BajaNomad - Where are the check points on highway 1

Where are the check points on highway 1

TequilaMike - 11-3-2008 at 11:23 AM

I am traveling to cabo Nov 13. I would like to know exactly where the check points are on highway 1 from Tj to Cabo.

vandenberg - 11-3-2008 at 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by TequilaMike
I am traveling to cabo Nov 13. I would like to know exactly where the check points are on highway 1 from Tj to Cabo.

Why.

losfrailes - 11-3-2008 at 11:52 AM

They move around a bit, but there will be one south of Ensenada, just before dropping down into the wine country, another at the mesa before El Rosario, another just north of Guerrero Negro, another just before San Ignacio.

Further south there will be one before Loreto and from there on down, I am not sure.

Hope this helps.

longlegsinlapaz - 11-3-2008 at 12:02 PM

Last time I made the drive was 4-5 years ago, but at that time there were 7-8 fairly "permanent" checkpoints; I consider BCN/BCS border at GN to be a checkpoint, as well. Between Loreto & La Paz, there's only one...the last one on the peninsula...it's roughly 5 miles before Centenario, or about 15 miles before La Paz.

It's not uncommon for the military to set up temporary checkpoints on occasion...or for the Federales to have a car pulled across one lane of traffic to do spot checks either.

Cypress - 11-3-2008 at 12:24 PM

Don't worry about the check points, they are few-and-far-between.

The military guys are courteous, friendly, don't hassle folks and are just doing their job.

Russ - 11-3-2008 at 12:38 PM

About 6 years ago I had a record 13 checks between Ensanada and Punta Chivato. Would have been a better deal to have set them up on the toll road :light:

vandenberg - 11-3-2008 at 12:44 PM

I think " Why? " is a legit question. Why would that exact location be of value to you unless you bring unlawful stuff into the country. Weapons or ammo comes to mind.

gnarlon - 11-3-2008 at 01:03 PM

Most likely he is just wanting to take some dope down and is nervous about it. They don't really check on the way down most of the time, but never try to come north.

losfrailes - 11-3-2008 at 01:46 PM

I do not think 'Why?" is a legit question. Whats wrong with just giving some help instead of questioning motive?

Unless you are of course the self proclaimed Checkpoint Supervisor for all that travel in Baja.

Quote:

Originally posted by vandenberg
I think " Why? " is a legit question. Why would that exact location be of value to you unless you bring unlawful stuff into the country. Weapons or ammo comes to mind.

[Edited on 11-3-2008 by losfrailes]

gnarlon - 11-3-2008 at 01:48 PM

So do they still have the drug dog at the El Rosario checkpoint?

vandenberg - 11-3-2008 at 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by losfrailes
I do not think 'Why?" is a legit question. Whats wrong with just giving some help instead of questioning motive?

Because without a motive the question would be totally irrelevant.

ELINVESTIG8R - 11-3-2008 at 02:03 PM

They even have checkpoints on the desert roads inland looking for drug mules. The first time I ran into them going to San Juan De Dios I sang Mexico Lindo for the crew on duty. They appreciated it even though my guitar and singing skills are not great.

Loretana - 11-3-2008 at 04:23 PM

gnarlon

Check your U2U. :saint:

tripledigitken - 11-3-2008 at 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gnarlon
Most likely he is just wanting to take some dope down and is nervous about it. They don't really check on the way down most of the time, but never try to come north.

Not very funny. And quite frankly a bit stupid to say, given the wide readership this board has. Some here have Baja Nomad stickers on their vehicles, think about it.

Ken

David K - 11-3-2008 at 05:31 PM

Yah, it is kind of irrelevent as to where they are... like does it change your trip plans? Are you not going to La Paz if the checkpoint at the El Tomatal turnoff is open???

New or temp. checkpoints are set up in many places on and off... so nobody knows from day to day... That is the idea, right... to catch law breakers?

Don't bring illegal drugs (that included dope), guns or ammo (without the permits)... and you WON'T have a problem on your drive south or back north!

Now, maybe this is just a way for a newbie to break the ice and practice posting... ? Another good opening question post would be, "How's the road to ***?" I mean, if someone says the road is bad, are you going to cancel your trip?

So, I say to TequilaMike: "WELCOME!!!" Please tell us what Baja means to you or places you like, etc....

Marie-Rose - 11-3-2008 at 05:42 PM

We got a chuckle when the military outside of San Ignacio asked us "do you have
drugs?" :lol:

mtgoat666 - 11-3-2008 at 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TequilaMike
I am traveling to cabo Nov 13. I would like to know exactly where the check points are on highway 1 from Tj to Cabo.

Better to not ask the question, and let life be like a box of chocolates :tumble:

Mango - 11-3-2008 at 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Marie-Rose
We got a chuckle when the military outside of San Ignacio asked us "do you have
drugs?" :lol:

I was once on a bus in southern Mexico. They stopped the bus, pulled three bags out from underneath, then got on the bus and asked the same questions to the only three gringos on the bus. Its hard not to laugh really.. because it would be such a stupid thing to do.

Funny.. there were ONLY three gringos on the bus out of 40+ people. They didn't even get on the bus beforehand and count. They were able to pick our bags out so quick; and, I was rather disappointed because I pride myself in traveling with a "stealth" bag that looks local.

As others have said. As long as you don't have/carry guns/drugs/ammo you have nothing to worry about. In fact.. I have far more pleasant memories from checkpoints than anything else. Sometimes checkpoints offer a nice break, and I have always been treated professionally when stopped, questioned, or searched.

If you want to do drugs, drink, and shoot your guns.. I'd recommend Nevada or Texas instead. Two out of three (USA) is better than one out of three (Mexico). (Jails are nicer here)

I don't really care about "why" and don't really think it matters. Its just a question. However; just know that you can be searched pretty much anywhere and everywhere in Mexico for any reason. Don't worry, relax, you are not the bad guy.

BTW - Welcome to Baja Nomad!

Katiejay99 - 11-4-2008 at 07:46 AM

I have driven the Baja many many times over the past 11 years and mostly alone. I have never been hassled, but have been searched on the way north, never can remember being searched on the way down.

The last trip down, I was in my newly bought 1999 Black Dodge pickup. It has tinted windows and a very loud muffler system (bought it that way - not my first choice). So anyhow, on the way down I came across one of the check points and off to the right I saw a couple of guys that didn't look to be Military - more Federal. One had a clipboard and the other looked to be the boss. I pulled up and they took one look at the truck and waved me over to them. I vroomed over and waited. The boss looking guy came walking over looking very serious but when he got to the front of the truck and looked in to see a blue eyed blonde haired woman driving alone, he broke out in a big smile.

He was very surprised to see me in it, instead of some dude I guess. He was all smiles and couldn't wait to ask me where I was going and told me that he really liked my truck. Never did ask me to get out nor did he question me about drugs. Just waved me on. Nice guy. I gave him a cold soda for his trouble.

Drug Dogs

paulb87 - 11-4-2008 at 10:15 AM

Tequila Mike ...why they have roadblocks is to protect Gringos and try to deter illegal guns and drugs from comin south. They don't catch everyone, but ask any gringo sitting in a Mexican Jail "How did you get here? and I'll tell you where the drug and weapons dogs are!
BTW just came back awhile ago and they have MUCHOS Perro di Drogas!
Bien Salud Amigo :coolup:

Martyman - 11-4-2008 at 12:15 PM

Wow;
A bunch of uptight people today. Just answer the questions and don't assume things. I'll say it again, people that have not experimented in their life need to try it or shutup.
Just sink a film cannister full in the peanut butter jar bro.

motoged - 11-4-2008 at 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Martyman
Wow;
....Just sink a film cannister full in the peanut butter jar bro.

MM,
So what do you do after the first day down? :lol:

Bruce R Leech - 11-4-2008 at 03:42 PM

it is against Mexican law to give the locations. good luck :wow: