BajaNomad - Tijuana Traffic Ticket

Tijuana Traffic Ticket

docsmom - 8-4-2007 at 12:54 PM

I got a traffic ticket in Tijuana in January, from a VERY FRIENDLY motorcycle officer named Jessie. I'd arrived in TJ via the toll road and the access to the SY border crossing was closed. So I was headed off to the left, didn't know where I was going..... within one minute of being re-directed the adorable and very friendly Jessie pulled me over and sited me for going one mile over the speed limit. My husband and I insisted on going to the police dept or the courthouse to resolve the situation, even though Jessie was concerned that we didn't want to spend the 3 or 4 hours it would take to resolve the situation.... We insisted that we had the time but he'd have to go with us since we didn't know how to get there. Ulitmately he handed me the ticket and showed me a SY address where I could mail the fine.
Here's the problem. My husband inadvertantly threw the ticket away before I'd paid it! It was laying on the desk in my home ofice with a bunch of junk mail and........ I absolutely want to pay the fine, even though it's BS, and now I'm afraid to drive south of the border with the ticket outstanding. You all are so familiar with the good and bad of Mexican policies, can you give me any direction? If there's a way to track it and pay it, that's what I want to do. But if not, what's your opinion on their tracking system? If I should let it go, bueno bueno.
I've been a lurker for such a long time and the Baja Nomad today cleared up my login so I can finally communicate. All you BN's give me such pleasure reading your posts. Thank you for bringing the beautiful Baja to my land locked Las Vegas existance!

woody with a view - 8-4-2007 at 01:00 PM

i wouldn't worry about it. that's just me though. if you ever get pulled over again and the actually call you on it, just tell them the truth and offer to pay the fine then.

anyone else????

DENNIS - 8-4-2007 at 01:05 PM

I agree. Leave the can of worms closed. Chances are, it's over in your life.
By the way..... What was the fine for one mph over the limit?

[Edited on 8-4-2007 by DENNIS]

docsmom - 8-4-2007 at 01:34 PM

Thanks .
The fine was $50 US.

fdt - 8-4-2007 at 01:35 PM

Do you remember date and time when the adorable and very friendly Jessie cited you? I can find out for you the status with all the info.

BajaNomad - 8-4-2007 at 01:38 PM

http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=20979#pid1858...

docsmom - 8-4-2007 at 01:48 PM

And it was such a BS ticket. I was diverted from the access to the SY border and sent off into TJ. You can imagine I was driving very carefully since I didn't know where to go, and suddenly "Jessie" was behind me on a motorcycle. It was very funny because he was SO FRIENDLY. I started to debate with him, because I didn't think I'd done anything wrong, but my husband in the pasenger seat shut me down and said "don't argue with the TJ cops!". Of course he was right. It was just so funny that Jessie finally showed me the US address to pay the fine. Gosh I wish the paperwork wasn't thrown away by my husband. $50 US is so worth it to not be anxious the next time I'm down there!

docsmom - 8-4-2007 at 01:51 PM

FTD,
Thank you so much. I will figure out the details this weekend and send them to you.

Diver - 8-4-2007 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by docsmom
My husband inadvertantly threw the ticket away....

Define "inadvertantly" please. :lol:

docsmom - 8-4-2007 at 02:08 PM

Don't make me give the details! When you've been married for 20 years, and you want to be married for 20 more years, you learn not to ask for the details! It's all about acceptance.

DENNIS - 8-4-2007 at 02:11 PM

docsmom......

Sounds as though you're a pretty good politician. Maybe your husband should have let you hash it out with Jesse.

All you really had to do

Sharksbaja - 8-4-2007 at 02:18 PM

was to offer him 40(maybe 20) bucks to "please pay the fine for me". Call it what you want but he was hoping you would help him out with dinner that night.

Hey what happened to the "new" attitude towards Americans returning home the chief was talking about? OOps! :lol:

TICKET

cristobal - 8-4-2007 at 02:44 PM

DOCSMOM..........

I got a ticket several years ago as I got off the PAY ROAD heading into ENSENADA. This cop saw me go by and tried to give me a ticket for speeding. He took my LICENSE and told me it would be waiting for me at the POLICE STATION in ENSENADA when I paid my fine.
I thought I would be clever and get a new LICENSE back in ORANGE COUNTY when I get back and these guys would never see me again.
A month later I was in TIJUANA visiting some friends before heading SOUTH and was told that the POLICE are on COMPUTERS and if I get stopped again with an outstanding ticket on file ............... they would put me on the "ROAD CREW" ....... for a week.
I made a point to CAREFULLY drive to ENSENADA .... find the POLICE STATION and pay my fine.
:fire:

I also got my LICENSE back ... they had it stapled to the ticket.
:bounce:

I looked at that as a LEARNING EXPERIENCE.

Sharksbaja - 8-4-2007 at 02:46 PM

Did you say computers???? No way! :lol:

some people are so easily fooled

woody with a view - 8-4-2007 at 02:50 PM

the mexicans are going to kidnap you and put you on a chain gang for a week? for not paying a ticket? i think they'd rather charge you double the original ticket and keep international relations at their current pathetic state......

edit: spelling!

[Edited on 8-4-2007 by woody in ob]

oldhippie - 8-4-2007 at 03:44 PM

"But if not, what's your opinion on their tracking system?"

What tracking system? The reason the cops take bribes is because there is very little money in the system. They have some high tech stuff but every peso spent by the police in TJ (not many) is to prevent crime. There is no investigation after a petty crime is committed. So your minor offense really doesn't exist.

DENNIS - 8-4-2007 at 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldhippie
The reason the cops take bribes is because there is very little money in the system.

Seems that goes both ways.

Mexican Justice

MrBillM - 8-4-2007 at 04:15 PM

Speaking of bribes, the financial situation for "someone" in the judicial branch no doubt improved as a result of their dropping all charges against Dwayne (Dog) Chapman.

You have to love the system. As long as you can afford it.

oldhippie - 8-4-2007 at 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by oldhippie
The reason the cops take bribes is because there is very little money in the system.

Seems that goes both ways.

good point

[Edited on 8-5-2007 by oldhippie]

tjvagabundo - 8-4-2007 at 10:01 PM

If you are concerned about being pulled over again with an unpaid ticket on your record you can pay the ticket directly at an office near the police sub-station on 8th street and 1/2 block West of Revolucion. If they are unable to pull up the ticket using your name, DL # or plate # then I think it would be safe to not pay it. I don't know if this is true but I have heard that the TJPD has no system in place to track violations for people from the US.

docsmom - 8-5-2007 at 09:23 AM

FTD,
Thanks so much for your offer to help. Check your U2U.

Everyone,
Thanks for your comments/suggestions. I live in Las Vegas, might gamble a bit from time to time, but not going to bet against the Mexican authorities. It's just not worth the risk over $50.

Tomas Tierra - 8-5-2007 at 10:05 AM

I got pulled just the other day in TJ.follow me down to the station and pay the $144 fine. I know the price is BS because of info on this board..Thinking of timing, subjecting my Wife and 19 month old son to hanging in downtown TJ, I asked to pay on the spot. The moto cop asked how much I wanted to pay. I said how about $20? He laughed. I told him I had $100 and needed to fill up for $50 and $10 for In n Out and all I could give him was $40..He took it "wrapped up tight and handed to me down low"..

I thought it was $ well spent considering the situation..Took about 10 mins and I was on my way....

Was I speeding? no. Did i have surfboards on the roof?Yes Was it the right thing to do?? anyone??

tjvagabundo - 8-5-2007 at 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tomas Tierra
Was I speeding? no. Did i have surfboards on the roof?Yes Was it the right thing to do?? anyone??

Giving into their intimidation is never the right thing to do.
Usually if you insist on seeing the judge after a while they will give up and move on to search for their next victim. If the cop has to take you to see the judge then he won't be making any money.

Be respectful to the officer and ask to be taken to see the judge.

bancoduo - 8-5-2007 at 11:24 AM

After being stopped many times, one time I decided to call their bluff. I demanded to go to the police station. I had to surrender my driver license and registration, then they told me to follow them too the station. Started following them, when their red light and siren came on and they were gone. ESTUPIDO GRINGO. NO MAS! :lol:

Minnow - 8-5-2007 at 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bancoduo
After being stopped many times, one time I decided to call their bluff. I demanded to go to the police station. I had to surrender my driver license and registration, then they told me to follow them too the station. Started following them, when their red light and siren came on and they were gone. ESTUPIDO GRINGO. NO MAS! :lol:

Do you have those Cop's names.

So I can go give them a HIGH FIVE! :lol:

longlegsinlapaz - 8-5-2007 at 11:44 AM

Quote:

I'm holding off my judgement of what degree of estupido....until I hear what became of your license & registration that you'd surrendered! :no:

Alan - 8-5-2007 at 12:02 PM

Putting an end to mordida is a noble idea but not very practical. Do we get stopped for bogus violations? You bet. Mine was for speeding through Constitution last month (while following a hay truck over topes and a stop sign on every other corner. I guess I never realized how fast those hay trucks could accelerate)! But for someone whose spanish is pretty much limited to - taco, cerveza and pescado what is the chance I could explain the circumstances to a judge. Do you really think they have to provide an interpreter for me like we provide them here in the Estado Unidos? How do you say Hay Truck in Espanol?

Finally after 20 minutes of haggling and finally agreeing to go to the police station the cop finally gave up and came right out and said Okay, How much? I gave him $20 and was on my way.

[Edited on 8-5-2007 by Alan]

[Edited on 8-5-2007 by Alan]

DENNIS - 8-5-2007 at 01:02 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Tomas Tierra
Was it the right thing to do?? anyone??

No. It wasn't right but, it was expedient.
We come to Mexico and so often cry and complain about the street justice system. The corrupt police. The bribery. What lost words. We are an integral part of the system because it's usually more self serving to be expedient and pay the fine on the street.
It's the wrong thing to do but, for reasons of our own, we choose to justify our actions as in the best interest of all involved.
So.... Who's corrupt and who's dishonest and immoral and at fault for the healthy life of a predatory legal system? Is it the police or is it us?
I say, we make a good team, in the name of expedience.

Bob and Susan - 8-5-2007 at 03:10 PM

good words dennis....

tom...you became a criminal as soon as you offered the money... :no:

welcome to the "dark side" :lol:

Criminal Behavior

MrBillM - 8-5-2007 at 03:29 PM

The thought of all of those Gringo Criminals running around free who have offered bribes to civil employees is almost too much to contemplate. They should be hunted down and jailed for introducing corruption into the upstanding and pristine civic environment of Mexico.

I am proud to say that I've NEVER offered anyone in Mexico a Bribe. I HAVE frequently paid inspecting officers what THEY determined I should pay. They're the experts. I TRUST that they are acting correctly. When told by a police officer that I must pay a fine, I also HAVE, many times, politely asked if it was possible for the officer to pay my fine at his convenience so that I might save time and not have to detour. I'm Sure that, in all cases, the officials involved acted responsibly.

They all seemed to be very pleasant and honest people.

DENNIS - 8-5-2007 at 03:45 PM

MrBill........

You, sir, are The Grand Justifier. You don't have to offer. The contract will develop without a tacky suggestion from you but, you know that. Besides, MrBill, offering is part of negotiation. Paying is selling what's left of your rightous soul. I would venture a guess that we, most of us anyway, are all soulless.

bancoduo - 8-5-2007 at 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
The thought of all of those Gringo Criminals running around free who have offered bribes to civil employees is almost too much to contemplate. They should be hunted down and jailed for introducing corruption into the upstanding and pristine civic environment of Mexico.

I am proud to say that I've NEVER offered anyone in Mexico a Bribe. I HAVE frequently paid inspecting officers what THEY determined I should pay. They're the experts. I TRUST that they are acting correctly. When told by a police officer that I must pay a fine, I also HAVE, many times, politely asked if it was possible for the officer to pay my fine at his convenience so that I might save time and not have to detour. I'm Sure that, in all cases, the officials involved acted responsibly.

They all seemed to be very pleasant and honest people.

I didn't know you had a sense of humor. :lol:

Righteous ?

MrBillM - 8-5-2007 at 03:58 PM

I don't think that, ever in my life, have I used THAT adjective in reference to myself.

DENNIS - 8-5-2007 at 04:00 PM

Well, if you have no soul, you have no need.

Soul Man

MrBillM - 8-5-2007 at 04:08 PM

I'm hoping when the time comes, that St. Peter is on a break and a Mexican is taking his place.

DENNIS - 8-5-2007 at 04:10 PM

You mean the Mexican is going to be guarding the fence? That's a switch.

bancoduo - 8-5-2007 at 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I'm hoping when the time comes, that St. Peter is on a break and a Mexican is taking his place.

Don't forget your wallet.

toneart - 8-5-2007 at 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bancoduo

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I'm hoping when the time comes, that St. Peter is on a break and a Mexican is taking his place.

Don't forget your wallet.

Where oh where are the vocal moral minority?

Lee - 8-5-2007 at 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I'm hoping when the time comes, that St. Peter is on a break and a Mexican is taking his place.

Don't forget your wallet.

''mordita is an inherent cultural problem....

continuing to pay mordita only perpetuates the something for nothing mentality.....

Morditda negatively effects YOU....

people who pay mordita are SELFISH!!...

They only think & care about their own interests...

"Money talks" alright!...

But have you ever stopped to LISTEN to what it's saying about you & how you chose to use it??''

Thought there was two sides to the mordida issues the Gringoes have created.

:cool:

Honoring the Culture

MrBillM - 8-5-2007 at 08:58 PM

Having supported the Mordida system for over Thirty years and having never felt distress over it, I will continue to support that system for whatever future time I spend in Baja. I've had better experiences with Mordida than the more formal methods of official extortion.

I could care less what ANYONE else thinks about that. EVERYONE else can pursue whatever path they feel like and I could care less about that.

I have no desire to change any aspect of another country's culture or bureaucracy.

Call it whatever you want. It works for me and the opinions of any detractors are less than meaningless.

In other words, T. S.

Mango - 8-5-2007 at 11:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lee

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM
I'm hoping when the time comes, that St. Peter is on a break and a Mexican is taking his place.

Don't forget your wallet.

I think you give the gringos too much credit. We didn't create the Mordida system in Mexico. If it were created by gringos and for gringos as you imply, you would not see any Mordida in non-toursty parts of Mexico. The fact is, bribes are paid by Mexicans all over the country. While I will admit, some gringos are "targeted" in certain areas. I know many Mexicans who had to pay extra to get there phone service installed within the decade, etc..

My guess is that "Mordida" started sometime between when Cortez demanded gold from the Aztecs before he killed Montezuma II and the Spanish American War. Between those two events they had several bloody and long revolutions where the rich controlled all the land and power, while 90% or the people had little or no rights, future, or power.

Quote:

To say that circumventing the law is immorral is to assume that the law itself is moral and right. -Carl Franz (Peoples Guide to Mexico)

The locals that had be subjugated to immoral and illegal theft and destruction of their lands, culture, and religion by the French, Spanish, Americans, Mestizos, etc.. might not have respected "law and order" the same way as you see it. Mexico has been though a lot, and is a very diverse country that will take some time to settle out enough to heal the negative wounds and customs of the past.

Where do we stand now? Not in a perfect world. So don't expect Mexico to be perfect. Deal with the current customs and laws in Mexico if you know what is best. You can always make up a fantasy Mexican world of your own if you don't like the way things are. People just might think you are crazy though.

Very often reality is not so nice or fair. However you find reality in Mexico, it's Mexican reality. Gringos are way outnumbered in Mexico, so they will have to change it, not you.

Maybe you will find the attitude of the past more suitable as far as bribes are concerned.

During Aztec times this is how bribery was looked at:

Quote:

Aztec judges drew their salary from the proceeds of lands set aside for them by the state, which was supposed to make the judge less susceptible to bribery and corruption. Judges were bound to render impartial verdicts and sentences without regard to the parties social status based solely on their wisdom. A judge was not allowed to accept gifts in any form and was bound by strong rules of ethics. A violation of these ethics could result in a number of penalties. - "The Aztec Legal System " - by Professor David D Friedman

I hear there was absolutely no way of bribing your way out of getting your heart removed with an obsidian blade! So be careful what you wish for.

Russ - 8-6-2007 at 05:32 AM

Jeeze, for a silly traffic stop just pay the man and be on your way. But at least try to haggle the fine. He'll probably have to split it 3 ways at the end of the day. Of course any thing over $50 I'd have to think about how my actions are negatively effecting the moral fabric of this society.
:biggrin:

Pay the Piper

Lee - 8-6-2007 at 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mango
I think you give the gringos too much credit. We didn't create the Mordida system in Mexico.... I hear there was absolutely no way of bribing your way out of getting your heart removed with an obsidian blade! So be careful what you wish for.

Quote:

Originally posted by Mango
We didn't create the Mordida system in Mexico. If it were created by gringos and for I hear there was absolutely no way of bribing your way out of getting your heart removed with an obsidian blade! So be careful what you wish for.

My comments were meant as tongue-in-cheek. There has been heated and emotional posts about this subject and the ''moral minority'' are adamen about the sinfulness of giving money to anyone especially if it involves extortion.

Personally, I'm with Bill. He nails this issue!

:spingrin:

wiltonh - 8-6-2007 at 08:31 PM

Two years ago I was pulled over in TJ on the hill going out of town towards the toll road. It was early in the morning and there was very little traffic. I was going over the speed limit by probably 10 miles per hour. I speak very little Spanish but my wife is fluent. The cop would not let her be with in hearing distance. He told me to come to the back of the van and made my wife stay in the passenger seat.

The guy told me the fine would be some very large amount and I told him I did not think this fair. After a long discussion, I told him that I had read about his operation on the internet. He was shaken by that and probably would have just walked off. I then offered him a much lower amount, because I had been speeding, and he took it.

I learned two things from this situation.
1. Let them know you have read about them on the internet.
2. Let them know that you plan to post the outcome.

They do not want others to find out about what they are doing.

Now on to a previous ticket which was many years ago in Ensenada. We had been riding motorcycles up near Mike's Sky Ranch and my wife had crashed and broken her collar bone. I had picked her up with my van and she was complaining about the bumps. I got out a large white nylon rope and roped her to the captains chair. This kept her arm from moving and made it easier to ride.

When we got down to Ensenada, I made an illegal turn at a traffic circle. It had a sign that said you could go around during certain hours and not others. We were in the illegal time and the cop stopped us. He came to the drivers side window and looked in and saw my wife tied to the chair. He almost came unglued. This was one time that I was very glad she spoke Spanish. Once she had explained what was going on, I paid the cop $20 and he showed us a way out of town where we did not have to go over any speed bumps.

Once we got to the line the American border guard was also very interested in why she was tied up. This time I could explain what was going on and he just sent us right on through.

joel - 8-6-2007 at 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wiltonh
Now on to a previous ticket which was many years ago in Ensenada. We had been riding motorcycles up near Mike's Sky Ranch and my wife had crashed and broken her collar bone. I had picked her up with my van and she was complaining about the bumps. I got out a large white nylon rope and roped her to the captains chair. This kept her arm from moving and made it easier to ride.

When we got down to Ensenada, I made an illegal turn at a traffic circle. It had a sign that said you could go around during certain hours and not others. We were in the illegal time and the cop stopped us. He came to the drivers side window and looked in and saw my wife tied to the chair. He almost came unglued. This was one time that I was very glad she spoke Spanish. Once she had explained what was going on, I paid the cop $20 and he showed us a way out of town where we did not have to go over any speed bumps.

Once we got to the line the American border guard was also very interested in why she was tied up. This time I could explain what was going on and he just sent us right on through.

That is hilarious! I'm almost amazed that they believed you and her and didn't think she was being coerced into saying all was okay. I'll have to ask my wife if she'd be willing to try it out next time we cross the border.

Yeah, that should work

Dave - 8-6-2007 at 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wiltonh
I learned two things from this situation.
1. Let them know you have read about them on the internet.
2. Let them know that you plan to post the outcome.

They do not want others to find out about what they are doing.

Corrupt TJ cops...outed on the internet... Brilliant. :rolleyes:

CaboRon - 8-7-2007 at 06:30 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Corrupt TJ cops...outed on the internet... Brilliant. :rolleyes:

Has anyone taken a photo of the officer, or in his view written down his badge number ?

Or would this lead to even greater trouble ?

-CaboRon

fdt - 8-7-2007 at 08:02 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CaboRon
Has anyone taken a photo of the officer, or in his view written down his badge number ?

Or would this lead to even greater trouble ?

-CaboRon

Be very careful about that CaboRon, specialy with the heavy armament ones :lol:

docsmom - 8-7-2007 at 12:55 PM

fdt,
Did you get my U2U? And was it all the information you needed?

docsmom - 8-7-2007 at 12:59 PM

Heavy armament. Two of them with slingshots, one with boogers. Hate to say it but I think boogerman scares me more! Don't want to be shot with one of those babies!

fdt - 8-7-2007 at 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by docsmom
fdt,
Did you get my U2U? And was it all the information you needed?

Got it, I'll let you know
saludos

fdt - 8-7-2007 at 08:05 PM

Ok Docsmom got the info, $486.70 pesos, check your U2U
saludos