BajaNomad

New twist at military checkpoint

oxxo - 6-4-2008 at 06:38 AM

I just passed through the military checkpoint about one mile east of San Ignacio yesterday, going south. A Federale was posted there and he was stopping everyone. He asked to see my car registration, passport, and visa. I was surprised he didn't ask to see my mexican auto insurance policy
too. He didn't ask for any I.D. from my passengers. All my papers were in order, and he waved me through.

This is the first time in about 20 trips through that checkpoint this has ever happened. I wonder if this is going to be more common in the future.

DENNIS - 6-4-2008 at 06:42 AM

He probably won't be there for long. I think they're trying to mix up their strategy so as not to develop obvious patterns. The element of surprise may have an effect.

805gregg - 6-4-2008 at 06:43 AM

Going west the soldier asked for my maglight flashlight, he didn't get it.

Pescador - 6-4-2008 at 06:45 AM

We went through there on the 26th of May headed north, but noticed that they were doing that when we came through. That checkpoint is very hard to avoid so they must be looking for cars that are not properly registered.

CaboRon - 6-4-2008 at 07:33 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by oxxo
I just passed through the military checkpoint about one mile east of San Ignacio yesterday, going south. A Federale was posted there and he was stopping everyone. He asked to see my car registration, passport, and visa. I was surprised he didn't ask to see my mexican auto insurance policy
too. He didn't ask for any I.D. from my passengers. All my papers were in order, and he waved me through.

This is the first time in about 20 trips through that checkpoint this has ever happened. I wonder if this is going to be more common in the future.


As to why he didn't ask for your insurance papers is that you are not required to have insurance in Mexico ... the caveat being that Mexican law does hold you financially responsible if you are at fault. So, the insurance papers are only needed if you are involved in an accident to show your ability to pay. Otherwise, of course, it's off to the lockup.

CaboRon

DENNIS - 6-4-2008 at 07:50 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by Pescador
That checkpoint is very hard to avoid so they must be looking for cars that are not properly registered.


I would hope that, in this day and age, a Federale would have something better to do.

New Plan???

bajaguy - 6-4-2008 at 07:56 AM

Dennis: Maybe they are implementing the NYPD's "Broken Window" program. Small crimes lead to big crimes.....no current registration leads to a multi-ton meth stash in a 1974 Toyota Corolla????.....:lol:

wilderone - 6-4-2008 at 08:17 AM

Crossing into Mexico at Tecate last month, the US BORDER PATROL agents asked us where we bought our car, how long did we own it, who the registered owner was, who we bought it from. Maybe it's some cooperative project to find stolen cars.

oxxo - 6-4-2008 at 08:32 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by wilderone
Crossing into Mexico at Tecate last month, the US BORDER PATROL agents asked us where we bought our car, how long did we own it, who the registered owner was, who we bought it from. Maybe it's some cooperative project to find stolen cars.


I crossed over to Mexico at Tecate on Monday morning. No US Border Patrol in evidence anywhere. Where did they stop you?

bacquito - 6-4-2008 at 05:29 PM

Recently we were stopped at a checkpoint on the Tacate-Ensenada road by the military and in the process one of the soldiers went into my wife's handbag and was checking ou items. My wife (a mexican national) protested and said the soldier had no right in going through her handbag.
A friend of ours in Ensenada familiar with Mexican law said my wife is correct. Opinions??
In the U.S.A. an inspector does have the right to personally inspect a handbag or other personal items

Sharksbaja - 6-4-2008 at 05:47 PM

Are you sure they were Federales? They wear different attire than the military. Still, very odd.

bajajudy - 6-4-2008 at 06:01 PM

When we were in San Ignacio back in Feb someone told us that there was a Federal parked south bound almost everyday checking registrations. We never saw him. so this is not new.

shari - 6-4-2008 at 07:35 PM

Yup, the feds have had a patrol car under a little tent parked there the last few times we passed in the last months and he checks everybody's papers so be prepared.

oxxo - 6-4-2008 at 09:06 PM

This was definitely a Federale. Federale uniform and dark blue Federale car parked right there. He was very polite, almost apologetic. It took all of about two minutes and we were on our way. I even got him to laugh at my "Spanglish."

I have no problem with the military/Federale stops. I feel safer with them around. As I posted about a year ago. we were asked for a ride to San Quintin by a soldier (Jorge) at the Rosario checkpoint who had to get back to base because he was a drummer in the military band. We had a wonderful conversation. It was one of those cross cultural experiences you never forget. It gave me a whole new perspective to the miltiary. Maybe its a false sense of security, but hey, it works for me!

Woooosh - 6-4-2008 at 10:06 PM

To the best of my recollection.. The new Blvd 2000 is under the sole jurisdiction of whoever it is that drives the black and white police vehicles. When it opened last year I remember authorities telling people not to stop for anything other than a black and white police vehicle. Could be an early senior moment thoiugh...

My dear Watson, may I inform you....

CasaManzana - 6-5-2008 at 12:28 AM

Mexican liability insurance IS required for driving in Mexico...period- liability only. Google it up, it's easy to find-
"Your American or Canadian automobile insurance is not valid once you cross the border into Mexico and you can be cited for failure to have insurance by Mexican law enforcement authorities. Worse still, if you have an accident while in Mexico, even if you were not at fault, you can be put into jail for failure to have liability insurance coverage.":o

DENNIS - 6-5-2008 at 07:59 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by CasaManzana
Mexican liability insurance IS required for driving in Mexico...period- liability only.


I'm gonna have to start paying closer attention. I didn't know this. Is it a requirment for Mexican drivers as well?

David K - 6-5-2008 at 08:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by CasaManzana
Mexican liability insurance IS required for driving in Mexico...period- liability only.


I'm gonna have to start paying closer attention. I didn't know this. Is it a requirment for Mexican drivers as well?


Apparently not when they drive in the U.S.!! That's why we have to add 'uninsured motorist' coverage to our policies. :o:fire:

Anyway, Mexican liability coverage for us going south is dirt cheap... no reason not to have at least that. Full coverage is only 'expensive' if you don't have any! LOL, actually an annual full coverage policy is also cheap... if you spend more than 2 weeks a year in Baja. Less than that much, get daily coverage at the link at the top of every Nomad page from the company that supports Baja Nomad!:light:

DENNIS - 6-5-2008 at 11:06 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K

Apparently not when they drive in the U.S.!!


I meant in Mexico. If it's mandatory for foreigners, is it mandatory for Nationals.
Actually, I don't think it's mandatory for anybody. I was just trying to say that nicely.

oxxo - 6-5-2008 at 11:11 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by David K
Apparently not when they drive in the U.S.!!


I have been hit twice in the USA, both times by uninsured motorists. Guess what! They were both Red, White, and Blue Anglos.

tunaeater - 6-5-2008 at 06:27 PM

After crossing the last toll caseta on 5/29 going to Ensenada there were 3 federal cars.The officers were outside on foot checking cars at random. They signaled for me to pull over and asked for the registration on both my motorcycles in the back of my truck. He was very friendly and polite but this was a first for me. I've only been asked for registration while crossing the border.