BajaNomad

running the red light

bajadock - 3-25-2009 at 10:07 AM

Interesting tactic B.E.. I'm waiting for the new US inspections for leaving the country with guns, money, other.

surfer jim - 3-25-2009 at 10:08 AM

Why chance it?....
I wonder what happens if the Mexicans do that on our side?

David K - 3-25-2009 at 10:33 AM

I have seen others not pull over when they got the red light, in front of me... Nothing happens... As you say, with the mobs crossing south at San Ysidro, who would know... or be able to catch you? BUT, we Nomads are law abiding... so we ALWAYS pull over... even if it might kill us!:lol:

Bajahowodd - 3-25-2009 at 10:35 AM

In my experience, there are usually officers controling the traffic, allowing for a relatively safe transition to the inspection area. And methinks it more likely you'll get selected if you're in the left lane.

oldlady - 3-25-2009 at 10:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaeng

Will the machine gun guys blow me away if they catch me not stopping?


Seems to me you could ask 'em or test 'em. If you choose the latter, keep posting to let us know how that goes. ;D

Terry28 - 3-25-2009 at 11:01 AM

If you run the light, they will go after you, that's what the guys in the trucks, parked right next to the inspectin area are for..the voice of experience speaks here!!!!

BajaGringo - 3-25-2009 at 11:27 AM

I have seen folks get away with it and it does seem to happen at high traffic times. I have also seen many be chased down by the pickups with lights flashing. I remember one that I saw them chase all the way to the toll booth past Playas. I really don't recommend this tactic - especially now that the Navy is camped out there with automatic weapons. Tension does seem to be escalating a bit and I would hate to think what might happen. Just go through the inspection and continue on.

Martyman - 3-25-2009 at 11:42 AM

I heard a U-Haul recently made it through.:rolleyes::lol:

Woooosh - 3-25-2009 at 12:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaeng
Quote:
Originally posted by Terry28
If you run the light, they will go after you, that's what the guys in the trucks, parked right next to the inspectin area are for..the voice of experience speaks here!!!!


cool, they didn't shoot you ... that's the only thing I was worried about


Are you kidding? They love to give you a head start and then chase you down. They will correctly assume you have a reason NOT to stop for a vehicle inspection- so it won't be a pleasant stop when they catch up to you either.

[Edited on 3-25-2009 by Woooosh]

Why bother?

Dave - 3-25-2009 at 12:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaeng
running the red light


It's Mexico. They take bribes.

SteveD - 3-25-2009 at 12:57 PM

One rainy Wednesday afternoon we ran the red lite because we were hauling a new sofa down to our place and didn't want the hassle. Very few cars were going through at that time. All of the officials were huddled under the covered area on the right side and never moved. Another time when the traffic was heavy, and we got a green lite, we were pulled over for inspection anyway! Go figure. If you are not bringing anything that could be taxed, the inspection only takes a minute or two, so get inspected. If you are bring stuff down, get inspected and have to pay duties, it could take up to an hour of paperwork and going to the inspection office, to the bank to pay the duties then back to inspection for more paperwork. All for a few dollars! Then you have to push another "Red lite/Green lite" button (like they have at the airports) to continue in. I asked them if you get another red lite do you get inspected again? No answer.

DENNIS - 3-25-2009 at 02:45 PM

I have a friend who was chased down and they made her return to the border where they did a diligent search of her vehicle and cut no slack for anything which could be considered taxable. They had no sense of humor in the process.
I suppose, with a little bit of loud-mouth from her, it could have been worse unless a body cavity search is someone's idea of foreplay.

"Why bother"...as brother Dave says up there.

Paulina - 3-25-2009 at 02:57 PM

I think the days of waving innocently at the men in uniform, who are waving at you to pull over for the red light are over. It used to work for me, but I wouldn't dare chance it now.

"What red light? I though they were just being friendly."

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 25-3-2009 by Paulina]

Migra bait

Dave - 3-25-2009 at 02:59 PM

Wonder what they'd do if you ran without anything to declare. I suppose it would be good for an afternoon's laugh.

Who wants to try ?

DENNIS - 3-25-2009 at 04:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave
Wonder what they'd do if you ran without anything to declare. I suppose it would be good for an afternoon's laugh.

Who wants to try ?



What a great idea. Do it over and over and they'll start to ignore you.
Then.....you go into the computer sales business.

Or bicycles

Dave - 3-25-2009 at 04:39 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Then.....you go into the computer sales business.

dianaji - 3-25-2009 at 04:39 PM

they stopped me two times...and they just asked where i was going and smiled at me and bid me on my way. the next time, they just bid me on my way. very nice! however, going back to the u.s., i was asked what was in the cooler, and i innocently told them that i had an apple...and he said it was not allowed...i told him it was from the u.s. and i had brought it to mexico for food, and he said, once it's in mexico, it's FROM mexico...then he went on to scold me telling problems of bring seeds from mexico...then told me to go to inspection of my car, etc., i was so weary, and after about 15 or 20 minutes let me leave. needless to say, no more apples, oranges, etc. i will eat them before i get to the border. incidentally, i also had a part of a watermelon in that cooler and nothing was mentioned about that.

David K - 3-25-2009 at 05:33 PM

Limes are okay, too... I will find my copy and post it as the one above seems to be doctored a bit

805gregg - 3-25-2009 at 05:36 PM

I've heard running the red light is time for cavity search.

fandango - 3-25-2009 at 05:37 PM

the newest prohibited item since mid january 2009: CHEESE
no cheese, from anywhere. and no string cheese. por que no cheese?

edit:
cheese is prohibited back in to california. forgot what the post was about. sorry.

[Edited on 3-26-2009 by fandango]

David K - 3-25-2009 at 05:49 PM

Okay, I deleted the first list because it was not a government list... THIS ONE IS (but from 2002) I was given it at the Tecate border...





[Edited on 3-26-2009 by David K]

dianaji - 3-25-2009 at 05:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fandango
the newest prohibited item since mid january 2009: CHEESE
no cheese, from anywhere. and no string cheese. por que no cheese?


jeez, i had cheese in the cooler and when he asked what i was bringing back, i said just some pastry.

thanks for the list! i will now take it with me.

David K - 3-25-2009 at 05:58 PM

If any Nomad that crosses north could ask the friendly U.S. officer for a current list, and post it or email/ mail it to me... I will put it up!

I am not planning a Baja trip until memorial Day weekend... unless I get lucky!:bounce:

bent-rim - 3-25-2009 at 05:59 PM

I see that straw is generally prohibited. Does that mean I have to surrender my sombrero?

Woooosh - 3-25-2009 at 06:11 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bent-rim
I see that straw is generally prohibited. Does that mean I have to surrender my sombrero?

yes. And please get an STD check for the burro.

Bajahowodd - 3-25-2009 at 11:37 PM

How in the world would cheese be prohibited? Since I love to buy manchego at WalMart, I have a vested interest.

dianaji - 3-25-2009 at 11:52 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
How in the world would cheese be prohibited? Since I love to buy manchego at WalMart, I have a vested interest.


that's exactly what i think! i bought my first manchego at walmart this past week. doesn't make sense to me.

fandango - 3-26-2009 at 11:43 AM

i was crossing northbound at the end of january and read the message on the lighted billboard above the US booths. the message said something like: no cheese allowed as of 21 january 2009. we had some sliced swiss and string cheese. he misunderstood the amount of swiss that i had and was going to send me to secondary. i was concerned because sentri has zero tolerance for bringing back prohibited items.
once i clarified that i had only 4-5 slices he said to go on.
i'm curious if anyone with sentri has been sent to secondary, found with any prohibited item and had any negative consequences with the sentri pass?

Bajahowodd - 3-26-2009 at 11:57 AM

Anyone have any recent experience with bringing back medications, that would require a prescription in the States, but are over the counter in Mexico?

DENNIS - 3-26-2009 at 12:18 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Anyone have any recent experience with bringing back medications, that would require a prescription in the States, but are over the counter in Mexico?


I hope not. It's my understanding that anything that requires a scrip in the states is the same regardless of rules in Mexico. I don't know what the border folks think of Mexico scrips. Probably not nuch.

dianaji - 3-26-2009 at 12:28 PM

i spoke to a friend this morning and she told me they don't want us to bring back cheese cause it would hurt cheese sales in the U.S. now i understand.

Bajahowodd - 3-26-2009 at 12:30 PM

I was specifically wondering about the case where whatever you are carrying has no prescription associated with it, but would require a scrip in the States. If you've noticed, there's been a proliferation of farmacias called Similares. They sell over the counter generics, many of which would require a scrip in the states. I found both in Cancun and Cabo that there is a Consultorio co-located. They don't charge for the scrip, assuming you'll go to the counter and buy it there. I have specific experience with the asthma rescue inhaler, generic in Mexico, Salbutemol. At a Farmacia Similares, they sell one for $12-15. Go to Walmart and it's $3.50.

DENNIS - 3-26-2009 at 12:37 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
I was specifically wondering about the case where whatever you are carrying has no prescription associated with it, but would require a scrip in the States.


Me too. If it's considered a prescription drug in the states, the carrier has to have a scrip for it regardless of where it was purchased.

No way

Dave - 3-26-2009 at 12:48 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dianaji
i spoke to a friend this morning and she told me they don't want us to bring back cheese cause it would hurt cheese sales in the U.S. now i understand.


With rare exception, Mexican cheese is both oderless and tasteless. I doubt it would hurt cheese sales anywhere.

To be fair, U.S. imitation of European cheeses ain't much better.

elgatoloco - 3-26-2009 at 12:51 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by dianaji
Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
How in the world would cheese be prohibited? Since I love to buy manchego at WalMart, I have a vested interest.


that's exactly what i think! i bought my first manchego at walmart this past week. doesn't make sense to me.


Generally speaking hard cheeses are OK but soft and unpasturized are not. As with all restrictions they are subject to change in the event of an outbreak of disease.

A few years ago we brought back about 3-4 kilos of mexican limes for a margarita party. Two weeks later we pull up to the gate and there was a sign saying NO CITRUS. It had literally been posted two days after we had crossed south due to med fly outbreak in San Diego. You just never know. The key is to declare ALL of what you are bringing back and be prepared to hand it over if asked. They do not like it when you don't and then they find it.

elgatoloco - 3-26-2009 at 12:57 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Anyone have any recent experience with bringing back medications, that would require a prescription in the States, but are over the counter in Mexico?


I have not smuggled anything back since I got SENTRI. :saint:

My back required heavy doses of Vitamin I (800mg. Ibuprofen) that was cheap. Now we just go to Costco and take four 200's. :smug:

http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/restricted/medica...

postholedigger - 3-26-2009 at 01:08 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by fandango
no cheese allowed as of 21 january 2009.


I did a northbound border crossing shortly after the rule went into effect. I left any extra cheese just to be safe after hearing the news from a friend of mine. When I got to the border I asked the inspector what exactly the rule was. He clarified that you are allowed to bring cheese across the border but it must be declared and the amount cannot exceed a certain amount per person. I forget the figures but I remember thinking hell, I never have THAT much cheese with me EVER. So bottom line, cheese is still ok, just in moderate amounts.

elgatoloco - 3-26-2009 at 01:36 PM

Question
Can I bring in food as a traveler (fruit, cheese, meat, etc)?

(The information contained in this answer does not apply to food being sent to the U.S. through the mail, courier services or other means.)


Answer
Many fruits and vegetables are either prohibited from entering the United States or require an import permit (for commercial importers) or a phytosanitary certificate from the country of origin. Every fruit or vegetable must be declared to a CBP Officer and must be presented for inspection - no matter how free of pests it appears to be.

Failure to declare food products can result in a $10,000 fine. See special guidelines for produce from Canada below.

Meats, livestock, poultry, and their products are either prohibited or restricted from entering the United States, depending on the animal disease condition in the country of origin. Fresh meat is generally prohibited from most countries. Canned, cured, or dried meat is severely restricted from some countries. See special guidelines for animal products from Canada below, and our Q&A on meat, poultry and swine products for a more complete discussion of food items from those sources.

Bakery items, candy, chocolate, and cured cheese are generally admissible. Canned goods and goods in vacuum packed jars (other than those containing meat or poultry products)are also generally admissible if being imported for personal use.

Dairy items such as milk, yogurt, butter are generally admissible, although this is subject to change, depending on disease outbreaks. Eggs may be admissible, although frequent outbreaks of Exotic Newcastles Disease and avian flu make it very likely that they will be denied entry. Hard cured cheese such as parmesan or cheddar are generally admissible, soft cheeses such as brie and soft curd cheese and cheese in water(ricotta, feta, etc.) are not.

Cooked and raw poultry is permitted from Canada except from the province of Saskatchewan. However, to bring poultry products from any province in Canada into the United States, you must have proof of the origin of the poultry. For example, proof of origin would be the grocery stores receipt where the product was purchased, or the label on the product indicates the province in which it was packaged

Fish, if it is for your personal use, is generally admissible.

Condiments such as oil, vinegar, mustard, catsup, pickles, syrup, honey, jelly, jam, etc., are generally admissible.

Fruits and vegetables grown in Canada are generally admissible, if they have labels identifying them as products of Canada. Fruits and vegetables merely purchased in Canada are not necessarily admissible, ie. citrus or tropical fruits such as mangos, which clearly were not grown in Canada because it does not have a climate that supports those crops. (Potatoes from western regions of Canada are currently restricted because of a disease outbreak. While commercial imports are permitted under stringent guidelines, travelers from Canada should avoid bringing raw potatoes with them into the US).

The Department of Agriculture has recently relaxed rules for travelers arriving from Canada with food products involving some meat products. Beef and game products are now allowed entry. This includes frozen, cooked, canned or otherwise processed beef, veal, venison, elk, bison, etc. Hunter harvested game, including deer, moose, wild sheep, goats and bison is admissible from Canada for the traveler's personal use if accompanied with a hunting license, tag or equivalent. permit. Meat products from domestic lamb, sheep and goats is still prohibited entry from Canada.

Pork and pork products are not admissible from Mexico.

Other then the above general guidelines, it is impossible to advise you in this forum about the admissibility of specific food items because it is so susceptible to change. Disease and pest outbreaks, which impact the admissibility status of fresh and packaged food items, occur all over the world at a moments notice.

Failure to declare all food products can result in civil penalties.

Because CBP officers are stationed at ports of entry and along our land and sea borders, they are often called upon to enforce laws and requirements of other government agencies. Because of the complexities of regulations governing the importation of food, CBP officers may need to contact an expert for information about what is or is not admissible. If no expert is available, food may be detained in the interest of preventing possible food-borne diseases into the U.S. This is done to protect community health, preserve domestic plant and animals life, etc.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture establishes criteria for the admissibility of plant, dairy and meat products returning with travelers and they have the final say about what may be admitted into the U.S. The USDA web site has somewhat more detailed information for travelers, and they can be contacted at 301-734-0814 or 1-877-770-5990 for information about the admissibility of plant or plant products.

dianaji - 3-26-2009 at 01:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Dave


With rare exception, Mexican cheese is both oderless and tasteless. I doubt it would hurt cheese sales anywhere.

To be fair, U.S. imitation of European cheeses ain't much better.


i am totally in agreement. i bought that manchego because it was posted somewhere about how great it is....no way it can compare with romano cheese, which i can eat in chunks, and on spaghetti and pizza.

what are the "rare exceptions" for mexican cheese?

Bajahowodd - 3-26-2009 at 01:49 PM

Crazycat- Thanks for the link. It appears that there is a loophole in that three months supply for personal use is ok, and since the wording refers to the name and address of the doctor treating you, in writing.... Does not specifically ask for a prescrition, per se.

As for Dave and Diana- Manchego is by definition a sheeps milk cheese made in Spain. It is quite tangy and melts very nicely. As to whether Walmart de Mexico is importing Spanish cheese, couldn't say without checking the label. I do know that I have bought Spanish beer at Walmart that I had never seen anywhere else. Cacique, a well known Southern California purveyor of Mexican type cheese does sell a product they call Manchego. However, the source of the dairy is not sheep, becuase it is not so labeled.

shari - 3-26-2009 at 03:38 PM

enough about cheese already...back to the issue at hand..whether to run the red light or not....I confess...I did it once when I was young and foolish er brave...nobody chased me. It sure was an adrenalin rush for awhile afterwards boy. And I figure I only did it because once when even younger I once ran a police blockade designed to catch drunk drivers...and I was really really drunk and figured I was pretty smart too cause I ditched all those cops chasing me by parking in a long line of cars in front of a busy apartment building...I have always been very lucky and there was a spot right at the end of the line up...HA!!!
Oh I feel better now that I have confessed...thanks nomads.
(better than pelons couch)

Bajahowodd - 3-26-2009 at 04:13 PM

Now back to cheese...........:lol: