BajaNomad

Colorado plates or Mexico plates

TheColoradoDude - 2-24-2009 at 05:38 PM

Has anyone ever removed their license plates for any reason? I was there in a convoy of 4 vehicles in Jan and drove over 1300 miles without a problem and loved every second in Baja but wondered if by being solo I should take any precaution.

I of course to not want to create more of a situation by doing so but thought that the less I am of a target on the highway the better.

Any thoughts?

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

bajajudy - 2-24-2009 at 05:48 PM

Yo dude
Would you use illegal plates in Colorado?
Paranoia will destroy you.
Just come to Baja and enjoy it!

TheColoradoDude - 2-24-2009 at 05:55 PM

Okay okay I get your point. But I would use them in Colorado if I thought I might possibly be in danger and by doing so would lessen that danger. That is all I was asking. I understand that most the trouble is in the border towns, I do get that. And I also get that driving through detroit is probably more dangerous.

I consider being somewhat cautious a little different than being paranoid.

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

comitan - 2-24-2009 at 05:56 PM

Judy

Short sweet and to the point.:bounce::bounce:

fdt - 2-24-2009 at 06:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
I also have some in Ensenada that could possiby get me some Mexico plates for the trip.

Any thoughts?


Only criminals do that and if you know of people that get you plates for the trip I strongly recomend you report them to the autorities and not become an accesory. Now tell us the dates, times and locations you will be visiting. :biggrin:

ckiefer - 2-24-2009 at 06:04 PM

Hey Colorado Dude!

I understand your thinking, but personally I would not try it. If you are stopped because of whatever increased policia presence in the area and are found out, who knows what could happen or how much you would have to pay! If your plates are good, and registration current and you're not speeding or shooting at anyone you should be ok. If you are stopped you just have to play dumb like the rest of us.
Oh, and by the way, until you get your 100 posts, expect the group here to give you H, E. double L toothpicks! It's their nature. Introduce yourself, give them a story (true or not, don't think it really matters), play naive and gracious, lap it up like a good puppy (post a picture, they really dig that), and you'll go a long here!
O.k. nomads, fire away!

As a Newbie......

bajaguy - 2-24-2009 at 06:26 PM

It helps if you post photos of puppies, roadside taco stands and buy Nomads a cold Pacifico......oh, forgot......we will need a trip report with photos and GPS locations.

BajaGringo - 2-24-2009 at 06:33 PM

Not one of your better plans...

fishbuck - 2-24-2009 at 06:38 PM

"Look, there is a guy from Colorado! Get him!!!"

BajaGringo - 2-24-2009 at 06:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishbuck
"Look, there is a guy from Colorado! Get him!!!"


:lol: :lol: :lol:

TheColoradoDude - 2-24-2009 at 07:05 PM

Oh I will post pictures and a story here shortly. The only reason I even mentioned this is because I had some crazy theory that if someone was to be targeted they would be from somewhere else than the local community. But I see now how that if targeted at all people are targeted equally. Sorry for the stupid and silly post! :)

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

BajaWarrior - 2-24-2009 at 07:16 PM

Actually, only guys from somewhere else trying to blend in with the local community are the only ones targeted!:spingrin:

Just do it man, it'll be a great trip and you'll talk about it for years.

TheColoradoDude - 2-24-2009 at 07:22 PM

BajaGringo - 2-24-2009 at 07:27 PM

Exactly...

Leo - 2-24-2009 at 08:24 PM

Wrong plates or not registered Mexican; an easy way to get rid of your car. Will be confiscated if they catch you. If you want to go 'incognito' dress down and don't drive a Hummer or some other matcho set of wheels.

TheColoradoDude - 2-24-2009 at 08:34 PM

You all have this all entirely wrong. I did not post this to try to get away with anything, I just merely asked if people do that? Apparently they don't. When I sift through threads that talk about getting a beater car to drive across the border to not draw attention, well I start thinking of ways to not draw attention to myself as well.

fishbuck - 2-24-2009 at 09:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
You all have this all entirely wrong. I did not post this to try to get away with anything, I just merely asked if people do that? Apparently they don't. When I sift through threads that talk about getting a beater car to drive across the border to not draw attention, well I start thinking of ways to not draw attention to myself as well.


Ya, we all have beater cars with Mexican license plates that we keep in Tijuana or Ensenada. We dye our hair dark and grow mustaches too. And don't forget to wear a sombero and a pancho.:lol:

ckiefer - 2-24-2009 at 09:04 PM

Perhaps you meant to say "import" my vehicle so that it shows baja plates instead of Colorado plates? That would allow you to blend. Nice picture though! ;)

bajadock - 2-24-2009 at 09:20 PM


Some vehicles with Colorado plates, a coat of tierra de baja and a dash of humility do well.

This isn't today's pic, but it's on free road just above La Mision. FYI, more military checkpoints than normal from Ensenada to TJ, but just normal flag wavers.

Construction is progressing on free road "loop" from border south, but, still some delays during rush hour. I think I'll just head straight through TJ next time to free road.

Also, I had 5 cars in front of me crossing at Otay before noon today. Had 10 minute wait at TJ heading south this evening, a new record long time for me.

fdt - 2-24-2009 at 09:50 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishbuck

Ya, we all have beater cars with Mexican license plates that we keep in Tijuana or Ensenada.


Here are some examples of the new "Travel with Baja plates rental agency" with offices in Tijuana and Ensenada.

Woooosh - 2-24-2009 at 11:29 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
Okay okay I get your point. But I would use them in Colorado if I thought I might possibly be in danger and by doing so would lessen that danger. That is all I was asking. I understand that most the trouble is in the border towns, I do get that. And I also get that driving through detroit is probably more dangerous.

I consider being somewhat cautious a little different than being paranoid.

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]


I'm a lot more afraid of an unemployed car worker freezing his wazoo off in Detroit than I am a TJ taco vendor. Way more.

CaboRon - 2-25-2009 at 07:44 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaGringo
Not one of your better plans...


Also, I believe this will invalidate your insurance coverage whether US or Mex.

CaboRon

Dave - 2-25-2009 at 12:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
I also have some in Ensenada that could possiby get me some Mexico plates for the trip.

Any thoughts?




ColoradoDude, I can hook you up. I know a guy who can get legal Mexican plates, registration-soup to nuts. Cost is $1,800. Two things: The car can never cross back into the U.S. and...you won't be driving it no more.

Let me know if I can be of service. :rolleyes:

TheColoradoDude - 2-25-2009 at 01:26 PM

You all do not seem to get the very point I was trying to make in the first place. You all seem to laugh off murder/beheading/kidnapping/rape, but I take that seriously. The plate deal question was only to see if some people were doing that to come across less conspicuous. A simple, "No man, you don't want to do that would have sufficed. Or " No man, you definately do not want to do that because ........" I understand that the media has made it worse than it is but your answer is "well if your that concerned, you might have well just stay put in the good ole U S of A".

I have traveled through main land several times and through Baja once a few weeks ago and never ever would have thought of doing such a thing.
The only reason I though of it was because of the new travel warning saying that some vehicles from the US have been targeted.

Anyway, I actually would appreciate if this thread was just deleted. I am heading down soon and I have decided to just paint my vehicle the colors of the Mexican Flag and I should be all good.

Peace, Love, and Marlin Tacos!

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

BajaGringo - 2-25-2009 at 01:33 PM

No waaaaaeeeeyyyyy Deeeuuuuwwwddd.

Not a good plan.

Dave - 2-25-2009 at 01:35 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
You all seem to laugh off murder/beheading/kidnapping/rape, but I take that seriously.


Then why come? If I took it seriously I wouldn't be here.

CaboRon - 2-25-2009 at 06:58 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishbuck
Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
You all have this all entirely wrong. I did not post this to try to get away with anything, I just merely asked if people do that? Apparently they don't. When I sift through threads that talk about getting a beater car to drive across the border to not draw attention, well I start thinking of ways to not draw attention to myself as well.


Ya, we all have beater cars with Mexican license plates that we keep in Tijuana or Ensenada. We dye our hair dark and grow mustaches too. And don't forget to wear a sombero and a pancho.:lol:


:lol::lol::bounce::lol::lol::bounce::lol:

Mango - 2-25-2009 at 09:04 PM

Seriously, don't do it man!

:lol:

If you really want to blend in.. take the bus. ;)

fishbuck - 2-25-2009 at 09:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Mango
Seriously, don't do it man!

:lol:

If you really want to blend in.. take the bus. ;)


But if you take the bus make sure to bring a live chicken and hold it on your lap the whole way. And pull your sombero down over you face.
That way no one will know you are from Colorado.

ckiefer - 2-26-2009 at 12:19 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by fishbuck
Quote:
Originally posted by Mango
Seriously, don't do it man!

:lol:

If you really want to blend in.. take the bus. ;)


But if you take the bus make sure to bring a live chicken and hold it on your lap the whole way. And pull your sombero down over you face.
That way no one will know you are from Colorado.


Love the chicken and sombrero idea, but being from Colorado that white skin will give him away! Better grab a pair of gloves just in case.

Mulegena - 2-26-2009 at 09:36 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
You all do not seem to get the very point I was trying to make in the first place... A simple, "No man, you don't want to do that would have sufficed... Anyway... I am heading down soon and I have decided to just paint my vehicle the colors of the Mexican Flag and I should be all good.

Peace, Love, and Marlin Tacos!

[Edited on 2-25-2009 by TheColoradoDude]


You're a newbie on the board and "The Boys" were just having a bit of sport with you as well as giving advice which, I concur is, "ColoDude, dontcha even think about it!"... er, that is in reference to the fake Mexican plates. Painting yer car and wearing a sombrero-- now that's just stylish!

Thanks for throwing it back at us. ;)

Well, Colorado Dude, welcome to The Nomad and thanks for some fun reading everyone.

[Edited on 2-26-2009 by Mulegena]

BajaBruno - 2-26-2009 at 02:32 PM

Newbie or not, the board has been rather rude to this gentleman and we should pause for a little self reflection as to the purpose of this board.

If this board was created to help Baja travelers appreciate the wonders of this fine piece of real estate, and not, as some would think, as a private sandbox for the oldest and not necessarily the wisest members, then we have an obligation to answer questions and provide support, even to those questions which may seem naive to the experienced Baja hand.

I am all in favor of a little fun, but one does not use the same strain of humor with strangers that one can with intimates. To do so is insulting, and even on the internet, there is no excuse for such behavior--and certainly not on a board committed to comraderie.

Reflect dear Nomads, and consider repentance to this well-meaning fellow and his perhaps imperfectly phrased question.

toneart - 2-26-2009 at 02:46 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
Newbie or not, the board has been rather rude to this gentleman and we should pause for a little self reflection as to the purpose of this board.

If this board was created to help Baja travelers appreciate the wonders of this fine piece of real estate, and not, as some would think, as a private sandbox for the oldest and not necessarily the wisest members, then we have an obligation to answer questions and provide support, even to those questions which may seem naive to the experienced Baja hand.

I am all in favor of a little fun, but one does not use the same strain of humor with strangers that one can with intimates. To do so is insulting, and even on the internet, there is no excuse for such behavior--and certainly not on a board committed to comraderie.

Reflect dear Nomads, and consider repentance to this well-meaning fellow and his perhaps imperfectly phrased question.


I agree!

Colorado Dude

bajaguy - 2-26-2009 at 02:57 PM

This post was on another Nomads thread.....they are checking:

San Ignacio Military Checkpoint

was HELL today. We came southbound from Ensenada. There were maybe 10 vehicles ahead of us....not moving. Everyone was out of their vehicle. It's hot and humid at 4:00 p.m. We wait and wait. Two cars move on and we move up 10 feet.

We finally realize they are inspecting every vehicle and every occupant is being removed from the vehicle and "interviewed" by the Ministerial Police.

We (and everone else) had to produce photo ID, car registration, be fingerprinted, photographed and all your info info entered into their computer with their one finger typing (so "processing" on person took about 10 minutes). It took us 1 hour and 10 minutes to get through there. They checked VINS, etc. Interesting...and of course, great for tourism.

fdt - 2-26-2009 at 03:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno

Reflect dear Nomads, and consider repentance to this well-meaning fellow and his perhaps imperfectly phrased question.


fishbuck - 2-26-2009 at 04:15 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
Newbie or not, the board has been rather rude to this gentleman and we should pause for a little self reflection as to the purpose of this board.

If this board was created to help Baja travelers appreciate the wonders of this fine piece of real estate, and not, as some would think, as a private sandbox for the oldest and not necessarily the wisest members, then we have an obligation to answer questions and provide support, even to those questions which may seem naive to the experienced Baja hand.

I am all in favor of a little fun, but one does not use the same strain of humor with strangers that one can with intimates. To do so is insulting, and even on the internet, there is no excuse for such behavior--and certainly not on a board committed to comraderie.

Reflect dear Nomads, and consider repentance to this well-meaning fellow and his perhaps imperfectly phrased question.


So does this mean no sombrero?

Mango - 2-26-2009 at 08:49 PM

I still stand by my advice to take the bus. Fishbuck added some extra insight.

Seriously though. In your car it is hard to "blend in". I'd shoot for blending in when you can. Most locals almost always wear pants unless they are swimming or in a panga.

It's "disrespectful" to enter a church or mission with shorts or flip flops on. They are OK at the beach; but, you will stand out anywhere else wearing them. I also prefer a button down shirt in town as it is a little more formal and gains more respect with the elders. Also, wear plain non-flashy shoes.

In Mexico I never wear T-shirts with logos, watches, jewelery, and I cut off all the English worded labels on my plain looking travel bags, etc.

Basically, I go generic and try never to use English in public. It keeps everyone guessing where I'm from and its a fun game. Usually people think I'm German, French, Canadian, etc.. (This trick does not work as well in Baja as it does in the Mainland.. but its still fun. I've even had people ask me if I was Mexican!) :lol:

I agree some people here at Baja Nomads can be a little tough; but, we're a lot nicer than a solder with an M-16 after he finds a gringo driving a car with fake plates. Lot's of different personalities and views here. Thats ok.. that's how the world is.

Fishbuck, my advice - Leave the chicken at home, take an oldschool 3rd class bus with a luggage rack, and climb up top with the locals and share some tequila as you dodge tree branches. It's good fun.

I really wish every bus had a luggage rack on top. :lol:

BTW - Welcome to Baja Nomads TheColoradoDude!

ckiefer - 2-26-2009 at 11:40 PM

I've been repenting and reflecting but still don't see anything posted here as being unusually harsh. Perhaps I just ignore what others don't. What makes this board so great compared with in person confrontations is that you CAN ignore. To your defense I did see, in another thread, where you could have arrived at the plate swap idea though. I've made similar mistakes posting questions early on and got blasted, but then soon discovered the U2U art form and decided it's all in good fun. Think of it as being the new kid on the block. The kids who have lived here longer may take their shots, others will scold them for their unkind remarks. Meanwhile, you're out on the road having a blast posting about your travels and they'll always find someone else to pick on.

Here's a HOT TIP for ya: If you're traveling all the way down the Baja past La Paz you may want to ditch the long pants and button down shirts for those flip flops, t-shirts and shorts. You'll be much cooler.


By the way, we're still waiting for that picture of your dog, your neighbor's dog, anybody's dog!

Bajahowodd - 2-26-2009 at 11:48 PM

I'm just a tad late, but if the dude is that paranoid about traveling in Mexico, I should think he would be better off staying home.

TheColoradoDude - 2-26-2009 at 11:49 PM

Here is a Baja Dog.


[Edited on 2-27-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

TheColoradoDude - 2-26-2009 at 11:52 PM

Yes you are late and your rude!

TheColoradoDude - 2-26-2009 at 11:59 PM

Stay home? No way jose!

ckiefer - 2-27-2009 at 12:01 AM

Awwwww, what a nice pup!!!
Quote:
Originally posted by TheColoradoDude
Here is a Baja Dog.


[Edited on 2-27-2009 by TheColoradoDude]

fishbuck - 2-27-2009 at 12:04 AM

Dude sent me a U2U explaining his question. Really it wasn't a bad question. But I told him it seemed funny. No experienced Baja traveler would concider changing to a Mexican plate for a trip. I don't think Dude ever said he would put a stolen Mexican plate on there. Someone here
( me?) made that part up.
I would like to say thank you to Dude for inadvertantly providing a little comic relief to the board. We need that here from time to time.
Usually DENNIS or one of the others make the jokes but they have been slacking a little lately.
So thanks and welcome. And feel free to ask all the sillyass questions you want. We could use another good laugh.
And when you do make your trip I hope you have the best time of your life!

TheColoradoDude - 2-27-2009 at 12:06 AM

Well my next question was making sure there was a walmart where I can buy extra shot gun shells. I like to sit on the beach and drink beer all day and shoot the empties? Or should I just stock up before I go?

ckiefer - 2-27-2009 at 12:08 AM

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
Boy, you are just asking for trouble aren't you?

TheColoradoDude - 2-27-2009 at 12:11 AM

No big deal. I will just ask one of these fellas.

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 12:12 AM

Late and rude, dude. If you really think you are going to bring firearms into Mexico, you're going to spend most of the rest of your life there. Not to mention, you're not going to find ammo at WalMart.

TheColoradoDude - 2-27-2009 at 12:15 AM

Oh that's no big deal! Gosh!

ckiefer - 2-27-2009 at 12:16 AM

Oh come on, he's pulling your leg!!!:lol:
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Late and rude, dude. If you really think you are going to bring firearms into Mexico, you're going to spend most of the rest of your life there. Not to mention, you're not going to find ammo at WalMart.

TheColoradoDude - 2-27-2009 at 12:19 AM

I will be fine, I figured out what I am going to wear for my border crossing.

Bajahowodd - 2-27-2009 at 12:21 AM

I give up. bye!

ckiefer - 2-27-2009 at 12:24 AM

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:
Good night all, thanks for the belly laughs!

Back to your ORIGINAL QUESTION

Mulegena - 2-27-2009 at 08:11 AM

Ok, Ever'body, turn to Page 1 Post 1 in your Hymnals. Today's sermon is entitled, "Confessions of a Baja Sinner" or "No Manejar Sin Placa, Cabezona!"

A'hm, well, yes I do confess on my first trip to Baja and the mainland some 26 years ago I did remove the license plates from my car (is there a emoto-face for blushing?).

I was young(er) with the blush of rose still on my face and driving my '65 VW van-- a real beater even by third-world standards even then.

It was in the day when the cops were still taking you to the station, not hitting you up for ranson right on the roadside-- but I digress. See a related thread for talk on that.

It was back in the day when there was only one military checkpoint as you crossed from North to South Baja.

It was back in the day when the paved highway was still quite new and there was very, very little traffic. Time hadn't caught up with itself in Baja, and thankfully has not still which is why we love the wildness of the place, right?

Lifted both US plates, stashed the one with the registration stickers under my mattress and put the other one on the back bumper just to stay legal(ish).

Followed the yellow brick road on my first adventure and fell in love-- with the Place, not the guy I was with. I had no problems with the police or military.

Would I run around Baja in a beater of a car, dress conservatively, behave respectfully, try to blend in? Yes, of course. Did then. Still do.

Would I tamper with my car's license and registration again? Not!

Let's just say "older, wiser, still blushing."

Bonus Points

bajaguy - 2-27-2009 at 08:29 AM

Hey, lets give the Colorado Dude some bonus points.....looks like he drives a Toyota AND has a Lab!!!!!!

ckiefer - 2-27-2009 at 08:34 AM

And a fabulous sense of humor too! All the ingredients of a bajanomad!

nancyinpdx - 2-27-2009 at 11:34 PM

:lol::lol::lol:Yep! The face mask pic was hilarious!

nancyinpdx - 2-27-2009 at 11:35 PM

:tumble:So was the silly doggy sticking his tongue out!

CaboRon - 2-28-2009 at 08:15 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by nancyinpdx
:tumble:So was the silly doggy sticking his tongue out!


I know this Dog!!

Mulegena - 2-28-2009 at 01:23 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by CaboRon
Quote:
Originally posted by nancyinpdx
:tumble:So was the silly doggy sticking his tongue out!




There's a guy in Santa Rosalia who breeds these butt-ugly little Hairless Chihuahua's. They date from the Aztecs, I believe, and are so hideous they are cute (maybee). He also breeds canaries and white finches and appears to be a commercial breeder of fighting roosters-- all this in his backyard up on Mexican Mesa overlooking the harbor.

Now, I return the Thread to its rightful topic... back to you, 'RadoDude.

nancyinpdx - 2-28-2009 at 10:11 PM

:spingrin: Your pic is funny too, CaboRon!

shari - 3-8-2009 at 01:21 PM

In case you are all wondering...the colorado dude is here partying with us...he is a very cool guy and was a bit perplexed by the responses here to his question...he is a newbie but catchin on REAL fast and will be a welcome addition to our sandbox.

His truck is awesome and he fits in perfectly here with his toyota ....it looked like a toyota reunion here yesterday with a a bunch of oldies, some middle agers and the dude's super duper newbie.

ELINVESTIG8R - 3-8-2009 at 01:27 PM

ckiefer - 3-8-2009 at 08:34 PM

Glad to see Colorado Dude made it! And met some nice people too! Good for you! :tumble:

bajaguy - 3-8-2009 at 08:42 PM

Shari

Any chance for a couple close ups of the front of that red and white Toyota.....looks like a pretty healthy bumper

fishbuck - 3-9-2009 at 12:40 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by shari
In case you are all wondering...the colorado dude is here partying with us...he is a very cool guy and was a bit perplexed by the responses here to his question...he is a newbie but catchin on REAL fast and will be a welcome addition to our sandbox.

His truck is awesome and he fits in perfectly here with his toyota ....it looked like a toyota reunion here yesterday with a a bunch of oldies, some middle agers and the dude's super duper newbie.


I hope someone removed his license plate!
Otherwise people might know that he is a visitor trying to have fun on the beach. ;)

sourdough - 3-9-2009 at 02:53 PM

Mulegena,

Actually, the dog is a Chinese-crested; no relation to the chihuahua.

shari - 3-9-2009 at 05:12 PM

here ya go good buddy...the beauty grill


stay tuned for the latest antics of CDude...its a classic! barely stayed out of jail and Emergency last night!

Leo - 3-10-2009 at 10:52 AM

awsome!