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Dirty Cop

ckiefer - 1-29-2009 at 11:56 PM

Well, it finally happened. Got pulled over today in San Jose. The cop didn't (or wouldn't) speak english, so we communicated each in our own language. He wasn't mean, just dirty. Tried to tell me I had committed a violation which I didn't then he noticed that my tags were expired. I tried telling him that CA did not require current tags on vehicle not operated on the streets or highways in CA, but this either did not get across or he just wasn't buying it.
So, I told him to give me the ticket and asked where the police station was and I would pay the fine. However he wanted to keep my drivers license. We argued back and forth, when finally he said I could pay him $40 USD or pay $80 USD at the police station, but he still wouldn't give me back my license. So, I say I have to pay you a mordida? To which he replied yes. I reluctantly grabbed my bag and dolled out the 400 pesos and shoved it at him. He wouldn't take it! Saying that I needed to put it between the pages of his ticket book so that others nearby wouldn't see! Which of course I did and he returned my license. I asked him his name and left.
Ok, now I'm steamed! I march down to city hall and go into each office looking for someone to complain to. Got it on the second try. Ended up speaking with the Chief of Police and Secretary Municipal (?) and a very friendly motor cycle cop who was happy to translate. Seems that the Mayor does not take to kindly to dirty cops in San Jose. I was told that they would investigate, and perhaps have my money back tomorrow. I did ask them all for a handbook of driving regulations. Should I be lucky enough to get this information I'll be sure to share it.
And how was your day?

Woooosh - 1-30-2009 at 12:21 AM

If I treated a cop like that up here in Rosarito Beach- I wouldn't have a day to enjoy tomorrow.

Just curious- If your CA plates are expried- what type of plates do you operate in baja with? Isn't the $80 still cheaper/easier than getting valid plates. Plus it's direct stimulus to the local economy. (half-kidding)

Mordidaism leads to narcoism leads to stewism.

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 12:38 AM

Woooosh:
I don't mess with TJ or surrounding cops, ever! I don't wish to die. But it's a whole other world down here in Cabo. About the registration, I filed an affidavit of non-use prior to the registration expiring, and therefore am not required to carry U.S. insurance or smog on the vehicle. But, I don't get the registration sticker either. Which is creating some problems of it's own.... but I'll get it worked out eventually
I stimulate the economy plenty, here and abroad
:spingrin:

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 01:45 AM

I read somewhere that to operate a vehicle with foreign plates in Mexico is legal as long as the registration is current. They do that to "try" and fight the carro chocolate problem. I think he was actually correct in pulling you over and in fact he could have "technically" had your vehicle towed and impounded until your registration was made either current in the US or correctly imported into Mexico.

Of course we know that doesn't happen in reality or they would need to build an impound lot the size of Rhode Island up here in the Tijuana area...

[Edited on 1-30-2009 by BajaGringo]

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 02:39 AM

He clearly pulled me over to make some extra $$, the registration was an after thought.

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 04:06 AM

You would be surprised - I have found Baja cops to be very quick to recognize out of date plates. They know it is an "easy" mark...

:rolleyes:

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-30-2009 at 05:21 AM

:fire:

ckiefer you did the only thing possible. Pay the mordida. As BajaGringo said your vehicle could have been impounded. What a mess that would be. You now still have your vehicle so you can get to San Diego to get your tags updated. :bounce:

The Gull - 1-30-2009 at 07:04 AM

Doncha just love the indignation that some folks can dig up when they get caught breaking the law through knowing avoidance?

Is the pot calling the kettle (cop) black?

Osprey - 1-30-2009 at 07:05 AM

Couple of people on the board have said if traffic cops admit they pulled you over about your plates being correct/current you could just remind them they are not customs agents and have no authority to stop you/molest you/impede your progress, etc. etc. Somebody want to confirm that for the lady?

lizard lips - 1-30-2009 at 07:41 AM

I love it when I see an old beat up 80's car with California plates and the tag is from 1990. Why don't we see these cars pulled over or do ya think we are just being singled out?

