BajaNomad - Getting a Little Bitten in Mexicali

Getting a Little Bitten in Mexicali

MrBillM - 7-13-2009 at 09:20 AM

Cruising down Calle Novena at a leisurely pace along with a few others at the same speed AND some passing me, including a Junky Red Toyota pickup that Whizzed by, I was "Startled" to find a Mexican Motorcycle-Mounted Crusader of Justice at my passenger window pointing for me to pull over.

The Friendly Staunch Defender of all things Lawful then explained to me (in Spanish) that I was Speeding as he pointed at the signpost just down the road. 60 KPH. "Sesenta. NO Setenta" ! He said. "Setenta" ? I said. "SI".

So, I'm going 42 in a 36 (or 40) zone. Where there is dual signage (not here), the 60 is shown as 40 mph. TWO miles per hour ?

I said, "BUT, I was going the same speed or less than the rest AND there was the one Red Toyota that speeded by".

In a GREAT Latino Thespian moment, he then spoke into his handheld radio "something about a Red Toyota" and turned back to me with a smile and "OK". He did all of this without keying the Mike button. A nice touch.

After taking my Driver's License, he then launched into a LONG lecture punctuated with gestures. That was a relief since I knew what was coming. When they keep talking and don't start writing, you just wait for the bite.

As he dramtically spoke of how serious (and expensive) the infraction was at 850 PESOS, the pantomine of negotiations began. $20 ?. No. $40 ? NO. "The fine is 850 Pesos, Senor". $60 ? I was worried when he put his hand up at that, but it turned out he was cautioning me to wait until the traffic had cleared. After it did, he stuck his gloved hand into the cab to POINT out where on my speedometer 60 and 70 were located. As he did so, he cupped his palm downward so I could give him the "Fine".

After which, he gave me a salute with his ticket holder, pointed to the speed sign and wished me a "Buen Viaje".

As I drove off, my wife said "You don't seem upset". I said it was nice to see that the Good Old Days weren't ALL Gone. They had gotten more pricey, though.

I've long said that it was odd that I am the only GUILTY person I've met in Baja after 45 years of driving there. I've ALWAYS been guilty of the infraction when pulled over. Everybody else I've met has been innocent doing nothing wrong and a Victim.

This doesn't break that record. It does, however, strain it to the limit. 2 MPH ?

Probably another result of the BAD Economy straining budgets to the limit.

Paulina - 7-13-2009 at 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM

...As I drove off, my wife said "You don't seem upset". I said it was nice to see that the Good Old Days weren't ALL Gone. They had gotten more pricey, though.

...I've long said that it was odd that I am the only GUILTY person I've met in Baja after 45 years of driving there. I've ALWAYS been guilty of the infraction when pulled over. Everybody else I've met has been innocent doing nothing wrong and a Victim....

The good old days of mordida won't ever be gone if people keep paying it.

Maybe the reason they have been pulling you over for 45 years is because they know you're an easy buck, or eighty as it seems the economy is asking for now.

Nothing personal Mr. B, I just don't stand for the bite and believe that if I'm guilty of an infraction I'll pay for it the legal way. Why be guilty in both catagories?

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 09:30 AM

Well, Bill, you shouldn't be surprised at "Selective Law Enforcement." Been that way since Triple A invented tourism. Anyway, you can rest assured that nasty scoflaw in the red Toyota received his citation as well. In this day of high speed radios, almost nothing gets by the arm of the law.
I don't know about you but, I feel ...well....protected and cared for. Only in the Americas, by golly. Life is good.

Yeah, BUT .................

MrBillM - 7-13-2009 at 09:51 AM

To Catch that Scofflaw, you need to KEY the MIKE. His thumb was BELOW it. I enjoyed the performance, though.

That was a ShowTime Moment.

AND, WHO SAID I WAS SURPRISED ?. Or, complaining, for that matter ? On the contrary, as I said, I was reassured and quite content. I would have been more content at $20 or $40, but that's inflation for you. The only surprise came from cutting it so fine. Usually, it's a flagrant violation, but tough times are here.

Since ALL of the other cars around me were Mexican, it was just a case of DWG (Driving While Gringo). Just my luck that there wasn't another Gringo in a nicer truck. The last one I avoided was thanks to a BIG and Flashy 4WD who looked like a better touch. Dead of July there are fewer of us around.

Speaking as One who will CONTINUE to Pay Mordida EVERYTIME the opportunity arises, eat your heart out. There will always be plenty like me to Screw with that Integrity business.

What does that get you in the U.S. ? $200 infractions and a bump on the Insurance ? No, Thanks.

VIVA MORDIDA.

Osprey - 7-13-2009 at 10:12 AM

Wow, overcome with lectures and vitriol for a long spell now I am beginning to feel the awesome effect. Now I find myself siding with Mr. Bill! Annnnd while we're at it, you self righteous folks who refuse to pay any money on the road, anyway, anywhere, so help you Dios, you are causing the constabulary, such as it is in times like these, to double up on us wildmen who choose to be a part of the revenue stream of Mexicans struggling to survive. Now, to offset your penureous penchants I will begin to greatly increase my speed on the highways and byway.

vandenberg - 7-13-2009 at 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
Now, to offset your penureous penchants

Had to get the good book out for that one. :biggrin:

smlslikfish - 7-13-2009 at 10:20 AM

I personally applaud your point of view and your actions. I feel the same way but don't usually manage to keep a smile on my face as I drive away. You should live a long life free of stress related health problems!

For what it's worth

mooose29 - 7-13-2009 at 10:58 AM

I have been pulled over 3 times in 15+ years of driving in Baja and I deserved to be pulled over each time. Speeding twice and almost running a cop off the road when I failed to notice him passing me on a double yellow and I pulled out to pass the truck we were both passing thus running the cop off into the dirt. I am lucky I didn't go to jail on that one, but boy was he peeed. One "roadside fine" for the speeding I was going 80 KPH in a 40 KPH zone so I certainly deserved that one and tickets for the other 2. The tickets while being a pain the ass to figure out where to go to pay them, (you guys know the drill go here to pay, then take your reciept to this place and get a stamp then go back to the original place to get your license back and record cleared) ended up being 20-30 bucks.

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 11:02 AM

Bill.........I was just kiddin witcha. Thought you might need a few laughs after having a street cop run your life, even for just five minutes.

Paulina - 7-13-2009 at 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by smlslikfish
I personally applaud your point of view and your actions. I feel the same way but don't usually manage to keep a smile on my face as I drive away. You should live a long life free of stress related health problems!

I would think that it would be difficult to manage to keep a smile on your face after you've been bent over, unless you're an old pro at it as some of the above posters claim to be.

I'd rather recieve the ticket.

P<*)))>{

[Edited on 13-7-2009 by Paulina]

ncampion - 7-13-2009 at 11:14 AM

In my 30+ years driving in Mexico, I have been pulled over exactly once and it was in Mexicali for "speeding". I paid the "field fine" of $20 and was on my way, but I have ever since avoided that town as it is both a nightmare to drive in and the "traffic enforcement" there is agressive to say the least.

That being said, the field fines won't stop until the police are paid a better wage. Until then, they will continue to suppliment their income as the opportunity presents. Which comes first, the chicken or the egg????

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ncampion

That being said, the field fines won't stop until the police are paid a better wage.

That wont stop it either. Free money is just that, free. A better wage won't break the bad habit of taking free money.
Of course, the bad cop could be turned in to his superior and........oh, wait a minute. The bad cop shares the loot with him too.
Gee....where does it stop?

Cyanide41 - 7-13-2009 at 11:37 AM

whoa! Did I just read that you paid $850pesos for 6mph over the limit?? Please tell me no! Had you done the right thing and asked for the citation, you almost certainly would have payed less than $20. If you had even resisted a little bit I am sure the fine would have dropped drastically or even gotten off with a warning.

Paulina - 7-13-2009 at 11:38 AM

:lol:

You guys are so naughty. Maybe that is why this "well behaved woman" likes you so much.

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 11:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cyanide41
If you had even resisted a little bit

Well, you have to understand MrBill. His Buddhist background forbids resistance. He leaves everything up to God and Karma.

Paulina - 7-13-2009 at 11:44 AM

don't forget the yoga postitions.

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Paulina
I would think that it would be difficult to manage to keep a smile on your face after you've been bent over

don't forget the yoga postitions.

P<*)))>{

I doubt he will.

jimgrms - 7-13-2009 at 12:03 PM

Every time i hear of something like this it makes me miss going to mexico less and less

Cyanide41 - 7-13-2009 at 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by Cyanide41
If you had even resisted a little bit

Well, you have to understand MrBill. His Buddhist background forbids resistance. He leaves everything up to God and Karma.

Well in that case.... Mr Bill you should up your karma and give me some cash for new tires so I can make more baja trips. That way you won't get pulled over in the first place.

Bajahowodd - 7-13-2009 at 12:45 PM

Still crusading, Pat. I'm often at odds with Mrbill. But, I do not understand why there is a hardcore bunch of folks on this board who act outraged everytime someone shares a mordita story. The concept is ingrained in the culture and history of the country. And make no mistake, there are countries all around the world that present a much higher level of corruption. It seems to me that Mexico presently faces daunting problems that make this issue pale by comparison. And Mrbill's story is the second in recent memory that was recounted with a pleasant humor. If he's not mad, why should you be?

Paulina - 7-13-2009 at 12:50 PM

"If he's not mad, why should you be?"

In what context are you using the word mad?

My insanity does not exeed the level of his. Aren't we all a bit "mad" about Baja, or did you mean something else?

Anger perhaps?

P<*)))>{

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 01:35 PM

Bill likes to start things then disappear.
Mordita won't stop just because you won't pay it. It will require a new social morality, a cultural shift, and I doubt all of us put together will have the clout to put that into place.
The only viable option is to go to the station although, that's usually inconvenient and nothing is more self-centered than an inconvenienced North American.
We never were a team.....just 300 million individuals.

Bajahowodd - 7-13-2009 at 01:43 PM

OK. For all I know, Mrbill may be mad, but he wasn't angry! And Dennis has it about right.

Osprey - 7-13-2009 at 02:12 PM

If we're not a team, could we be a group? I like to be part of something. A clutch? A cliche? Don't tell me I'm gonna have to have my Baja Nomad tattoo removed! Looks so good there next to "Mom" and "King of Mordida".

oxxo - 7-13-2009 at 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS
Mordita won't stop just because you won't pay it.

Mordita has stopped for me, because I don't pay it. I'm not saying what other people should do, I just know what works for me.

De Nada, Shark

MrBillM - 7-13-2009 at 02:27 PM

I haven't disappeared, Dennis. Just been working (and sweating like a Pig) most of the day. Making matters worse, we're entering a Neap tide cycle and it's a long way to the water. The upside is that the dogs don't wander off. They're all laying on the concrete in the shade panting.

Now, it's break (and Beer) time.

I always like to post these "Biting" encounters because they generate so much pro/con interest. It winds up the "Righteous" crowd everytime. I used to have a neighbor who was one of those and I'd tie him in knots spitting nails with my tales of "Get Along". THAT was worth the Mordida spent.

Not sure how those MexCops have zeroed in on me as a soft touch over the last 45 years. I can't remember ever getting stopped in the same vehicle more than once. Maybe, but I don't remember it. Chile-Pepper Psychic Powers ? And, thinking about it, there haven't been that many. A dozen, mayber more. Forty-Five years since I first drove down here. Not Bad.

I've spent 50 or a hundred times the mordida at the border that I have with the Cops. AND, it still comes out to far less than the Duty would have been.

$60 IS a lot, though. A friend of mine stopped by on the way to Gonzaga this a.m. and his jaw dropped at that one. He paid $20 recently.

IT Was HOT. The Wife and Three Dogs in the Truck. The truck FULL of gear I DIDN'T pay any duty on 15 minutes earlier. I was tired. On a better day in November, it might have gone differently. Cheaper, anyway. As far as a "REAL" ticket costing only $36, I have to say that I would have done the same thing. $24 extra to just go on my way ? ANYTIME.

We all have priorities. As I've said "I don't want to set the world on Fire", I just want to go on my way.

BTW, one more anecdote. When the cop first came up, he leaned his arm on the back of the window opening. At which point, one of my dogs who is VERY jealous of her territory in the truck, made a growling effort at taking part of that arm off. During our discussion, as I tried to make it clear that she wouldn't "Really" Bite, he pulled off one glove to show me scars that (supposedly) came from a Dog Bite.

Whenever we pull up at the Army Checkpoint, we start petting and talking to her beforehand to settle her down should they open the back door. There have been some tense moments when she felt someone who had NO right to be there was in HER space.

VIVA MORDIDA.

viabaja - 7-13-2009 at 02:39 PM

A felony in Baja!!! Hahahahahah!!! What planet are some of you all living on?? I think many people just forget that Mexico is a third world country. Mexican Law enforcement is not your best friend and their judicial system is"guilty until proven innocent" How valuable is your time? $40 - 60 is money well spent than having to follow the cop to the station and pay. I do not condone the system, but it is what it is. So for those who get on their high horses and castigate those who have shared a good story about paying the system, get a realty check!

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Osprey
If we're not a team, could we be a group? I like to be part of something. A clutch? A cliche? Don't tell me I'm gonna have to have my Baja Nomad tattoo removed! Looks so good there next to "Mom" and "King of Mordida".

We're a MOB. It'll look good right next to "MOM."

Sharksbaja - 7-13-2009 at 02:46 PM

I'm a little curious here. There are some Nomads who insist on seeing the chief or going to the station when they feel they are being greased up for mordida.

My question is simple. Do these lawbiding folks also report to the chief the mordida tactics used on them by the officer or is that part left out? It would seem like these good folks who are doing their duty pay a legit fine would also take appropriate action to halt further extractions by the cop. How else would these injustices be known to higher-ups?

What Gringo would turn in a dirty cop face to face? Maybe Gnu would but he's an exception methinks.

I'm sure the Chief has no idea that this is going on out on the streets of TJ or wherever. :rolleyes:

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by MrBillM

Not sure how those MexCops have zeroed in on me as a soft touch over the last 45 years. A dozen, mayber more. Forty-Five years since I first drove down here. Not Bad.

Jeezo, Bill....When you swim with the sharks, eventually they'll show you the love which makes them famous. You've done good, in my opinion

Quote:

IT Was HOT. The Wife and Three Dogs in the Truck. The truck FULL of gear I DIDN'T pay any duty on 15 minutes earlier. I was tired. On a better day in November, it might have gone differently. We all have priorities. As I've said "I don't want to set the world on Fire", I just want to go on my way.

Discretion is still the better part of valor.

Quote:

Whenever we pull up at the Army Checkpoint, we start petting and talking to her beforehand to settle her down should they open the back door.

I had a girlfriend like that once. I used a muzzle and a big neckerchief to sop up the saliva. She was a good cook, though.

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
Mordita has stopped for me, because I don't pay it. I'm not saying what other people should do, I just know what works for me.

OK...That works for mordita. Try it with air pollution.

oxxo - 7-13-2009 at 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
My question is simple. Do these lawbiding folks also report to the chief the mordida tactics used on them by the officer or is that part left out?

The citing officer accompanies me to the station when I insist. I paid the fine at the station, if guilty, and went on my way. The most expensive fine I ever paid was $20 and have always received a receipt.

Last winter, I was stopped in San Jose del Cabo for driving with an expired registration (which was true). The field cop asked for $100. I said no, and he and I went to the station. I spoke to the comandante, Juan Castro Zepilla, who spoke perfect English. He said he had received training in Sacramento, CA. We had a cordial conversation. I said I was guilty but I thought $100 was excessive. He said that he was constantly trying to "train" his officers. He said this officer had cited me for the incorrect infraction. He said that 75 PESOS was the proper fine. I got my receipt and his business card and he said to call on him if I needed assistance in the future.

If I was not guilty of the infraction, the citing officer gives up when I insist on going to the station. It is better for him to give up, give me a warning, and send me on my way. His time is better spent trying to shake down someone who will pay, rather than wasting his time taking me to the station.

I not trying to tell you what to do. I'm just saying what has worked for me.

Just curious

mooose29 - 7-13-2009 at 03:29 PM

Other then the last poster I have never known anyone who went to the station to settle the fine on the spot. When I recieved my ticket I was simply told that I had 30 days to go at my convience and pay the fine. How many drivers that have been pulled over have actually been made to go to the station and see the "Judge"

bajalou - 7-13-2009 at 03:37 PM

I have always gone to the station and paid the fine. (1 speeding and 4-5 running stop signs) I have always been guilty. Total fines for all of this - about $50.

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by mooose29
Other then the last poster I have never known anyone who went to the station to settle the fine on the spot. When I recieved my ticket I was simply told that I had 30 days to go at my convience and pay the fine. How many drivers that have been pulled over have actually been made to go to the station and see the "Judge"

I have. I've also had my Calif. license taken to be bailed out at the station. That used to be the standard method other than playing the street game.

BajaNomad - 7-13-2009 at 04:23 PM

A reminder....

Cities in the northern peninsula state of Baja California give you the option of paying your citation by MAIL:

"If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in Tijuana or Rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail."

Tickets issued in Tijuana can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:

H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana
416 West San Ysidro Blvd.
Suite “L” No. 725
San Ysidro, CA 92143

Tickets issued In Rosarito can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:

H. Ayuntamiento de Rosarito
P.O. Box 439060
San Diego, CA 92143-9060

Tickets issued in Ensenada can be paid by sending a check or money order made out to:

Municipio de Ensenada
PMB 147
P.O. Box 189003
Coronado, CA, 92178-9003

For the cities of San Felipe, Tecate and Mexicali, traffic fines must be paid at the police station.

This is supposed to be the latest info - directly from the Baja California State Tourism Secretariat website:

http://www.discoverbajacalifornia.com/safety/traffic_tickets...

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 04:28 PM

Thanks, Doug.....The Discover Baja link is a good one. Wish I could see and print this in Spanish so I could hand it to a cop.

[Edited on 7-13-2009 by DENNIS]

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 04:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
Tickets issued in Tijuana can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:

H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana
416 West San Ysidro Blvd.
Suite “L” No. 725
San Ysidro, CA 92143

This address is a Postal Annex..same place I get my mail.
In case anyone wonders, Nancy, the owner, tells me the large basket for mail to the TJ address is always overflowing.
I guess their system works with us. It's nice to see.

Obviously only for tourists from the U.S.

Dave - 7-13-2009 at 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by BajaNomad
A reminder....

Cities in the northern peninsula state of Baja California give you the option of paying your citation by MAIL:

"If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in Tijuana or Rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail."

If you're a driving a Mexican plated vehicle with a Mexican drivers license don't expect cordial treatment.

Additionally and according to Rosarito's mayor:

Within the city limits the only officers authorized to issue citations to tourists are the tourist police. You can request that they be sent to your location. This will usually stop the rats in their tracks.

bajajudy - 7-13-2009 at 04:48 PM

Here they say that they are going to take your license and that you can pick it up at the station when you pay your ticket. I got stopped a few weeks back for no seat belt. I chatted with the cop. He told me how guapa my picture was. I asked him what would happen if I ran into another cop who wanted to see my license. At that point, he took my license and went back to discuss this with his driver/partner. He came back and gave me my license and told me to wear my seat belt from now on. All of this conversation was in Spanish which in this case I believe helped me get out of the ticket. He kept saying my name over and over and then where I lived....quien sabe.

Edit to add
I would not have paid him a centavo rojo, if he had kept my license...no way! I will not encourage that even if it is a pain in the you-know-what.

[Edited on 7-13-2009 by bajajudy]

DENNIS - 7-13-2009 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dave
If you're a driving a Mexican plated vehicle with a Mexican drivers license don't expect cordial treatment.

Good point. While we're enduring all of this blood-letting at the hands of the cops, perhaps we should realize the Mexicans have it worse than we do.
Some here won't see that as a valid point. Maybe good but, not valid. I see it as both.

fandango - 7-13-2009 at 05:52 PM

Cities in the northern peninsula state of Baja California give you the option of paying your citation by MAIL:

"If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in Tijuana or Rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail."

----------------------------------
what if you are stopped once you enter the toll road? same option?

dtbushpilot - 7-13-2009 at 06:11 PM

I've been pulled over twice in many thousands of miles of driving over the speed limit in Mexico. Both times the officer was professional and pleasant, so was I. Both times I asked the officer if he would pay my fine for me at the station so that I could go on my way, they both were happy to help me out. I was able to negotiate a lower fine both times. I assume the officer took my money back to the station and paid my fine. If he didn't does that mean that I paid mordita or not? My karma is clear, I did the crime, I paid the price.

I was coming back from the Baja 500 a while back and was cruising down interstate 8 just West of El Centro. I was driving a big Dodge pickup towing a small motorcycle trailer. I was going 70 mph, I've seen the sign that states 55 mph for trucks and cars towing trailers but never really thought it applied to me (an incorrect assumption on my part). I was pulled over for going 70 in a 55 towing a trailer and given a ticket by a CHP officer with no personality or sense of humor what's so ever. The fine was $390.....dollars, not pesos.

I'll take the Mexican way every time.....dt

Nope

Dave - 7-13-2009 at 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by fandango
Cities in the northern peninsula state of Baja California give you the option of paying your citation by MAIL:

"If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in Tijuana or Rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail."

----------------------------------
what if you are stopped once you enter the toll road? same option?

There are no local cops on the toll road. It's federal property. The federals will issue a citation and take your license. Depending on where issued you'll either pay in TJ or Ensenada. That's where your license will be sent.

monoloco - 7-13-2009 at 10:56 PM

I have found that after a bit of negotiation the mordida requested is excessive the amount will suddenly go down after calling their bluff and requesting to go see the juez. I have never paid more than 200 pesos for any infraccion.

Bajahowodd - 7-14-2009 at 12:13 AM

I tend to look at it as karma. Just ask yourself how many hours and miles have you spent vastly exceeding the speed limit driving on highway 1. I mean, like it really appears that when the sign says 80kph, people are doing 80mph. So, for all those minor infraction things, just think about how the big stuff added up. A bargain. And don't anyone of you dare to tell me you really drive 40Kph on the open road!

DENNIS - 7-14-2009 at 07:46 AM

I've said this in the past but, I'll mention it again and, it's only my opinion.
Mordita in it's most pure and simple form is ideal. Those who break the law support law enforcement. What could be better?
Of course, the sin of greed interacts with the ideal structure and turns the whole thing into petty extortion. Sometimes not so petty. The fine has to fit the crime. If it did, there would be fewer complaints.

viabaja - 7-14-2009 at 08:08 AM

Dtbushpilot - good comments and thats how it's done! "I'm in a hurry officer, so would you please please pay the fine for me". It's all about face and most people in Baja don't get it!

Checks in the Mail ?

MrBillM - 7-14-2009 at 08:12 AM

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah. I KNOW (or, at least, have read long ago) that the infractions supposedly can be paid by mail. It's one of the things I mentioned to my wife as we drove off, BUT MexCop kept pounding his pen on that spot that says THAT was where we had to go to pay the ticket.

As I said, there was never any doubt in my mind WHERE the whole thing was going once the routine started. It was just a matter of how long it was going to take to arrive at the "Bite". Many times (especially at the Border), I've been tempted to say "OK, cut to the Bottom Line", but they don't like to have the routine disrupted.

About 20 minutes later, going down Hwy 5, my wife said "Now, be sure to stay at the speed limit. We don't want to get stopped again". As I reached one of those 60KPH sections on the open highway with no apparent reason, I SLOWED to exactly 36 and drove the distance until it went back to 80. I said "is this what you mean" ? Her Reply ? "Holy Jesus !"

YEAH.

Bajafun777 - 7-14-2009 at 12:27 PM

Crooked cops or crooked systems---what is the difference?? Look, in the States no matter what you actually are such as guilty or innocent you will pay the fine, court fee, administrative fee, etc. etc. etc. so what should have been a simple $50 fine turns into $450. Since it was within the system the crooked system is deemed OK. Where would anyone expect it different in the States, if the Judge says it is so then it is So, right?? The court gets it cut, the police get their cut, the city gets it cut, the court administration gets it cut and we the public get the shaft, so it is what it is. Our taxes are to pay for these services, so why the push to keep increasing the fees on infractions---simple to make more money! In Mexico not everyone gets the cut if you settle it on the street and like others have written here it is a lot faster and cheaper than here in the States. Our fines on the roadways were never created to be fair, as they were made to make money on each and every stop. Just look at the fiscal mess in California and go into any city, town, county roadway or state freeway and watch the real "Bite" happen. Yes, the speed limits are posted but many on our rural flat roadways are speed rated for money making not the correct or safe speed. In our cities the little "no left" or "no right" turn signs placed coming out of fast food driveways are there to make money nothing to do with safe driving. I know this will make some mad but truth said our fining system is corrupt as it fills the hands of many and many have to keep that revenue source up to at least the year before, as each system claims the need for it. Not mad as it would be no use, It Is What It Is!! No whinning or challenging will ever change it. So, filling one hand or many in the "revenue cycle" what is best or legal---maybe legal is defined by the ones hands being filled and claiming it is all just "A-OK." Again not pointing fingers at law enforcement or courts as we the voters have allowed this "cash cow" to be milked as if it will never run out of milk and the laws are the laws. We all want to do the right thing but does the right thing really boil down to the right thing or just the way it is. I prefer the Mexico way on a number of things and yes in some ways in Mexico you have a lot more freedoms than you do in the States now or maybe even lesser in the future. We let crooked politicians tell us what is legal, right, and what they say we the voters have pushed for them to do--- yea they really listen to us that is why California has budget and no fiscal problems. Mr. Bill as I get older I find my time is more important than just waiting in a hot car, hot room, pushed from one window to the next instead of just doing what is quick and really better for me at the moment. You pay the cop for the fine and if he does not turn it in, then he is doing wrong or maybe he is just filling the one hand and not many. Later--- bajafun777

arrowhead - 7-14-2009 at 02:20 PM

There sure are a lot of misguided people here. With one sentence they decry corruption in Mexico, and in the very next sentence they rationalize it away. Seems most of you fail to understand that corruption in Mexico is just one big continuum from the $20 to the traffic cop to the $450,000 the cartels pay the director of the federal police. It is all the same thing. The only difference is that the higher up you go in the political system, the more you have to pay.

President Felipe Calderón said: "Ya basta, con la corrupción, la impunidad y la inseguridad."

You people are sewing the seeds of the destruction of the country you claim you love. And for what? Because you are in a hurry? Because it is the easiest thing to do? Because everybody else does it?

Osprey - 7-14-2009 at 02:28 PM

I don't corrupt in the regular way. Some my cop friends here in the village sometimes stop by for a cold one on the patio and from time to time I help them find more reasons to stop gringos. For example, they forget to check tail lights and break lights, windshield wipers, odometers, etc. Sometimes I get on line and show them how to read registration papers, insurance policies, ID cards. One of my best money makers for them is to accuse the driver of putting on the seat belt during the stop.

Cypress - 7-14-2009 at 02:40 PM

You get stopped. The law dude asks for papers, ID. You don't fully understand what the heck is going on because you don't speak Spanish. They speak enough English to scare the heck out of you. You're digging in your wallet for some cash. They like that. You're good to go. :biggrin:

DENNIS - 7-14-2009 at 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
You people are sewing the seeds of the destruction of the country you claim you love. And for what? Because you are in a hurry? Because it is the easiest thing to do? Because everybody else does it?

We arn't missionaries. We're doing what's necessary to accept and work with the cultural as it is.
We won't change this...the way it is. In other threads, we're crapped all over for making that effort...to change the culture to our ideal.
I think it's arrogant to believe it's our place to change the structure.
Take the option....refuse to pay and insist on a trip to the station if that's what it takes to fight the system. That's what I do but, don't try to make saints out of the street cops. You don't have what it takes.

Bajageorge - 7-14-2009 at 04:30 PM

Hey where else in the world can you get totally drunk and drive, get pulled over, give the cop a hundred and get to keep driving and drinking ?? GOTTA LOVE MEX..... :spingrin:

fishingmako - 7-14-2009 at 05:46 PM

Well I sure hope Drunk People like you are not on the Road when I'm driving, what would happen in the States?
There has been many threads on this subject, and as long as you continue to pay, then pay, but the problem is going to get worse, as they see you have lots of money, OH THE ECONOMY is not bad for you, see Rodolfo I told you these guys are loaded, and scared S-------, so take what ever they have.
Come on people If you do something really wrong then take care of business, If not refuse to pay the mordita and go to the station, or maybe you really are scared S-------.

Dittos

MrBillM - 7-15-2009 at 09:05 AM

Dennis.

Bajafun777.

I can't say it any better.

"I don't want to set the World on Fire................"

The difference between corruption in Mexico and the U.S.A. is that it is more egalitarian in Mexico with opportunity for the Average Joe to participate. In the U.S., Corruption is reserved for the corridors of political and corporate power.

AND, to those shooting "Arrowheads" at us, I am not on any mission to save or reform Mexico. I look upon each example in terms of how it affects ME ! If it works for ME, it's OK.

The rest of you are on your own. I'm not joining any crusades for Social Justice, Equality, or anything else, for that matter.

As I said earlier, I ALWAYS enjoy relating these social encounters because they bring out such a variety of (sometimes rabid) pontificating. This certainly fulfilled that purpose.

I'm reminded years ago of an event at work in which there was a group discussion of our Building Emergency Plan in the event of a disaster. I said "I don't know about the rest of you, but there's an Emergency Exit just behind my desk and, if anything goes wrong, I'm Gone. the rest of you are on your own. I'll see the survivors in the parking lot and we'll have a beer later".

VIVA MORDIDA. VIVA ME.

Bill, I will remember to sit close to the exit when I visit !!!

beercan - 7-15-2009 at 09:12 AM

I just hope Linda will take some pics of two geezers scrambling for the door !! :lol:

oldlady - 7-15-2009 at 09:38 AM

By the time you trip over all the guns and electronics you belly floppers ain't gonna "scramble" much of anywhere.

DENNIS - 7-15-2009 at 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by oldlady
By the time you trip over all the guns and electronics you belly floppers ain't gonna "scramble" much of anywhere.

Maybe it was a reference to their huevos.

oldlady - 7-15-2009 at 12:49 PM

Hard boiled, no doubt.

viabaja - 7-16-2009 at 07:38 AM

Since when has it been illegal to drink & drive in Baja?? BTW - our friends at the check points prefer Tecate - stock up!!

arrowhead - 7-16-2009 at 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by viabaja
Since when has it been illegal to drink & drive in Baja?? BTW - our friends at the check points prefer Tecate - stock up!!

So, are you advising the people that read this message board for information on Baja that it is legal to drink and drive in Baja? Is that your point?

monoloco - 7-16-2009 at 07:46 PM

I thought drinking and driving was the national sport of Mexico.

In Mexico...

Dave - 7-16-2009 at 08:35 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by arrowhead
So, are you advising the people that read this message board for information on Baja that it is legal to drink and drive in Baja? Is that your point?

Legality is a concept best explained by the size of your wallet.

I had a couple of employees that thought so too.

beercan - 7-16-2009 at 08:45 PM

After a couple of cold winter nights in a Mexican jail , they were converts. Took them a couple of months to get their car back .

Quote:

I thought drinking and driving was the national sport of Mexico.