 hour drive. One doesn't go to Baja to fear the local police and shouldn't let it be a concern. If a stop is legit, so be it. If not, deal with it as one must deal with other issues. Keep a good attitude, enjoy yourself, and watch for those cattle on the road.

CaboMagic - 10-26-2011 at 07:33 AM

Welcome to Baja Nomads rrt .. am starting a new thread to reply to your inquiries. "For new nomad rrt"

Most all responses here, there and everywhere are provided with best intentions!

For new nomad rrt

CaboMagic - 10-26-2011 at 07:43 AM

My posts intention is to provide info 4u to assist in making decisions .. most important of all have a wonderful trip & visit!

You asked : " Actually, I was going to rent a car but am wondering if I'd be better off hiring a driver (to Todos) for my first time rather than dealing with this whole thing, which I'm not looking forward to. " to which I emphatically say YES hire a driver. Respectully done so of course - allow yourself to become aquainted with the oddities/differences of the regions driving, road signs, stop signs which many times appear to be a suggestion, allow yourself to relax and see what there is to see, w/out having to watch for things like cows, stopped vehicles (brakelights dont always work!) and since there will be many many 'things' pleading for your eyes attention ya might as well .. then, if you decide you want to further explore w/out time (or associated $ cost of hiring a driver) constraints you can do so quite easily. Car rental companies are in most lobbies, concierges can arrange for you etc etc.

Hope this helps and hope there are forthcoming insights from others whose expereinces can provide further assistance!

Magic best wishes ~ Lori

MitchMan - 10-26-2011 at 08:43 AM

For the past 12 months in La Paz, I have noticed a growing presence of federal police stoppin cars on the main highway under the bridge that goes to the airport. Also, I have noticed more people being stopped by local police. Actually, the local police have made it a policy to stop everybody they can on major roads in town (Colossio, 16 de Septiembre, 5 de Febrero, and the malecon) several times a month. It seems to be getting worse. Since I started NOT looking them in the eye as I pass them by has worked extremely well and paying great attention to fully stopping at all stop signs and going the speed limit in town, my stoppage rate has gone way down.

I still feel a bit insecure as I travel those abovementioned streets and that irritates me. One great big problem is that the posted speed limits in La Paz are way to low to be practical traveling speeds. That means that there is still plenty of "room" for the police to be even more of a nuisance than they are now.

I find that when I am stopped (if I am guilty) I try to engage them in respectful but lengthy conversation, then negotiate down the mordida. Last stop only cost me $ 50 pesos on a very questionable stop. If I am not guilty, I keep talking while respecfully maintaining my innocence and so far I have been let go. If he/she won't let me go, then I will insist on going to the staion. Only problem is, I don't know what happens if the station is closed when I am stopped. Anyway, I consider this progress.

rrt - 10-27-2011 at 08:33 PM

How do you say "I'll follow you to the police station" in Spanish? I want to write it down and say it to the cop if necessary. According to Google Translate, it's "Te seguiré hasta la estación de policía." Is that right?

CaboRon - 10-28-2011 at 06:54 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Barry A.
"-------so you might want to honor the culture, Whats left of it,----------"you say????

"Honor" corruption???????? I don't think so. :mad:

"If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." somebody once said.


I am in total agreement with your comments.