Cyanide41 - 1-30-2009 at 08:00 AM

oh you definitely get singled out. That is why you need to make sure you cover your arse. Whether or not ckeifer was legal. The cop should have gave him a ticket. Never pay the mordida. At least in this case he did the right thing and filed the complaint. Good luck getting your money back.

[Edited on 1-30-2009 by Cyanide41]

longlegsinlapaz - 1-30-2009 at 08:10 AM

Quite a while ago, I recall that someone posted here that a valid FM3 trumps expired USA tags. I don't recall any proof of that being provided, simply that statement. This tickle any memories for anyone? C, unless you had R in the car with you, I'd have insisted on following him to the police department right then to get it resolved. Or demand he write you a ticket for the supposed infraction & give you your license back, then head to the PD.

When I still had OR driver's license & valid OR plates, I was pulled over for a moving violation & they wanted to take my OR drivers license. This was in 2000-2001 & was my first experience with Mexican police. They did have me dead to rights on the violation so I told them to write the ticket & give me back my license, I was adamant that they weren't going to keep my license. Within 10 minutes, one foot-cop on the Malecon turned into 2-3 motorcycle cops & 2 cop cars all stopping & joining the crowd at my window...it had to have looked like they'd cornered someone on the 10-Most Wanted List! Not one of the officers admitted to understanding/speaking English, so I took out my cell phone & called a Mexican friend to speak to them in Espanol & tell them to write the ticket & give me back my OR drivers license & I'd go pay the ticket. As soon as I started explaining the situation to my friend on the phone, my license was thrown back in the window & I was told to go...suddenly they spoke English! :lol:

I don't have any idea WHO they thought I was calling, and getting out of the ticket was not my intent, but that was the outcome. I haven't been stopped once with Mexican plates.

bajaguy - 1-30-2009 at 09:11 AM

If you drive an unregistered vehicle.....anywhere......expect to meet the police. Why do you think you can drive an unregistered vehicle and not get pulled over????

As to paying mordita, bad choice. You are just encouraging an illegal act.

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 09:21 AM

Your're a true cowgirl! I do have the FM3, and no R was not in the car, only me and my daughter. I did argue with him to give me the ticket and return my license, but he held his ground. I'll be driving the NV plated vehicle until I get the other imported (if that's possible right now) or SD plates. But I won't be paying any mordida in the future.

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz
Quite a while ago, I recall that someone posted here that a valid FM3 trumps expired USA tags. I don't recall any proof of that being provided, simply that statement. This tickle any memories for anyone? C, unless you had R in the car with you, I'd have insisted on following him to the police department right then to get it resolved. Or demand he write you a ticket for the supposed infraction & give you your license back, then head to the PD.

When I still had OR driver's license & valid OR plates, I was pulled over for a moving violation & they wanted to take my OR drivers license. This was in 2000-2001 & was my first experience with Mexican police. They did have me dead to rights on the violation so I told them to write the ticket & give me back my license, I was adamant that they weren't going to keep my license. Within 10 minutes, one foot-cop on the Malecon turned into 2-3 motorcycle cops & 2 cop cars all stopping & joining the crowd at my window...it had to have looked like they'd cornered someone on the 10-Most Wanted List! Not one of the officers admitted to understanding/speaking English, so I took out my cell phone & called a Mexican friend to speak to them in Espanol & tell them to write the ticket & give me back my OR drivers license & I'd go pay the ticket. As soon as I started explaining the situation to my friend on the phone, my license was thrown back in the window & I was told to go...suddenly they spoke English! :lol:

I don't have any idea WHO they thought I was calling, and getting out of the ticket was not my intent, but that was the outcome. I haven't been stopped once with Mexican plates.

Steve&Debby - 1-30-2009 at 09:29 AM

We were in La Paz in December, got pulled over for talking on a 2 way radio and no seat belt. Same ol song and dance $100.00 at the police station or $40.00 in his pocket. Same thing in San Felipe a couple of years ago on New Years Eve,Took my jeep in to town with 6 kids got pulled over for haveing too many people in the Jeep, $100.00 at the police station and $40.00. :fire:

Mexicans never overload their vehicles :no:

By the way we went down the road a few miles and there was our friendly cop at a taco stand with his buddy eating tacos that we paid for!!!!!!!!!

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 09:30 AM

The affidavit of non use was what was recommended to me by the DMV in CA when they learned I was taking the vehicle to Mexico. I'm still learning too.

I made myself very clear that I did not want to pay the mordida that I wanted to pay my fine at the station, but I couldn't let him have my drivers license either. We all know I'd never get that back! More hassle, time and money to get another one. I did the only thing I knew to do..... Go to City Hall and file a complaint. I would have tracked down the Mayor himself if I had to. I'm more interested in saving myself and the rest of humanity here the indignation of having to pay a mordida in the future than getting back my 400 pesos. This clearly is extortion!

Quote:

Originally posted by bajaguy
If you drive an unregistered vehicle.....anywhere......expect to meet the police. Why do you think you can drive an unregistered vehicle and not get pulled over????

As to paying mordita, bad choice. You are just encouraging an illegal act.

oxxo - 1-30-2009 at 09:50 AM

All vehicles in Mexico are required to have current registration, they don't care what the DMV in CA, or NV, or SD told you. You were pulled over because you didn't have the current sticker on your rear plate. They look for that. I have found the cops in San Jose to be very fair. I got a ticket there last year and deserved it (driving without my license). Price was 200p to the cop or 200p at the station. I chose to pay at the station. It was an interesting experience. I just happened to run into the Police Chief while there. Asked if he could assist me. I said no, I was paying a ticket that I deserved. He thanked me and went about his business.

mtgoat666 - 1-30-2009 at 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
Well, it finally happened. Got pulled over today in San Jose. The cop didn't (or wouldn't) speak english, so we communicated each in our own language. Tried to tell me I had committed a violation which I didn't then he noticed that my tags were expired. I tried telling him that CA did not require current tags on vehicle not operated on the streets or highways in CA, but this either did not get across or he just wasn't buying it.

What does CA law have to do with driving Mexico????? Did you happen to notice that you are not in CA?? :lol:

So you drive an unregistered vehicle and got caught. You deserved some kind of punishment for breaking law. Sounds like you got off easy.

You live in Mexico, you should make an attempt to learn the language.

KooKooRoo - 1-30-2009 at 10:11 AM

They are suppose to take your license, so you follow them back to the station

oxxo - 1-30-2009 at 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666
You live in Mexico, you should make an attempt to learn the language.

I agree. If a Mexican national is pulled over by a cop in South Dakota, do you think they are obligated to speak to them in Spanish?

oxxo - 1-30-2009 at 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by KooKooRoo
They are suppose to take your license, so you follow them back to the station

Correct. Since I didn't have my license when I was pulled over, they took my front license plate so that I would follow them back to the station.

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 10:25 AM

He did not pull me over because of the sticker. He said I passed him on the left when I should have passed him on the right. He was parked on the curb when I passed him. He didn't even notice my sticker until he took my license back to his truck to ask his supervisor if it would be okay for me to pay at the station. Or so he said. As I stated before if I committed a violation then fine, tell me what I did wrong, give me the ticket and I will gladly pay at the police station!.
And just what makes you think I'm not attempting to learn the language? You guys are tough.

License needed for dirtbikes???

motoged - 1-30-2009 at 12:23 PM

I was in San Jose for 10 days over this past Xmas with two friends...we all had dirt bikes...one had his Alberta plates on his bike, one did not. A police roadblock just east of La Playa snagged those two...the guy with plates did not need to show his papers, the guy without plates was told: "$50 here and no paperwork or $100 at police station".

He paid the $500 MP fine and continued on his way to the beaches east of town... :fire:

The issue here is for dirtbikers who rarely have plated bikes (those who do can leave this discussion and do a wheelie out of this discussion :lol:

...because that's all the military checkpoints really want to see :lol:

:lol

.

