BajaNomad - My first mordida!

My first mordida!

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 01:05 PM

Just got back from a week trip down to Mulege/Coyote Bay. First off, it was an amazing trip--loved it, loved it, loved it, as always.

But on our way home through TJ, driving through town from the road alongside the border, we noticed there were cones partially blocking the lane going up to the border. There were also several motorcycle cops sitting by the cones. At first sight, we thought the lane was closed, so went straight, then realized it was open and should have taken it. We drove down and turned right on a side road to bring us back and were pulled over. He was very polite, but gave us some trumped up and inaccurate "reason" we broke a law and basically took us for $60. He of course offered to give us a $85 ticket and have us follow him to pay it, but we were so tired of being in the car at that time and were eager to get home. I didn't think at the time to get his badge number or name, but would he even give it to us? How do you go about getting a badge number from a cop accepting a mordida? Has anyone seen this scam at this road? This was the first time I've ever been pulled over in Mexico. And to think--if my husband hadn't listened to me, we would have taken the road & been on our merry way!

Fred - 10-16-2007 at 01:34 PM

I remember my first stop in the 60's. Drunk and driving in TJ. Just out of high school. Those were the day when you had a $20 behind your driver's license. Just a cheap one back then.

BajaGeoff - 10-16-2007 at 01:37 PM

Sorry about that Bajaboolie. I think requesting to pay the ticket by mail is the best thing to do in this situation...at least that is what the Baja Tourism Board suggests. Has anyone tried doing that?

I am also wondering about the whole "no ticket zone" between the last toll booth and the border that supposedly went into effect at the beginning of summer. Apparently the cops didn't get the memo.

BajaBruno - 10-16-2007 at 02:49 PM

I those situations, I simply refuse to pay. I make a speech in my best Spanglish about how they can tow the car, take my license, give me a ticket, or do whatever, but corruption is illegal in Mexico and I will not pay them money. The word "corruption," which is basically the same in English as Spanish, seems to have a profound effect on the dear officer.

This has happened to me maybe eight times, always on the mainland. In every case, the cop silently hands me my license, walks to his car, and drives away. Many of my Mexican friends/family in DF simply pay the cop when they know they are wrong, but I think that sends the wrong message; however, I certainly don't judge the scared American for doing whatever is least scary at the moment.

[Edited on 10-16-2007 by BajaBruno]

Bob and Susan - 10-16-2007 at 02:52 PM

i would have paid the $85 and
asked him to give you an escort to the border and
a front space in line :lol:

Cap - 10-16-2007 at 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
i would have paid the $85 and
asked him to give you an escort to the border and
a front space in line :lol:

Best answer I have heard yet.

Suzie - 10-16-2007 at 02:59 PM

Not long ago on my way northbound, I was pulled over by a motorcycle officer. I was slightly exceeding the speed limit along the border fence. He politely told me he was going to have to give me a ticket. I agreed that I was exceeding the speed limit and I would be happy to follow him to the police station to pay the ticket (since I didn't know my way.) He then proceeded to warn me about speeding and went on his merry way. Another thing that works is to tell them you live in Mexico and they usually will send you on your way. The corrupt ones are looking for "dumb tourists."

Cap - 10-16-2007 at 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaBruno
I those situations, I simply refuse to pay. I make a speech in my best Spanglish about how they can tow the car, take my license, give me a ticket, or do whatever, but corruption is illegal in Mexico and I will not pay them money. The word "corruption," which is basically the same in English as Spanish, seems to have a profound effect on the dear officer.

This has happened to me maybe eight times, always on the mainland. In every case, the cop silently hands me my license, walks to his car, and drives away. Many of my Mexican friends/family in DF simply pay the cop when they know they are wrong, but I think that sends the wrong message; however, I certainly don't judge the scared American for doing whatever is least scary at the moment.

[Edited on 10-16-2007 by BajaBruno]

Good for you, I am glad to see someone stand up and prevail too.

We have this same problem, mind you on a much smaller scale, flying in Mexico. Mostly on the mainland, but occasionally in Baja. The trumped up charges vary; Customs is closed on weekends, you did not gt the proper stamp on your form etc. But, I always flatly refuse to pay, and request that we make some calls to officials. It is amazing how fast the problem goes away.
Of course in the middle of a busy Int'l airport it is easy to be brave. I would probably be less inclined on a side street of Tijuana. :rolleyes:

jmacallister - 10-16-2007 at 03:06 PM

Ran into a new form of the "Baja Bite" on Sunday at the airport in San Jose del Cabo. Three of us were returning from a fishing trip to the East Cape and lugging a bunch of rods, reels, and fish. The "Mexican TSA" inspector hand-checking our bags said that one of them was clearly over weight and would cost us an additional $50 in Alaska Airline fees. However, for a mere $20, our ever-eager philandropist would see to it that our bags weren't weighed. My colleague whipped out the twenty and that was that. Shortly thereafter, we were back to the usual routine of Pemex sleight of hand while returning our rental car. Unfortunately for the pump jockey, we weren't in the mood to be tapped again and read him the riot act until sheepishly pulled the missing $20 from his pocket. In the game of modida, batting .500 isn't all that bad I'd say. Or not.
John

Bob H - 10-16-2007 at 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaboolie
Just got back from a week trip down to Mulege/Coyote Bay. First off, it was an amazing trip--loved it, loved it, loved it, as always.

Hey, we just got back from the same trip. We stayed for two nights on Coyote beach. Last Tuesday and Wednesday nights - were you there then? We were the couple in the cabover camper with a bright green tandum kayak.
Bob H
PS: Sorry to hear about being pulled over in TJ.

bajarich - 10-16-2007 at 03:28 PM

When I returned from the East Cape in April, I missed the border exit, took the next one and went around the block to get in the border line. There was a stop sign where I made a full stop before the last right turn. As I was just approaching the line I noticed a motorcycle officer with lights flashing behind me. He told me that I had not stopped for a full 3 seconds at the stop sign and that I could pay him $50 or I could go to the station where the fine would be $75. He took my drivers license and went back to his motorcycle. When he returned I told him I wanted to go to the station, but he would have to escort me to turn around (with my boat) in front of all the oncoming traffic. He handed my drivers license back and smilled an said " Have a Nice Day".

[Edited on 10-16-2007 by bajarich]

[Edited on 10-16-2007 by bajarich]

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 03:46 PM

Bajarich, that was the exact same spot (and same missed exit) we were in. I started to question his reason for the mordida, but figured I'd be smart to keep my mouth shut. After all, he has a gun and I don't, and I'm just not familiar with TJ streets. They really have to reach to find excuses to pull people over.

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaboolie
Just got back from a week trip down to Mulege/Coyote Bay. First off, it was an amazing trip--loved it, loved it, loved it, as always.

Bob, yes we were there then! Small world. We were staying in one of the houses, the third one from the most south. We even took a walk, intending to walk as far as the campers, but our daughter was collecting shells at a snail's pace, so we turned around before it got too dark.

Lindalou - 10-16-2007 at 04:05 PM

Were you by any chance at Chets and Meridas?

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by RichnLinda
Were you by any chance at Chets and Meridas?

Chet & Merida...no we weren't. I'm not sure who they are. Do you know which house is theirs? I'm guessing my dad or uncle would know them.

lizard lips - 10-16-2007 at 05:41 PM

I Think next time you come back through TJ just look for a cop, any cop, and go straight up to him and give him a $50.00 bill. In fact I think every gringo should do this before heading home! Lets all just make it easy for them. Why should we make them start up the patrol car then have them think of some stupid excuse like your tires dont have enough air or it's illegal in Mexico to drive with both hands on the steering wheel. Just give them the cash.....

Bob H - 10-16-2007 at 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaboolie

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaboolie
Just got back from a week trip down to Mulege/Coyote Bay. First off, it was an amazing trip--loved it, loved it, loved it, as always.

We kayaked past those homes on Wednesday morning - the water was soooo smooth. There were a few chairs down by the water around where you were - was that you guys? Unreal. Did you hang around Mulege the Sunday before and watch NFL football at El Candil on Sunday (Chargers -vs- Denver) at the bar?
Bob H

David K - 10-16-2007 at 06:49 PM

With the Blvd. 2000 open and a beautiful drive... why are you guys going through TJ that way and putting up with their stuff? http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24396

Nobody mentioned Sindicatura yet? http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/complaints/Complaints.asp

[Edited on 10-17-2007 by David K]

Baja&Back - 10-16-2007 at 07:38 PM

Quote:

Nobody mentioned Sindicatura yet? http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/complaints/Complaints.asp

Hey, David, thanks for that link. I have bookmarked it on my laptop that we will take south with us.
It'll be SO convenient if we get hit up!! :yes:

DianaT - 10-16-2007 at 07:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
With the Blvd. 2000 open and a beautiful drive... why are you guys going through TJ that way and putting up with their stuff? http://forums.bajanomad.com/viewthread.php?tid=24396

Nobody mentioned Sindicatura yet? http://www.sindicatura.gob.mx/complaints/Complaints.asp

[Edited on 10-17-2007 by David K]

Didn''t you find it interesting that Fernando posted an article about blvd. 2000? It sounds like he and other locals in that area will not take that road?

Minnow - 10-16-2007 at 08:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Baja&Back
Hey, David, thanks for that link. I have bookmarked it on my laptop that we will take south with us.
It'll be SO convenient if we get hit up!! :yes:

How long have you been running caravans?

fdt - 10-16-2007 at 08:15 PM

Bajaboolie, sorry that you had to experience the mordida, we are trying hard to fight it. The officer has a badge number and nametag, in order to persue a complaint that is very important information and as David K sais, Sindicatura is tough on them. Once again sorry and as for the Blvd 2000, yes it is new and beautiful but far away and lonely and there have been many cases of asaults there. They are trying to open a new police, fire and ambulance station there.

David K - 10-16-2007 at 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jdtrotter

Quote:

Didn''t you find it interesting that Fernando posted an article about blvd. 2000? It sounds like he and other locals in that area will not take that road?

I didn't say to use it in the dark... Anyway, we are all adults and need to exercise good judgement when in Mexico (or anywhere), right? Blvd. 2000 is an OPTION now available to avoid that stretch from Rosarito to Playas to the border.

Book5 123r.JPG - 21kB

docsmom - 10-16-2007 at 08:53 PM

BajaGeoff,
I just googled Baja tourism board. Nothing came up. Do you have the web address?
Thanks!

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fdt
Bajaboolie, sorry that you had to experience the mordida, we are trying hard to fight it. The officer has a badge number and nametag, in order to persue a complaint that is very important information and as David K sais, Sindicatura is tough on them.

Thanks, fdt. I do wonder, though, how to go about getting a badge number. It seems an officer would not give it to anyone since the only reason they'd want it is to file a complaint. I wish I had looked at his nametag, but it all happened so fast. Only after I thought about the way I should have responded did I really realize that I reinforced him seeking mordidas. Hindsight is 20/20, but frankly I didn't want to tick him off.

Has anyone ever asked a policeman for his badge number?

Thanks for the sindicatura link, David.

[Edited on 10-17-2007 by bajaboolie]

[Edited on 10-17-2007 by bajaboolie]

David K - 10-16-2007 at 09:15 PM

Read the various posts on Sindicatura here on Nomad (use Nomad Search) and see that just taping the name 'Sindicatura' and its phone number on the back of your driver's license is all it takes to get the license back in your hands and a 'friendly' adios from the policeman!

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob H
We kayaked past those homes on Wednesday morning - the water was soooo smooth. There were a few chairs down by the water around where you were - was that you guys? Unreal. Did you hang around Mulege the Sunday before and watch NFL football at El Candil on Sunday (Chargers -vs- Denver) at the bar?
Bob H

Yes, those chairs belong to the neighbors, but we were in the water every morning, right by the chairs. I was looking at one of my pictures and it had a tandem kayak in the background, but it looked yellow. :lol:

We were in Mulege Sunday evening, but didn't go to El Candil or see the game. We probably walked by it, though!

bajaboolie - 10-16-2007 at 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Read the various posts on Sindicatura here on Nomad (use Nomad Search) and see that just taping the name 'Sindicatura' and its phone number on the back of your driver's license is all it takes to get the license back in your hands and a 'friendly' adios from the policeman!

Excellent. Very good suggestion! So simple and effective.

xiv015 - 10-16-2007 at 11:40 PM

I ran into the same situation near the border. To get out of the ticket (especially if you weren't in the wrong) demand to pay the ticket at the police station. It might take a little longer, but in the long run it's the best thing to do.

http://www.ninedaysinbaja.com

I've got a word-by-word account of what I said to a tijuana cop looking for a bribe on Day 1 of my website.

Mexitron - 10-17-2007 at 07:28 AM

Was thinking, what with scanners and computers being so good these days, of printing a couple hundred in counterfeit bills to hand to the officer in those situations(that's what our Federal reserve does!). But then it occurred to me that the passed dollars would eventually screw some innocent person over, so not such a good idea.

rhintransit - 10-17-2007 at 08:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Suzie
Not long ago on my way northbound, I was pulled over by a motorcycle officer. I was slightly exceeding the speed limit along the border fence. He politely told me he was going to have to give me a ticket. I agreed that I was exceeding the speed limit and I would be happy to follow him to the police station to pay the ticket (since I didn't know my way.) He then proceeded to warn me about speeding and went on his merry way. Another thing that works is to tell them you live in Mexico and they usually will send you on your way. The corrupt ones are looking for "dumb tourists."

I got stopped in Tecate once, was in the wrong (though it was an obvious-after-the -fact trap), admitted it to the motorcycle guy, who then said...the fine is very big, do you have 700 pesos to pay it? I put on my very best distressed female face and said, oh, no, I only have enough money to make it back to Phoenix, I just got confused, I've never been here before, can't you let me go this one time? we did a stare down for awhile...I think he was waiting for the light bulb to go on in my head to offer him a bribe, and I was waiting to see if he would have the nerve to ask for one...then he waved me on with a disgusted look on his face. playing dumb is different from 'dumb tourist' dumb

DianaT - 10-17-2007 at 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

I didn't say to use it in the dark... Anyway, we are all adults and need to exercise good judgement when in Mexico (or anywhere), right? Blvd. 2000 is an OPTION now available to avoid that stretch from Rosarito to Playas to the border.

What an astute observation and such sage advice.

Guess we should just ignore FDTs post on this thread, afterall, he just lives there.

Quote:

Once again sorry and as for the Blvd 2000, yes it is new and beautiful but far away and lonely and there have been many cases of asaults there.

Diane

David K - 10-17-2007 at 09:41 AM

There are reports of assults ALL over Baja... An older American man was killed while camping on Concepcion Bay not long ago... There are assults and murders avery day here in California...

If you are going to allow bad news dictate your life instead of the good news, then there won't be much happiness in it, or at least any adventure!

Now, if Blvd. 2000 was really dangerous to everyone, don't you think there would be more reports of problems?

I have read MANY reports of violence along Hwy. 1-D, do you drive it still?

Blvd. 2000 is an option to bypass downtown Tijuana and Rosarito, so is Hwy. 3 to Tecate...

Would it be better if no options were available and travelers remain uninformed about the new divided highways built? I only inform about roads I have used and let you be adult enough to decide to use it or not.

Based on the amount of attacks reported on Hwy. 1-D, how come you are not leading as strong a campaign against using it as you are here against the Blvd. 2000?

If I can help Baja travelers (with factual information), I try to do my best... You liked Bahia Asuncion didn't you? I am sure there are problems with crime there too... It's everywhere... But, you should still be able to enjoy life, right?
Have a nice day...

DianaT - 10-17-2007 at 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
There are reports of assults ALL over Baja... An older American man was killed while camping on Concepcion Bay not long ago... There are assults and murders avery day here in California...

If you are going to allow bad news dictate your life instead of the good news, then there won't be much happiness in it, or at least any adventure!

Now, if Blvd. 2000 was really dangerous to everyone, don't you think there would be more reports of problems?

I have read MANY reports of violence along Hwy. 1-D, do you drive it still?

Blvd. 2000 is an option to bypass downtown Tijuana and Rosarito, so is Hwy. 3 to Tecate...

Would it be better if no options were available and travelers remain uninformed about the new divided highways built? I only inform about roads I have used and let you be adult enough to decide to use it or not.

Based on the amount of attacks reported on Hwy. 1-D, how come you are not leading as strong a campaign against using it as you are here against the Blvd. 2000?

If I can help Baja travelers (with factual information), I try to do my best... You liked Bahia Asuncion didn't you? I am sure there are problems with crime there too... It's everywhere... But, you should still be able to enjoy life, right?
Have a nice day...

Never said we didn't use it---not a "strong campaign", just included some more information from someone who is quite familar with Tijuana.

Diane

fdt - 10-17-2007 at 10:03 AM

Ok, in regards to Blvd 2000, those of you that have traveled it know that it is very, very lonely (as in people living in the area), no services, no gas stations, no phone, not sure but probably no cell phone reception, no patrol cars (this could be good or bad, depending) and as I posted before with that news article, locals fear traveling it because of asaults beeing reported there.
I must say (write) that it definatly is a great short cut for going south but only if you want to go to Otay comming from or to the USA, we and many many others will just not use Otay border crossing because of the longer wait and it is out of the way. Take it or leave it but if I was at the Tijuana airport and had to go to the USA I would get to my destination a lot faster by going down the hill and using the San Ysidro border crossing even if it sounds illogical, I am willing to bet 10, 20 50 or even 100 centavos on it. As for night travel or early morning (still dark) I would be willing again to wager double my original bet that using Hwy 1, the free road is the safest route.
Sorry, but my finances right now do not allow me to place a larger wager.

David K - 10-17-2007 at 10:14 AM

Thank you Ferna for your valuable (inside) information... The more good information reported here, the better it is for all of us.

The problem with using the old/ free road (Hwy. 1) out of or into Tijuana for most would be the traffic (busses and trucks) and dozens of stop lights. You being right next to it (and the Tijuana Brewery) has its advantages over those of us coming from the border. :bounce:

Talk to you later (rainy day off for me)!

MrsFDT - 10-17-2007 at 10:40 AM

Quote:

OK, I kind of agree with David on this one. You have to use caution no matter where you travel. Logically driving 2000 isnt safe at night considering all the babber about it. These hoolagans use your lack of senses: being dark you cant see and are more sucseptable to fear. Feal is the killer in any situation. Clogs the thought process.

If you are brave and good with a bat, use it (hwy 2000 not the bat), if not then dont, it's that simple.

Odds are that if you travel any of these roads extensively your chances of running into trouble go up anyway.

I personally would use 2000, if it were in my line of travel, But I would be prepared to travel it during the day and watch for rocks in the road. Besides dont bad guys have to sleep after a full night of vigilance and rock throwing? Im thankful we dont have to run the pass on horses or stage coaches and worry about being robbed without the protection of a heavy casing (Car). You cant run over a bad guy on your horse.... Or can you? Times have changes but crime and poverty/desparation hasnt

You can bring with you a very protective Rott and loose him should you hit a rock in the dark, lol. Nothing scares a mexican bandito more than a snarling set of canine teeth. Even without a snarl, this dog has a stare that scares anyone, no matter how sweet he is.

And before you say "im not going out to buy a dog" I said it more as a joke,.... Unless you do own a large beast... You might consider taking him along next time, if you dont already.

I would, if FDT wasnt such a sissy about the pooch smell. lol

Sorry hun, I didnt mean to call you a sissy in public...... Or did I? :saint:

Pstreet1 - 10-17-2007 at 11:04 AM

Driving through TJ while talking on the cell phone? There really is a $40.00 fine for driving while talking on the cell phone in most places in Mexico (Baja Times--sorry, forgot which issue).

Bad advice

Dave - 10-17-2007 at 11:28 AM

Quote:

Corrupt cops are not easily intimidated and quick to anger. Never challenge their authority. Respectfully ask for a ticket or escort to court.

Lindalou - 10-17-2007 at 11:43 AM

Bajaboolie, not sure, they were neighbors of ours from Santispac and several others that had to move. Ed and Wendy, Mira and Ed and several others moved to that beach. I think it's that beach. Robert and Suzie were another couple. Bobbie was another.....Don't know now if we are talking about the same beach.

David K - 10-17-2007 at 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave

Quote:

Corrupt cops are not easily intimidated and quick to anger. Never challenge their authority. Respectfully ask for a ticket or escort to court.

Since you never mentioned their advice was bad when they posted it, I will say that what you are quoting is that I suggested a review of past postings on Nomad...

FYI Dave, I have never used 'Sindicatura' to avoid a ticket.

Gnome-ad - 10-17-2007 at 12:50 PM

We went by way of Blvd 2000 this last trip down and it was great. Have never had a wait at Otay except when we brought our menage de casa down and they unpacked the whole trailer there ... a long, harsh story ... we were too afraid to offer mordida, that's illegal! :lol:

Lindalou - 10-17-2007 at 01:04 PM

Bajaboolie, chet and Merida were neighbors of ours at Santispac along with Ed and Wendy Myra and Ed, Robert and Suzie and Bobbie amoung others. Don't know if we are talking about the same beach or not. The ground was just being leveled as we headed for Punta Banda. Are there 2 story homes on that beach? if so we are talking of the same place.

Lindalou - 10-17-2007 at 01:22 PM

Sorry about too many replies this darn thing kept saying this page cannot be found! :no:

Lindalou - 10-17-2007 at 09:24 PM

Bajaboolie, don't know if you saw this yet and was just curious if you knew any of these people

bajaboolie - 10-18-2007 at 11:44 AM

RichnLinda,
I don't believe I do know them. The cove does have a few 2 story houses, but we didn't venture down the way along the houses to meet new people. One of the closer houses basically blocked our way with an unleashed dog that barked at us when we did try. :mad:

I know people love their dogs, and I'm a dog lover, too. The owners didn't move a muscle to restrain it, and seemed not to hear when I tried to get their attention. But that's another story.

So maybe next year I'll head down that way and be a little more social!