BajaNomad - Speeding Ticket in Tijuana

Speeding Ticket in Tijuana

bajasammy - 11-21-2006 at 06:44 PM

Hello Fellow Baja Lovers!

I've been a longtime lurker of the forum, and the information received on these pages has made my family baja trips so much more enjoyable. Thanks to all the expert contributors!

I have a question regarding a speeding ticket I received this weekend coming back from the Baja 1000.

I was returning early Saturday morning. Right after the final toll before getting to the border, a motorcyle officer came out of nowhere (of course) and said he caught me on radar doing 96 kph in a 60 kph zone. I was pretty shocked that the speed limit was so low in a section more resembling a highway than a residential area, but I had gotten up early and was not paying a lot of attention to the signs - just going along with the flow of traffic. So, I figured - ok, he got me!

He then gets my license and registration, and writes me up an official ticket. I was actually kind of pleasantly surprised! Last time I got stopped (a few years ago), it was one of those 'Just pay me directly gringo' kind of deals.

But, here's the catch: There was nothing indicating the amount owed on the ticket. So I called my trusty Baja Travel Club and they check on it for me. The official they speak to says it's $140 bucks (ouch!), that you can no longer mail it into the San Ysidro address on the back of the ticket, and that I have to appear in TJ and pay the fine within 15 days. Does anybody know if this is accurate?

Thanks.

DENNIS - 11-21-2006 at 07:02 PM

Forget it. You got screwed in a speed trap anyway. Selective enforcement sucks.

Bruce R Leech - 11-21-2006 at 07:02 PM

that is the way they are doing it down here. but in T.J. could be deferent.

BajaNomad - 11-21-2006 at 07:06 PM

According to the gentleman who spoke to our group at the Viva Baja Cactus event... not so.

Now, I don't know if the left hand knows what the right hand is doing. But they made a BIG deal out of how easy it was now to just come back to the U.S. and send in your fine.

The city of Tijuana is (approx) no more than $126 for a speeding infraction:

http://www.tijuana.gob.mx/Turismo/TouristGuide/English/pag6....

http://www.tijuanaonline.org/images/Tourist%20guide.pdf

--
Doug

thebajarunner - 11-21-2006 at 07:31 PM

Did he keep your license and registration or give them back?
that would make a big impact on my decision as to how to proceed.
(you can always tell DMV you lost your wallet- that gets a new license real quick)

fdt - 11-21-2006 at 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajasammy

But, here's the catch: There was nothing indicating the amount owed on the ticket. So I called my trusty Baja Travel Club and they check on it for me. The official they speak to says it's $140 bucks (ouch!), that you can no longer mail it into the San Ysidro address on the back of the ticket, and that I have to appear in TJ and pay the fine within 15 days. Does anybody know if this is accurate?

Thanks.

In- accurate, on the back side of your ticket there is a table with the dollar ammounts to be paid BY MAIL TO SAN YSIDRO, no going to the station. You have the option of going to a Juez calificador at the station and contest the ticket, but it is your option. Your ticket has no set time frame on it. Now the officer could have not marked in the front the severity of the infraction so you can use the table in the back to send your check, if so, please u2u me with the infraction number and I can look into it for you. Better yet you can scan it, email me and I can personaly go and ask for you. Trusty needs to go to Baja California for a refresher course.
saludos

bajasammy - 11-22-2006 at 08:06 AM

Thanks so much for the quick replies:

Dennis - I did feel like I was just one of the herd. I was so clueless, when he first pulled up behind me I thought he just wanted to get by!

Doug - Thanks, that makes me feel better about possibly mailing it in. I love making any excuse to get down to Baja but making a solo trip to TJ for a ticket is a pretty lame one.

BajaRunner - He did return my license and reg, but he did note that info on the ticket. I just don't want to be looking over my shoulder when passing through TJ.

fdt - You da' man! I'm taking you up on your generous offer to check into it for me (ticket scanned and emailed). I think I'm switching to the 'fdt' travel club!

Thanks again.

Bruce R Leech - 11-22-2006 at 08:10 AM

I think it might make a deference as to which police gave you the ticket. was it Federal or city or state police?

bajasammy - 11-22-2006 at 09:50 AM

I think it was a city guy - blue uniform?

lizard lips - 11-22-2006 at 09:52 AM

As you are traveling north just after the last toll in playas as you are rounding the curve towards TJ the motorcycle cops are usually waiting for a speeder.

Also there is another speed trap by the Federal de Caminos traveling north about 5 miles prior to reaching the Rosirito toll booth. Almost got nailed there yesterday...You gom around a curve and there they are with radar gun in hand.

Lee - 11-22-2006 at 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajasammy
Thanks so much for the quick replies:

BajaRunner - He did return my license and reg, but he did note that info on the ticket. I just don't want to be looking over my shoulder when passing through TJ.

I don't think looking over one's shoulder is a bad thing around TJ. Especially on the road between town and Rosarito Beach area.

Just know the cops are out and looking for you.

:cool:

Got-R-Dun

fdt - 11-22-2006 at 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajasammy
fdt - You da' man! I'm taking you up on your generous offer to check into it for me (ticket scanned and emailed). I think I'm switching to the 'fdt' travel club!

Thanks again.

Got it all taken care of, you can mail it to San Ysidro and it's only 50 bucks, I will email you the details later on today, probably after the radio show ( hope you tune in). In any case I got the state Secretary of tourism office involved (Alejandro Martinez) and they personaly called the city clerk (Roberto Cano) wich is the one that determines the ammount of the fines. Tourism is sending a letter to the city along with the copy of your post on Baja Nomad and the copy of your ticket and the city should respond by monday and I will forward you a copy.
saludos

David K - 11-22-2006 at 04:08 PM

Hooray for Ferna de Tijuana!

Hey DK

fdt - 11-22-2006 at 04:10 PM

Your back from the 1000, how about next wednesday, you know were

bajasammy - 11-22-2006 at 04:27 PM

Wow, I can't believe how quickly you took action and resolved this! You bet I'm listening in to the show. I'm already a lifelong fan!

Thanks again.

DENNIS - 11-22-2006 at 05:33 PM

Hey fdt ---
I hope they send a copy of my reply, that their police are practiceing selective enforcement by running their cop noses into the middle of a traffic herd to pull out a U.S. plated car, just to make this a better world.
Like I said before ........... Selective enforcement sucks.

Ok bajasammy check your email

fdt - 11-22-2006 at 10:11 PM

fdt - 11-22-2006 at 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Hey fdt ---
I hope they send a copy of my reply, that their police are practiceing selective enforcement by running their cop noses into the middle of a traffic herd to pull out a U.S. plated car, just to make this a better world.
Like I said before ........... Selective enforcement sucks.

Yes Dennis it was also discussed and they are aware of it, unfortunatley that is a strech of road that has had many terrible, even fatal accidents due to speeding, even both officials agreed that thay go faster than 60 and if they were to do 60 that would probably cause an accident. It takes time, but theire working on it, in the mean time if I can be of any help, you know the drill
saludos

Iflyfish - 11-22-2006 at 10:39 PM

Salud ftd!!

What a guy!! Good to know there are folks like you out there. Have a great holiday.

Iflyfish

Bob H - 12-14-2006 at 05:46 PM

I was pulled over TODAY going around that very curve... motorcycle cop. He said I was doing 60MPH instead of 60KPH. That's bull! So, he gave me a ticket and also returned my drivers license, so I'm not gonna pay it. What would YOU do?
Bob H

Bob and Susan - 12-14-2006 at 09:17 PM

how fast were you going...don't lie!!!

Just consider it a sacrifice for the cause.

Dave - 12-14-2006 at 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
he gave me a ticket and also returned my drivers license, so I'm not gonna pay it. What would YOU do?
Bob H

If enough gringos don't pay eventually someone's gonna figure out that this ain't such a good idea. Then everyone will pay.

This was also discussed

fdt - 12-14-2006 at 10:46 PM

These bilingual tickets are issued in good faith, and they are the result of very hard work on behalf of the state secretary of tourism office and other tourism organizations and businesses. It took years to get it approved and implemented. My advice is pay it, need help getting it lowered, just ask, if you feel it is unjust, you can talk to a judge (juez calificador) and explain to him your views, just as you would in the USA when you think the cop got you for some BS, if you need help with this, just ask also. If, as Dave sais, enough people just don't pay, guess what, it will be back to going to the station, having your car impounded in guarrantee of payment and so on and so on. You can be stuborn and not pay, as I said it was discussed before when I helped bajasammy, you get caught again for some reason and the cop radios the station, because they do that, and it turns out you have an outstanding ticket, guess what will happen then, yes you have to pay the old fine at whatever fee they impose and you have to pay the new fine at the station, they wont issue you a new ticket. Please don't mess it up for the rest of us and pay the ticket. Now if you still decide not to pay and the above mentioned happens, please don't forget to post your bad experience with the mexican cops :rolleyes:

I have a great idea

fdt - 12-14-2006 at 10:52 PM

Since I am sure that you will reconsider and pay the ticket, how much is it anyway? at the same time you can donate a gift for the Baja Nomad Toy Drive for January 6th :saint:

cathart - 12-15-2006 at 01:14 AM

Well guess what--we got a ticket today too, at the same place--just north of the end of the toll road, in Tijuana--but the Cop asked if we had time to go to the Police station to pay the fine, and when we said we didn't, because we had an appointment in San Diego, he said he would take $70 instead of the usual $135 (that he said the ticket would cost), and he wouldn't give us a ticket. I just hope he really won't turn in the ticket, since we did see him writing it up, before he made the offer. We just paid him, and he drove away!

Bob and Susan - 12-15-2006 at 06:35 AM

the question is....

were you speeding???

Bruce R Leech - 12-15-2006 at 07:05 AM

time to slow down

fdt - 12-15-2006 at 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cathart
Well guess what--we got a ticket today too, at the same place--just north of the end of the toll road, in Tijuana--but the Cop asked if we had time to go to the Police station to pay the fine, and when we said we didn't, because we had an appointment in San Diego, he said he would take $70 instead of the usual $135 (that he said the ticket would cost), and he wouldn't give us a ticket. I just hope he really won't turn in the ticket, since we did see him writing it up, before he made the offer. We just paid him, and he drove away!

You should not be affraid to demand a ticket and not pay, boy I could use your generosity, $70USD is good money. Did you get his name or badge number,was he on a motorcycle or car? The problem continues if we give in to those perros mordelones. Ask for you bilingual ticket and if he wont budge, ask to go to the station so you can call the secretay of tourism. You must not be afraid, know you rights.

BajaWarrior - 12-15-2006 at 07:57 AM

On one occasion while driving that very same stretch except heading south, a motorcycle cop came up along side of me directing me to pull over. I hugged the shoulder and started slowing. With the Playas de Tijuana toll booth in site I decided to not stop but instead just drive slow.

He came up along side of me again, directing me to pull over, I tapped the brakes as he pulled behind me as if I were pulling over. I just kept going towards the toll booth slowly half in the shoulder. We got too close to the booth and he just whipped a U-turn once we got there and we were on our way.

Here's the thing, knowing that it was a common place to be pulled over, I had even announced to my passengers that we would be pulled over on this stretch, only moments before getting to the southbound curve even though I was definately going just under the speed limit, and there he was, just like clockwork.

Years ago they pulled a sting operation in Mexicali by some officials in a known pull over spot, just past the last traffic circle before entering the highway and I've never been pulled over since then.

This is ridiculous, many of us are aware of this problem, yet, if you go the speed limit, other cars are flying by you, but we're the one getting pulled over and jacked up.

Bob H - 12-15-2006 at 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the question is....

were you speeding???

Bruce, no.... as a matter of fact there was another car passing me on the right as I passed this trap. All of a sudden I was the one being being pulled over. He asked if I had 25 minutes to pay at the station or I could pay the ticket, 1,400 pesos!, in three days in TJ. I said, I'll go to the station now, should I follow you? And he said yes. I was going to contest it at the station, but I wanted to see what he was going to do. He then went back to his bike and returned with the ticket and my drivers license and said "You can pay in in TJ in three days" and left.
In my opinion he didn't want to spend the time taking us to the station because I wasn't offering the mordida! The next two or three probably would pay it. Not me!
I'm sick of this.
Bob H

cathart - 12-15-2006 at 11:56 AM

We actually were speeding, so I wasn't averse to paying the mordida, since we were late for our appointment anyway--but I kind of got a chuckle out of it, since I had heard about this for so long.

Cypress - 12-15-2006 at 02:10 PM

What's the point of this? Are they crying about being busted for breaking the law and getting caught? :no:

Bob H - 12-15-2006 at 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cypress
What's the point of this? Are they crying about being busted for breaking the law and getting caught? :no:

Not me! I was in no hurry and always stay at or below the posted limit. Like I said, there was a car passing me on the right because I pull over to the left lane for the traffic coming in from an onramp at that location...

fdt - 12-15-2006 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the question is....

were you speeding???

You were or were not speeding, you have not answered the question. You say that the guy next to you was going faster and you are upset that you were caught? I drive on the freeway all the time and 95% of the people are doing between 70 and 80mph maybe 2 % are doing 90 and probably 3% have set theire cruise control to 65. If I get caught doing 78and the guy next to me was doing the same or faster but did not get caught, sould I pay the ticket? I know that there is the popular "I was going with the flow of traffic excuse", but were you speeding, yes or no. The place were you were caught is a 60KM zone that translates to about 38MPH, I am aware and so are the officials that most people are speeding and if you go slower or at the speed limit you can cause an accident, but that is the speed limit and you were caught, the ONLY thing to do is accept your wrong and deal with the consequences. Once again and no more, do you need help with this ticket?
One time I was on the San Diego Trolley and the security officer got on to ask for tickets, I'll never forget what he told a guy he busted with no ticket "So you are very smart and everyone else that paid for a ticket is stupid?"

PS They might lower the speed limit there even more, as mentioned before very bad accidents have happened there.

Bruce R Leech - 12-15-2006 at 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the question is....

were you speeding???

that is a bummer Bob. But I think I would have given the ticket back and insisted that you go to the station. It may take an hour or even 2 but it is the only way that this will ever stop. I'm glad you did not feed the bears. and thanks for sharing this with us.

bajasammy - 12-15-2006 at 05:28 PM

It's an absolutely ridiculous speed limit at that location, but it is posted.

I'd do whatever fdt says and take him up on his generous offer to help out - it worked for me!

Are there any easy ways to avoid this section? La Gloria exit?

Ridiculous Speed Limits

MrBillM - 12-15-2006 at 05:49 PM

"ODD" changes in the speed limit for no apparent reason aren't that uncommon in the Southeastern U.S. where the small towns and many local constables receive income from the citations. They were common in the 60s and 70s when I was down South and they were still common the last time I drove through Rural Florida in 2003. The thinking is that they serve the same purpose in Mexico.

However, since it IS Mexico, sheer Incompetence might also be a likely factor.

[Edited on 12-16-2006 by MrBillM]

fdt - 12-15-2006 at 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
However, since it IS Mexico, sheer Incompetence might also be a likely factor.

[Edited on 12-16-2006 by MrBillM]

I agree entirely, they should increase the speed limit there, but they don't because of the accidents. Maybe the incompetence starts with the way they give out driver licenses also. Incompetence in no insurance laws. Incompetence in many aspects yes, but does that give me a free ticket.
I visited my friend and our fellow nomad Oso in Yuma and I was worned by him to be carefull of the speed trap in Somerton, 25MPH, his precise words were (Si vienes desde Yuma, sigue la 95, pasando por Somerton (a 25 mph- son cabrones la chota de ambos lugares) hasta subir la mesa, luego izquierda ...
So yes, I agree that it is incompetence, but I asure you I would have had to pay a ticket in Arizona if I had been caught going over the limit.

Bob H - 12-16-2006 at 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
the question is....

were you speeding???

Fernando, I really appreciate the offer but I will personally deal with this. My answer to Bruce was "no" to his question as to if I was speeding or not. I am very familiar with this area and always slow down and move into the left lane. Thanks again for your offer to assist in this matter. Your willingness to help others is just fantastic and the offers to assist are much appreciated.
Bob H

fdt - 12-16-2006 at 01:39 PM

You're welcome.

fdt - 1-4-2007 at 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
[PS They might lower the speed limit there even more, as mentioned before very bad accidents have happened there.

people complain about this stretch of road, residents and visitors alike. The authorities are aware that the 60Kph limit is not observed and they are trying to save lives so they might be patroling it even more now, so watch out.
http://www.frontera.info/galerias/homeNew.aspx?numgaleria=56...
As I posted on another thread, I saw city police blocking the road to playas early in the morning yesterday, this was it.

Coincidence....hardly!

Sharksbaja - 1-4-2007 at 07:52 PM

:lol:

Same cop, same MO, same amount. Good on ya Bajaeng :lol:

Quote:

I got pulled over a couple weeks ago too ... the same stretch of road just outside playas tijuana ... a motorcycle cop clocked me at 111km/hr ... I was about to hand my license over to him and get wrtten up (because I deserved the ticket) but my honey stepped in and started rattling off a pasionate plea ... she bribed him right there on the spot and I thought for sure we would be going to jail because I just read an article that day about how the local police have been cleaned out of corrupt cops ... he took $20 and we were on our way ... two hours later I was still shaking because of my honey's bribe ... she says I need to relax ...

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=18168#pid1569...

[Edited on 1-5-2007 by Sharksbaja]

paul-sf - 1-18-2007 at 05:58 PM

I was pulled over in the same spot as sharksbaja in December. After spending 10 months or so on separate trips, this was the first time I decided to participcate in the bite. Having my wife in the front seat and a 5 month old in the back seat at dusk after 10 hours on the road made me not want to risk a trip to the station.

So as we get a mile down the road toward the border and we get pulled over AGAIN by a different motorcycle cop. This time, I lay into him as he's walking up to the car in my broken spanish calling BS and generally carrying on. He holds his hands up and says he was just trying to give me directions and then made a point of pointing me to the border and even provided a brief escort.

Is it just me, or are the lane assignmentss on the way to the border designed to make you take two wrong turns?