Liability insurance is all that is needed in Mexico (Collision/comprehensive is optional but does not apply for accidents off of paved roads!!!

) for legal vehicle operation...and that vehicle needs to be legally registered in home province/state.....or that is what I have been led to believe over past 15 years of riding Baja.

Very few dirtbikers buy such coverage. I insure my street bike for liability and collision when in Mexico...and hope I don't wreck the bike off pavement....or get a truck to get the wreck to a paved road if I could :light:

oxxo - 1-30-2009 at 12:27 PM

CK, calm down. We're just trying to help you. Just like in the US, if you are stopped by the cops they always ask to see your license and your registration and often your insurance.

I live about 200 yards from plywood Federal cruiser. Stop by for a cerveza and we'll talk about it.

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 01:31 PM

Dirt bikes, if driven on public roads need to have current plates, just like other motor vehicles...

EnseNADAslim - 1-30-2009 at 01:42 PM

It is very funny how tourist or those living here get singled out on non-registered vehicles, because as we all know that is all you see going up and down the streets when it comes to what most of the locals drive. I even had a friend that was in an accident with a local and the car that hit him had very old Ca. plates (blue and yellow) on the car and the cop never even batted an eye about it, but of course my buddies insurance was going to pay to have that un-registered, beat up, and smoking car fixed.

I'm giving up the battle and I'm going to do the right thing and get a Mexican drivers license and then import my old 93 ford truck, and as California moves towards saving the world with tighter smog req. I'll eventually import all of our other vehicles.

I think the old "pay at the station $$$.$$ or pay me $$.$$" is a hoax, and I'm told if you pay the ticket right away at the station it's fairly cheep. I had a buddy that insisted the cop take him to the station to pay the ticket and when he was feed the "pay there or pay here" he simply said "No, I'd like to pay this at the station". The cop eventually returned to his car, gave him his license, and told to to just go.

If you have an FM3 or Mexican License they should issue you a ticket as you have a physical residential address.

Woooosh - 1-30-2009 at 02:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
All vehicles in Mexico are required to have current registration, they don't care what the DMV in CA, or NV, or SD told you. You were pulled over because you didn't have the current sticker on your rear plate. They look for that. I have found the cops in San Jose to be very fair. I got a ticket there last year and deserved it (driving without my license). Price was 200p to the cop or 200p at the station. I chose to pay at the station. It was an interesting experience. I just happened to run into the Police Chief while there. Asked if he could assist me. I said no, I was paying a ticket that I deserved. He thanked me and went about his business.

Wow. I thought I was the only one who knew when to just shut his mouth and take his licks. Nice job.

Woooosh - 1-30-2009 at 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged
I was in San Jose for 10 days over this past Xmas with two friends...we all had dirt bikes...one had his Alberta plates on his bike, one did not. A police roadblock just east of La Playa snagged those two...the guy with plates did not need to show his papers, the guy without plates was told: "$50 here and no paperwork or $100 at police station".

He paid the $500 MP fine and continued on his way to the beaches east of town... :fire:

The issue here is for dirtbikers who rarely have plated bikes (those who do can leave this discussion and do a wheelie out of this discussion :lol:

...because that's all the military checkpoints really want to see :lol:

:lol

.

Liability insurance is all that is needed in Mexico (Collision/comprehensive is optional but does not apply for accidents off of paved roads!!!

Isn't it fairly cheap and easy to get the recreational off-road only plates for your motor toys? I'll bet you pesos to crispy cremes the Mexican cops wouldn't know that type of plate is restricted from paved roads.

I think even in CA- you can use the recreational vehicle plates on a paved road if to access the off-road areas you want to play in. Not sure.

Off-road bikes

motoged - 1-30-2009 at 02:48 PM

Canadian provinces vary with their legislation, but it still tends to be less restrictive than US laws. Some provinces expect a license that allows for some public road travel; BC (my home) does not have a law yet but they are working on a tax-grab plan at this time (part of license fee was to be placed in "trail improvement" fund, but they are recanting on that).

You are correct in suggesting that plating a vehicle, if possible, is the right thing to do. The San Jose police did not ask the plated rider for his paperwork....so, I suppose a person could put an existing trailer plate on the bike for Baja travel (mostly off-road), hoping that the visual of the plate would reduce chance of being snagged...

Play by the rules or suck it up may be the advice...whine about getting busted later over cervezas y colitas :lol:

Crooked cops? Sure. Crooked motorists? Igualmente el mismo :rolleyes:

Don Alley - 1-30-2009 at 04:24 PM

Once in Constitution we were pulled over by two police officers, both on foot, for not waiting for the green arrow light before making a left turn. They took my license. I knew the proper procedure was to go to the cop shop and pay the fine, and my license would be returned. But they would not get my license until the shift was up and the two police women got rides to the office. Solution? The two cops squeezed onto my truck's bench seat and we all rode to the station together. :lol:

And they did check for current US registration.

Oh, by the way, there are no green arrow turn signals there.

But it's true, you give up your license as security that you'll show up to pay the fine-they get the license, you get a ticket. If you don't have a license they will unscrew a plate and take that.

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mtgoat666

Quote:

What does CA law have to do with driving Mexico????? Did you happen to notice that you are not in CA?? :lol:

Perhaps you can refer me to a more member friendly message board. Thanks in advance.

Woooosh - 1-30-2009 at 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Don Alley
Once in Constitution we were pulled over by two police officers, both on foot, for not waiting for the green arrow light before making a left turn. They took my license. I knew the proper procedure was to go to the cop shop and pay the fine, and my license would be returned. But they would not get my license until the shift was up and the two police women got rides to the office. Solution? The two cops squeezed onto my truck's bench seat and we all rode to the station together. :lol:

And they did check for current US registration.

Oh, by the way, there are no green arrow turn signals there.

But it's true, you give up your license as security that you'll show up to pay the fine-they get the license, you get a ticket. If you don't have a license they will unscrew a plate and take that.

In CA you get to keep your expired license when you renew- or at lest I did. That't the one I keep duct taped under my dirt bike seat. Why give up the real one?

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 04:50 PM

I would try that trick but they would NEVER believe that I was the young handsome looking guy in the OLD license...

:lol:

The Gull - 1-30-2009 at 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

In CA you get to keep your expired license when you renew- or at lest I did. That't the one I keep duct taped under my dirt bike seat. Why give up the real one?

I have two expired ones in my glove box, both have a post it note on the back with the phone numbers of juez calificador, office of protection of visitors and/or sindicatura of the area I will be in. I have had occasion to hand the license over, but always post-it-note side up.

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 09:53 PM

I have just learned to insist on the ticket. They rarely ever actually give you one and even if they do, the fine is usually $20 or less. Compared to the tickets I have gotten in the states that is a REAL bargain.

motoged - 1-30-2009 at 10:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
Perhaps you can refer me to a more member friendly message board. Thanks in advance.

Don't you hate it when you are looking for sympathy and all you get is what you really knew you should admit to? :spingrin:

As for a friendlier forum....don't know....

Actually, these jibes are pretty mild-mannered compared to some threads....

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 10:22 PM

Don't think anyone here is looking for sympathy, similar experiences perhaps but not sympathy. Sometimes in the spirit of play, text messages can be viewed as mean spirited! I hear BC a bit chilly, we'll keep it warm here for ya of course, until your return.
Salud!

Quote:

Originally posted by motoged

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
Perhaps you can refer me to a more member friendly message board. Thanks in advance.

Don't you hate it when you are looking for sympathy and all you get is what you really knew you should admit to? :spingrin:

As for a friendlier forum....don't know....

Actually, these jibes are pretty mild-mannered compared to some threads....

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 10:31 PM

Don't take it personally. It's just the SOP around here. You'll get used to it and even begin to sound like the rest of us after awhile...

:lol:

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
Don't take it personally. It's just the SOP around here. You'll get used to it and even begin to sound like the rest of us after awhile...

:lol:

Hmmm...SOP? Sameolepoop?

BajaGringo - 1-30-2009 at 10:57 PM

Standard Operating Procedures

ckiefer - 1-30-2009 at 11:11 PM

:lol:

Still kinda the same thing

fishbuck - 1-30-2009 at 11:17 PM

What about off-round motorcycles? Can they legally ride on a public road in Mexico if they are insured and have an off-road vehicle sticker?
I have a 2006 CRF450R. It is strictly off-road for racing. I use it for motocross. Can it legally be ridden on the street in Baja?

[Edited on 1-31-2009 by fishbuck]

BajaGringo - 1-31-2009 at 08:33 AM

I think that as long as you have a plate with a sticker on your plate that shows current you are okay. If you are just on the road to cross over to other trails / riding areas it will probably not be a problem. Depends on the town too. San Quintin is a lot different than say Tijuana or Rosarito...

[Edited on 1-31-2009 by BajaGringo]

Paulina - 1-31-2009 at 09:01 AM

We keep our expired DLs on hand too, just for this purpose.

Kate, We don't drive on the expired ones, just hand them over instead. Only one officer so far has noticed the date. That was because over a half hour of trying to extort $ out of us had passed and he was staring blankly at it, probably wondering how long the stand off was going to last.

When he had his "ah ha!" moment announcing that the license had expired he thought he had us dead to rights.

We just explained that we don't drive on expired licenses, just use them in cases of mordida.

We didn't pay. We got our expired license back to use again if necessary.

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 31-1-2009 by Paulina]

ELINVESTIG8R - 1-31-2009 at 09:08 AM

taxcutter - 1-31-2009 at 10:28 AM

ckiefer,
I am curious.
Where in San Jose did you get pulled over and
What time of day?
Thankz

Dave - 1-31-2009 at 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
I read somewhere that to operate a vehicle with foreign plates in Mexico is legal as long as the registration is current.

You don't even need that. If you are a retiree living legally in Mexico then current registration is not a requirement. The problem is that except for in Baja your vehicle is tied to your FM3 and shows a temp import permit. More difficult to prove here but a copy of your title should be sufficient.

Woooosh - 1-31-2009 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by morgaine7

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
In CA you get to keep your expired license when you renew- or at lest I did. That't the one I keep duct taped under my dirt bike seat. Why give up the real one?

Hate to rain on anybody's parade, but couldn't they arrest you for driving on an expired license and impound the bike?

Kate

I have a current license- I just don't give it up.

Woooosh - 1-31-2009 at 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
:lol:

Still kinda the same thing

see how quick you catch on! welcome. Just remember this is a blog- don't take anything too serious or personal and you'll be fine. You need to post a dog photo be be beloved here.

Paulina - 1-31-2009 at 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh
You need to post a dog photo be be beloved here.

How about a dog and a drivers license in the same photo?

Will I be double loved because I'm sticking to the topic?

P<*)))>{

ckiefer - 1-31-2009 at 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Woooosh

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
:lol:

Still kinda the same thing

see how quick you catch on! welcome. Just remember this is a blog- don't take anything too serious or personal and you'll be fine. You need to post a dog photo be be beloved here.

Show me the love! Will post the story shortly.

dtbushpilot - 1-31-2009 at 12:48 PM

If you put a couple of cats with your dog you get extra credit.

My cats plotting the demise of my wife's smelly dog.......dt

[Edited on 1-31-2009 by dtbushpilot]

fandango - 1-31-2009 at 04:29 PM

ckiefer:
you said that you filed "non-use" prior to the registration expiring that means you don't have to have US insurance or smog.
you need to fill out a DMV "statement of facts" that states that the vehicle stays in baja, instead of non op'ing the vehicle. you still must pay the registration fee and include a copy of your mexican insurance, but you get current registration papers and a TAG. bingo, problem solved.

the dmv form is reg 256.

good work on the compaint.

fishingmako - 1-31-2009 at 10:02 PM

I really wonder why people just don't follow them to the police station? Is it that you are really, really scared or what? In most cases they will not take you there, only in rare circumstaces, I have read many times on this forum to do this, but we always read about how you paid, even right or wrong go to see the Chief at the station, you need to take the time to do this, so we can stop the bull---- it is getting treally old.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by taxcutter
ckiefer,
I am curious.
Where in San Jose did you get pulled over and
What time of day?
Thankz

Boulevard Mijares, across the street from Habaneros Restaurant, or thereabouts. Around 11 a.m.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
ckiefer:
you said that you filed "non-use" prior to the registration expiring that means you don't have to have US insurance or smog.
you need to fill out a DMV "statement of facts" that states that the vehicle stays in baja, instead of non op'ing the vehicle. you still must pay the registration fee and include a copy of your mexican insurance, but you get current registration papers and a TAG. bingo, problem solved.

the dmv form is reg 256.

good work on the compaint.

I'll try that, but according to the DMV representative I spoke with on Friday, it needs to be U.S. insurance. They were not concerned with the requirements in Mexico. The import company I contacted here in Mexico says the import fee has been raised to $3000 per vehicle.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by fishingmako
I really wonder why people just don't follow them to the police station? Is it that you are really, really scared or what? In most cases they will not take you there, only in rare circumstaces, I have read many times on this forum to do this, but we always read about how you paid, even right or wrong go to see the Chief at the station, you need to take the time to do this, so we can stop the bull---- it is getting treally old.

Sigh....
No not afraid, not at all. I'm only afraid when someone pulls a weapon on me. I spent a good (or bad) half hour at least with this guy. I was adamant about him writing the ticket and that I would pay at the station. Even asked where the station was, and he told me. So, why should I believe a cop (who wants a bribe) to be trustworthy enough to return my license to me upon receipt of the paid fine? Meanwhile, he has alerted his other dirty cop friends who pull me over to issue yet another fine for driving without a license? I did the only thing I knew to do at the time. Meanwhile, I'm doing what I can to get my baja bat mobile registered, imported, or whatever needs to be done to give them one less excuse to pull me over. So, how many nomads wander around without their FM3's or passports or whatever document you have to prove you are even in the country legally?

Not throwing stones here, just asking. I don't pass judgements. Didn't have mine on me that day (FM3 or passport), so I suspected that was going to be the next question. Yikes!

Paperwork

bajaguy - 2-1-2009 at 11:03 AM

I ALWAYS carry a color copy of the photo page of my US Passport and my FM-3. Leave the originals at home. If they want to see the originals, they can follow me home. I also have color copies of my US drivers license......just in case.

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ckiefer
So, how many nomads wander around without their FM3's or passports or whatever document you have to prove you are even in the country legally?

I don't carry any of it except drivers license unless I'm on the road to the states. The only time I've ever heard any horror storys about documents is when somebody had them lost or stolen. I've never been asked for them either....not even at Sharky's.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 11:14 AM

Good ideas, I'll make copies and carry that with me just in case.

Osprey - 2-1-2009 at 11:26 AM

Only certain officials have the authority to ask anybody for a passport or visa -- immigration comes to mind. Anybody else? Not traffic cops, probably not highway cops, not the military. Who else pray tell?

longlegsinlapaz - 2-1-2009 at 12:12 PM

Passport & FM3 live in my purse, never leave home without my purse. In 10 years here, I've only been asked to see proof of being here legally by Immigration at renewal time & the bank wanted to see it when I opened my account; since account open, they always ask for my passport for ID. Oh yeah, also had to show FM3 to get Mexican driver's license. Never had a cop ask me for anything but DL.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 12:15 PM

I use my Mexican driver's license all the time as ID. Never had a problem. IN fact it always get me better rates at golf courses...

:biggrin:

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaGringo
I use my Mexican driver's license all the time as ID. Never had a problem. IN fact it always get me better rates at golf courses...

:biggrin:

Now there's a really hot tip for you golfers!!! :tumble:

fandango - 2-1-2009 at 12:54 PM

ckiefer:
you can get a different answer each time you speak with the dmv.
register your auto by mail. send in the "statement of facts", the copy of the MEX insurance and your payment.
why would the dmv state that you need US insurance when you have stated that the vehicle LIVES in mex? they are crazy.
i handled this at AAA the first time, they barely looked at the mex insurance policy and by mail for the next 3 years. i just mailed it to the dmv last week. hopefully my insistence that this works hasn't jinxed me.
$3000.00 to import a vehicle? seems pricey!!

Fred - 2-1-2009 at 01:28 PM

DENNIS.....Sharky's has a picture of you on the wall.

ckiefer - 2-1-2009 at 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
ckiefer:
you can get a different answer each time you speak with the dmv.
register your auto by mail. send in the "statement of facts", the copy of the MEX insurance and your payment.
why would the dmv state that you need US insurance when you have stated that the vehicle LIVES in mex? they are crazy.
i handled this at AAA the first time, they barely looked at the mex insurance policy and by mail for the next 3 years. i just mailed it to the dmv last week. hopefully my insistence that this works hasn't jinxed me.
$3000.00 to import a vehicle? seems pricey!!

Other than listing on the Statement of Facts that the vehicle resides outside the state of California, is there any other "box to check" or information to be included on this form? I'll enclose the copy of the insurance, and provide the local mexico address, and give it another try via mail. Thank you!

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:08 PM

So, when stopped at a military checkpoint in the middle of nowhere and you are asked for "papers", what does one do?

DENNIS - 2-1-2009 at 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
So, when stopped at a military checkpoint in the middle of nowhere and you are asked for "papers", what does one do?

Do they do that? I've never been asked for anything but my destination.
Not saying they don't only, it hasn't happened to me.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 02:16 PM

I get asked all the time. I guess they want to know why a gringo is driving a Baja plated vehicle...

ELINVESTIG8R - 2-1-2009 at 02:32 PM

Bajahowodd - 2-1-2009 at 02:37 PM

I was asked twice in 2008. Never previously. I showed the vehicle registration and that satisfied them. But I brought it up because of Osprey's post. Gotta remember, a bunch of kids in uniform, gripping automatic weapons, in the middle of nowhere, I'd show them any paper(s) I could think of.

BajaGringo - 2-1-2009 at 02:38 PM

That is funny David. I am glad my "Spanish lessons" are taking hold!

Actually they have never asked me for a dime. The ones who usually stop me are the federales and they just want to see the tarjeta de circulacion and my Baja driver's license. They have always been extremely polite and the one who stopped me the other day down in Maneadero asked me if he could join me fishing down in San Quintin this summer.

fandango - 2-5-2009 at 04:04 PM

ckiefer:
i just rec'd my registration and tag for the vehicle that is in baja.
on the statement of facts form:
page 1 - section b, check the box that says "located outside of california".
page 2 - section g, i stated that the vehicle is in baja and will not be driven in california.
that is all that i filled out. except of course the vin and license #.

good luck

ckiefer - 2-5-2009 at 09:31 PM

Fandango:
Thanks so much for the instructions, I'll get right on it!

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
ckiefer:
i just rec'd my registration and tag for the vehicle that is in baja.
on the statement of facts form:
page 1 - section b, check the box that says "located outside of california".
page 2 - section g, i stated that the vehicle is in baja and will not be driven in california.
that is all that i filled out. except of course the vin and license #.

good luck

Baja&Back - 2-6-2009 at 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Gotta remember, a bunch of kids in uniform, gripping automatic weapons, in the middle of nowhere, I'd show them any paper(s) I could think of.

Would you dis "a bunch of US servicemen, gripping the same M16s" like that? I think not. You are talking about professionally trained soldiers serving their country. Have YOU served your country??
Give them some respect.
:mad: