BajaNomad - Boarder crossings

Boarder crossings

bajabird - 8-19-2009 at 02:28 PM

With the changing of border policies, I though it would be good to know what the latest news is; I had just passed through with the green light. No stop.

For those that do get stopped, any charges? For what?

I have been bring stuff down for friends, family and for donations for years. Are times changed?

DENNIS - 8-19-2009 at 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajabird
Are times changed?

Well, times have definitly changed but, at this moment, it's difficult to evalue the severity of it all. It's also hard to determine how long the new world order at the gate will be in place.
My feeling, based on past efforts, is that it will be moderatly severe at first, then find it's own level of practicality.

On similar threads here, I don't recall anybody refering to the damage this will do to San Diego area merchants. People will be buying so much less if they're going to be paying at the border for what they saved. It's going to be an interesting Christmas.

Fred-o - 8-19-2009 at 04:29 PM

Good point Dennis, and besides that, the 2 buck Chuck Christmas gifts just went to 3+ buck Chuck, (duty you know) muy malo. and a case of it would bring the price to equal that of the wonderful Mexican vintage: Santo Tomas Vino Blanco, my fav....Bottled early Wednesday.
A whole new concept in "friends don't let friends etc etc"

With apollogies to Kathleen T.

fred rehfeld

ldm

bajabird - 8-21-2009 at 11:21 AM

Has anyone been hit yet by the new highly trained / educated enforcement team?

Or is it same ole same ole system?

Bajabuff - 8-26-2009 at 12:02 PM

Hi, I'm planning to bring cloths and other things for the poor in the La Mision area over Labor Day. Are there any recent reports about border stops and inspections? I have a house there. Dick

DENNIS - 8-26-2009 at 01:54 PM

Just came south through SY two hours ago. Two lanes open on the left side. I could see fifteen cars in front of me and didn't see one red light. Lots of traffic but no hangups. Two people in the highchairs.
I think the worst is over.

grace59 - 9-3-2009 at 04:34 PM

I crossed at the old border crossing in Calexico last Friday and got the green light through and a big smile from the new guard. No line to enter Mexico....leaving was another story....two hours of waiting to cross back into the States on Monday about 1pm. Then at the Border Guard stop on 8 going towards San Diego the guard there asked us a bunch of questions and then asked us to "pop the trunk so I don't have to pull you over into secondary"....we didn't want that as we could see them dismantling someone's SUV...They were removing the rear tail light covers. It was a very trying return...think next time I'll just stay in Baja.

bajadock - 9-3-2009 at 11:36 PM

FYI for you holiday neighbors/visitors/guests coming in for the Labor Day Weekend.

I crossed south into TJ TODAY, 3 Sept/Thursday, at 6:45PM after a 30 minute wait in traffic. This has been the norm, if not a more mild rush hour, compared to the past few months. Traffic on I-5 was backed up north of the 805 ramp.

THE PROBLEM today was the ramp in TJ from the road along the border leading WEST to HWY1. It was under construction/closed and traffic was being diverted 1/4 mile south, then backtracked north. Cars seemed to be stopped or crawling at walking speed.

After my busy trip north today and 30 minute wait on I-5 southbound, I chose the Free Road Option(yellow path all of the way) down to Rosarito and merged back on to HWY1 there. The Free Road shown has just completed new pavement and traffic was moving rapidly beyond the speed limit.

I'm a Free Road Groupie, so pester me for more details on Free Road options all the way.

wessongroup - 9-4-2009 at 05:18 AM

Thanks for all the information, very helpful. Do you have any idea how long the construction project may take.. Is it a big job or small?

Used to use the old road too, but has been a long, long, long time...

bajadock - 9-4-2009 at 06:29 AM

This is a minor inconvenience, especially compared to what our neighbors are experiencing down south from Hurrican Jimena. I'm guessing the ramp
closure adds 10-15 minutes.

bcburt - 9-4-2009 at 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
Thanks for all the information, very helpful. Do you have any idea how long the construction project may take.. Is it a big job or small?

Used to use the old road too, but has been a long, long, long time...

It is major road construction. They are repaving the road all the way from East of Soler to Playas. They are also rebuilding many of the connecting ramps to this road and the land bridge between the El Mirador and Playas exits which eroded significantly months ago from storm runoff.

Someone suggested using the free road to avoid this but there is road construction on it as well. For about 3 miles the road has been reduced to one lane in each direction. With all of the cross traffic I have experienced many long waits. If you are crossing the border the scenic route would be quicker than the free road in either direction.

[Edited on 9-4-2009 by bcburt]

Roads

wessongroup - 9-4-2009 at 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by bcburt

Quote:

Thanks very much, that helps a great deal for me.

First time down in twenty years, somewhat concerned about how things "are" now, in many ways.

DENNIS - 9-4-2009 at 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup
First time down in twenty years, somewhat concerned about how things "are" now, in many ways.

Things are...different.

k-rico - 9-4-2009 at 03:43 PM

If you're using a Sentri pass to get north, don't have a crack in your windshield. I've had a small crack in the bottom of mine for the past two years, it never grew like they usually do. Monday I got pulled over into secondary because of it and they scraped the sticker off my windshield, after about an hour wait. Cracks are not allowed. I need to get a new windshield and go to Otay for a new sticker.

I'm sure there is a good reason, I just can't think of it.

Bajahowodd - 9-4-2009 at 04:07 PM

They think you're bringing crack across the border???

Gotta go with burt, too. Last time we took the free road there was mucho construction.

DENNIS - 9-4-2009 at 05:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico

I'm sure there is a good reason, I just can't think of it.

Maybe 'cause their the biggest bunch of asssholes in the whole wide world.
Now their doing DMV work. How nice.

David K - 9-4-2009 at 05:13 PM

I will take a guess: Before the craked windshield is replaced and the sticker gets into unauthorized hands/ onto an 'illegal activities' vehicle... it gets pulled...?

Must have been a big crack... which is illegal to drive with, anyway?

Is there something in print that tells the holder of a Sentri about craked windshields?

k-rico - 9-4-2009 at 05:24 PM

That's it!! I was bringing crack across. Thanks bajahowodd.

Dennis, you're right. Not one said hello, please, nor thankyou, all overweight, sweating, in uniforms 2 sizes too small. Quite a dismal sight.

The crack is about ten inches long at the bottom of the windshield running more or less horizontally. For 2 years nobody said anything.

David K. - no way the sticker can get re-used, it gets destroyed when you pull it off, besides you need a Sentri card too and I think the sticker is RFID that sends out info to match the car, don't know for sure tho.

[Edited on 9-5-2009 by k-rico]

Fred - 9-4-2009 at 06:54 PM

Just went thru Tecate this past Tuesday at 8:30 am and the wait was 19 minutes and that included a stop in secondary. Quite fast with a good gift of gab. Not that talk alot.

MikeLikeBaja - 9-4-2009 at 08:27 PM

Bajadock, I always wondered where that road led to. Thank you very much. So does anybody know if the free road is free of construction as of 9/04?

bajadock - 9-4-2009 at 10:47 PM

I had no idea how much controversy stirred up on free road option v. toll road.

1. Orange "free road" section on map through dowtown TJ will cost you added 10-20 minutes due to one lane each way.
I used to take this route regularly, but, avoid it in 2009.
2. Regular(red route) construction on ramp just after hill will cost you 5-10 minutes depending upon traffic.
3. Green "free road" section is COMPLETED/NO CONSTRUCTION and 60MPH+.

My encouragement: try new ways, experience new fun. Also stop in at the PUB on Punta Banda for a refreshment.

baja829 - 9-4-2009 at 11:31 PM

Came through East Gate at Calexico Tues. around 6:00 -- no light but we were pulled over by a very nice Inspector. We drive a F350 4x4, with great springs, big tires -- we had a few sheets of plywood, cement, groceries, laundry, etc. He asked if we wanted to declare anything, we said no, it was all for personal use. He wanted to see our Title, took a look, we gave him a few new English words to use and went on our way. No problems, great manners.

On our weekly trip in however, it's always at least a 1 to 2 hour wait now. Day of week, time of day, doesn't seem to matter anymore -- just lots of traffic -- mostly Mexican plates throughout the summer.

duke62 - 9-5-2009 at 12:11 AM

k-rico, we just crossed with our Sentri, and, as we were on American soil as we pulled up to the booth, my wife fired up the cell phone to make sure our 18-year-old was safe, the dogs and chickens were fed, etc. He (Homeland Security) went into a tirade about how he was sure she was taking his picture to post on the internet. ???? Then, we got home, and found out it is a new crime on the books to take photos/videos of border enforcement people. But, she never even pointed her camera at him. Even in SENTRI, the freaks they have working there.... Somehow when I paid the money and waited 4 hours at Otay to do it, I thought it would be different. They know my life. In return, a bit of respect would be good.

p.s. Sorry for the hijack, just needed to vent

Routes

wessongroup - 9-5-2009 at 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by bajadock

Thanks much, it all helps...

Think your last statement is more helpful than any.... used to travel that way when crossing many years ago.. take it easy

EngineerMike - 9-5-2009 at 01:30 PM

Anybody tried crossing w/hurricane relief donations yet?

I'm heading to Mulege later in the week, looking for indication of the new regime's modus operandi.

Russ - 9-6-2009 at 03:41 AM

One friend got turned around with lumber. So get it down here.Can't tell you how angry he was.

Bob and Susan - 9-6-2009 at 05:04 AM

russ...your friend just need to import correctly

my neighbor imports all kinds of wood all the time
but there is a process

you just cant load it in the truck and drive across

CaboRon - 9-6-2009 at 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Fred-o
Good point Dennis, and besides that, the 2 buck Chuck Christmas gifts just went to 3+ buck Chuck, (duty you know) muy malo.

ldm

Two Buck Chuck has been at three dollars a bottle all along in Las Vegas .... the manager at Trader Joe's explained that it was do to higher taxes in Nevada ...

I am wondering if our price will go to Four Buck Chuck :lol:

garynmx - 9-7-2009 at 06:18 AM

OnThursday, got red light in TJ. Pulled in and officer looked in car and seen a small box , got his knife out, opened it and here come all the agents. About 5 of them. I had 400 syringes (insulin syringes). I am diabetic and just picked up my supplies. Took about 30 minutes. Finally when they seen my insulin bottles they let me go. I have gotten red light before (plenty of times) but they usually just glance in and see its groceries and tell us to go on. Now they actually looked. I know they are looking for electronics as car next to us had a new tv and they had to pay duty for it. Don't know how much.

Hendo - 9-7-2009 at 09:40 AM

If we are to cross legaly I understand we need a form to be filled out documenting all items and value. How do you value used and donated things. If I come down with bags of clothes the value new would be thousands of dollars of which I don't want to pay taxes on.

DENNIS - 9-7-2009 at 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by garynmx
I had 400 syringes (insulin syringes). I am diabetic and just picked up my supplies.

Don't know why that would bother them at all. They're out on the shelves in WalMart and other places.

DENNIS - 9-7-2009 at 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Hendo
If we are to cross legaly I understand we need a form to be filled out documenting all items and value. How do you value used and donated things. If I come down with bags of clothes the value new would be thousands of dollars of which I don't want to pay taxes on.

Gawd, I don't know. The rules arn't so cut 'n dried as people think. You wont have to pay duty on used clothes as new. Just don't know what the tolerable limit would be that day, at that time, with that inspector.
Unless you have a mountain of the stuff, just hope for a green light. If you get a red, just tell them what you're doing and hope for the best. What can they do? The can't take away your birthday. Just avoid pleading for mercy for charitable reasons. They don't like to hear that their efforts to deal with a situation are inadaquate, especially from North Americans. If all else fails, tell them to keep the clothes. They wont.

I've been told...

Dave - 9-7-2009 at 11:36 AM

By those who have been stopped that limits on used clothing are determined by weight. 10 kilos

How weight is determined is anyone's guess. I haven't seen any scales. :rolleyes:

But...they did say that over the limit and you're directed to Otay.

Fred - 9-7-2009 at 02:02 PM

Clothes are determined by what size the guard, his wife and kids wear.

Howard - 9-7-2009 at 02:42 PM

Fred

It's so sad and yet true about the clothes. It is like when I flew into Loreto with my dog and had a sealed bag of Pedigree kibble dog food and it was confiscated because the kibble had some beef in it. It probably also had something to do with how much dog food the inspector had at home for his dog. Went to the Marcado, bought the same Pedigree brand and it had beef in it as well.

DENNIS - 9-7-2009 at 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Howard
Fred

It's so sad and yet true about the clothes. It is like when I flew into Loreto with my dog and had a sealed bag of Pedigree kibble dog food and it was confiscated because the kibble had some beef in it. It probably also had something to do with how much dog food the inspector had at home for his dog. Went to the Marcado, bought the same Pedigree brand and it had beef in it as well.

The US takes away dog food at the drive through as well. Maybe those a-holes eat it.

mulegemichael - 9-7-2009 at 03:29 PM

just damn dumb chit...i guess it's all about national security, huh?

wessongroup - 9-8-2009 at 08:26 AM

Any problems on return to the US in the Sentri lanes or the regular crossing lanes at the San Ysidro crossing?

Road conditions (construction detours) or roads down to one lane coming back into and through Tijuana.

Any suggestions that one should take to make the crossing as painless as possible.

SDRonni - 9-8-2009 at 05:04 PM

There's a little detour beginning at Playas, but it really wasn't a big deal....this afternoon......8 minutes in SENTRI line....love that SENTRI card!

woody with a view - 9-8-2009 at 06:03 PM

sunday b4 labor day at 12.30pm = 40 minutes.

BajaWarrior - 9-8-2009 at 06:28 PM

Labor Day Northbound Mexicali East. 2 p.m. 40 minutes.

David K - 9-9-2009 at 08:18 AM

Labor Day westbound, California-Nevada border... 0 minutes! :biggrin:

Okay, that was a joke... carry on!

TJ Options

bajadock - 9-12-2009 at 10:34 AM

Too late for you labor day Baja visitors, but, TJ ramp construction(per my map above) was completed for smooth driving Friday night(11 sep) at 10PM.

Also crossed north at Otay yesterday. 8 minutes wait for approx 12 cars in line. All construction at Otay seems complete. However, southbound into TJ at Otay was a horribly long lineup.

2 "free roads" discussed in TJ. On this map, the orange route through downtown TJ(Blvd Cuautemoc) has been under serious construction for several months and delays can be painful in both directions.

The GREEN "free road" route through TJ on the map has completed construction and traffic flies on that new pavement.

And if my spaghetti of route options through TJ has you confused, you have not been very adventurous. Or you've never had the fun of being lost in TJ.

fuelpusher2 - 9-12-2009 at 04:24 PM

Wednesday Sept 9th, friends crossed southbound at San Ysidro @ 6:30am headed for Loreto.

"Inspectors stopped most cars, looked in one tub in our truck asked where we where going & said go ahead."

SDRonni - 9-12-2009 at 04:30 PM

Since Wednesday is Independence Day in Mexico, do yo think it may be less likely one might get stopped carrying stuff across on that day????? Our mover can't move us that day because he said customs is closed.......just curious..............

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDRonni
Since Wednesday is Independence Day in Mexico, do yo think it may be less likely one might get stopped carrying stuff across on that day????? Our mover can't move us that day because he said customs is closed.......just curious..............

Doubt it. They get paid extra for working on holidays, not that it means anything but, their job is well known to them.

SDRonni - 9-12-2009 at 05:12 PM

Oh phooey!

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by SDRonni
Oh phooey!

Meaning what?

DENNIS - 9-12-2009 at 06:05 PM

BUMP

Meaning what, Ronni? Was I wrong? Tell me where and how. Please.

Oh phooey!

Bronco - 9-12-2009 at 08:48 PM

I just love clear, coherent decisive reply’s that may enlighten a thread.

SDRonni - 9-13-2009 at 09:27 AM

Oh, I'm sorry! I just meant "Phooey" because I was hoping I could get some personal items across southbound without worrying about getting a red light..............that's all......

SENTRI lanes

wessongroup - 9-15-2009 at 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
If you're using a Sentri pass to get north, don't have a crack in your windshield. I've had a small crack in the bottom of mine for the past two years, it never grew like they usually do. Monday I got pulled over into secondary because of it and they scraped the sticker off my windshield, after about an hour wait. Cracks are not allowed. I need to get a new windshield and go to Otay for a new sticker.

I'm sure there is a good reason, I just can't think of it.

Will be using a SENTRI pass coming back from Ensenada... looking for the best route through TJ to get to the "lanes" to cross. Have never used the lanes and pass, any help would be great.

thomassjosephat - 9-15-2009 at 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by wessongroup

Quote:

Will be using a SENTRI pass coming back from Ensenada... looking for the best route through TJ to get to the "lanes" to cross. Have never used the lanes and pass, any help would be great.

I think you can access ""sentri"" by going through the zona norte by way of calle coahuila. I'm not sure why someone with your great "imagination" is unable to find the simple driving directions.

Feliz Viajes Chiquito

Bajahowodd - 9-15-2009 at 04:12 PM

Personally, the SENTRI lanes at Otay are easier to access. Just don't be carrying crack.

DENNIS - 9-15-2009 at 04:20 PM

I think my TROLL ALARM just went off for the second time today.

Otay

wessongroup - 9-15-2009 at 05:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
Personally, the SENTRI lanes at Otay are easier to access. Just don't be carrying crack.

Thanks, will look into that route also ... have a route that uses Decima y o J. Sarabia to a uturn at the Miguel Hidalgo moument then right on Via Ripida Oriente to a stop sign then across to the left and on up to the lanes..

Have been putting waypoints into the GPS onto Larry's Baja maps. Just wanted as much information as I can get... I leave imagination to subjects other than navigation, not sure about Albert.

Thanks, now also know what a troll is... oh, my... such words... ouch!!!

:lol:

k-rico - 9-15-2009 at 07:23 PM

20 minutes southbound at San Ysidro today, 3:30 PM. I bet it doubles or triples or more when they stop every car. The swinging arm gates in each line are installed. They haven't started using them yet.

Swinging arm gates?

wessongroup - 9-16-2009 at 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by k-rico
20 minutes southbound at San Ysidro today, 3:30 PM. I bet it doubles or triples or more when they stop every car. The swinging arm gates in each line are installed. They haven't started using them yet.

A little help on this one, please... swinging arm gates across the road? stopping everyone?

What's up?

k-rico - 9-17-2009 at 07:34 AM

The Mexicans are going to start screening all southbound traffic for items that should have duty paid and contraband, they are estimationg 6 seconds per car.

Mexicorn - 9-17-2009 at 07:38 AM

Just crossed into mexico no prob south bound.

tjBill - 10-5-2009 at 10:26 PM

Crossed at Otay this evening at 8:30 pm. Ten minute wait.

The swinging arm gates are currently being used but they are only stopping cars that get the red light.