BajaNomad - Beware police in Constitucion

Beware police in Constitucion

Susana - 12-2-2009 at 06:39 AM

Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 9:30 am. as we were almost out of Ciudad Constitucion on the south end, we were pulled over by the police. There were two officers in the small, white pickup. It was well marked as a policia. We were in our truck and camper. The officer approached my husband, asked for his drivers license, and asked if he spoke spanish. He handed over his license and said he spoke very little. Then, in spanish, the officer proceeded to tell him that he needs to stop at all the lights as if they were 4 way stops. (I'm not fluent at all, but I can get by) We told him we stopped everywhere we were supposed to. The officer ignored that and continued on about the stopping at all lights. So, I told him we were very sorry, and if we needed to pay a fine, we would go to the station with him. Now, he starts shuffling his papers, going back and forth to his vehicle. Asked me where I'm from, I told him we had a house in San Quintin. Now, he says we have to stay in town until noon to pay the fine. We have been through similar situations in Tijuana, so we told the officer, that wouldn't be a problem, we are not in any hurry, and it's a beautiful day to relax. He laughed (slightly) then handed back the license, and said yes it's a beautiful day, and there is no problem for us, and have a nice day!

rhintransit - 12-2-2009 at 07:10 AM

I was in Constitucion last week and noted the mess with the traffic lights. also the recent previous thread on same. I did note lots and lots of police patrolling. I kept a very low profile, parked, walked all over to do my errands and business, and stuck to back roads, even getting back out of town.

a few hints. if you do the above, or if traveling thru, go one street to the east you will avoid most of the mess of Hwy 1. you still need to keep a sharp eye out for police vehicles AND need to stop at most corners, but the black and whites are concentrating on Hwy 1 and another major street three or four blocks in, an apparent rotation.

should you be told that the office is 'closed' tell the officer you know where it is and will go there now to pay and/or follow him. the station is on Zaragoza street (also east of Hwy 1, a block or two), between downtown and Ley's, closer to Ley's on the east side of the road. worth a bluff if the station is 'closed' and the officer's solution is pay now and drive on...

also an acquaintance who is bilingual said that she was told by a Federale to call the Federal police if the city officer was demanding a bribe. I do not have that number...maybe someone else does?...but the Federal office is on the west side of the highway just outside, Insugentes side, of town. maybe worth a drive if you can get the officer's name, badge number, etc. she said they Federales are aware of what is going on in Constitucion... I can't vouch for this, but a thought.

Susana - 12-2-2009 at 07:17 AM

Thanks for that info. We actually already discussed avoiding Hwy. 1 there, seems better than getting pulled over again. We were also (later on, in La Paz) that if it's a bogus stop, to tell the officer that you are going to call Z 1, or Zeta uno. Evidently, this usually puts a stop to it as well. Don't know for sure, and employee at the Secretaria de Turismo in La Paz told us.

David K - 12-2-2009 at 08:00 AM

Gold star for Susana!

ncampion - 12-2-2009 at 08:02 AM

I would be interested in that Federale number to program into my cell if anybody know it. Could be useful for a lot of things on the road.

Don Alley - 12-2-2009 at 08:16 AM

When we were flagged down by officers on foot for "making a left turn without waiting for the green arrow," we insisted on going to the station. And they had my license and no car. So we all piled in the front bench seat of the pickup, Paula and I and two police women, drove to the station, and I paid a fine for a "dangerous left turn."

The traffic light did not have a green left turn arrow. :lol:

I also got a bogus stop for speeding once. Tough town, watch out for the cops there.

squid - 12-2-2009 at 11:18 AM

well, it all depends on what license plate you got on your car.
With a U.S plate you are always 'in danger' or call it a 'money maker'. Her our story.
My hubby drove to La Paz, US plate onhis BMW. In that area where the micro towres are located he was doing some 160 km/h. There was a "Panda" (black and white Federali) located under a tree a next to the entrance to the towers.
Making a long story short, he was puled over and a rdar gun was shown to him ad 'evidence' He knew that he was doing more than 160 km/h but the radar gun showed 131 km/h. Immediately he knew that the gun was fake.
He was approached in Spanish but he said: no word Spanish. The officer said: No Ingles! Well, the Panda directed his pointer finger to the license plate and made it clear that he has to take it off the car and my hubby has to go to the station tomorrow - as he (the officer) will not be back until late evening - and pay a fine. All in Spanish but it was understandable as my hubby speaks Spanish well, but didn't tell.
it went back and forth and forth and back. Then my hubby took 200 Pesos out of his pocket and showed it to the Panda. He took it and said in fluent Englsih:" Thanks, you made my day"
So much about Federalis and their practice.
Now, when I am driving to La Paz with my Audi > MX plates on, I never ever was pulled over at all. Although I am doing more than 130km/h all the times. Even when if I see a Panda at the roadside.
My plates are my insurance!

Sharksbaja - 12-2-2009 at 11:38 AM

Hey Squid going 100 mph around those tower curves is crazy . Explain please how you feel comfortable breaking laws on the road but are adamant about being honest on immigration.

What does that make you? Oh, and why would you bring a Beemer to Baja unless you wanted to be noticed.

monoloco - 12-2-2009 at 11:59 AM

I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I'm sure he felt just as uncomfortable...

Dave - 12-2-2009 at 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
Explain please how you feel comfortable breaking laws on the road but are adamant about being honest on immigration.

As the cop who took the 200 pesos. :rolleyes:

squid - 12-2-2009 at 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Sharksbaja
Hey Squid going 100 mph around those tower curves is crazy . Explain please how you feel comfortable breaking laws on the road but are adamant about being honest on immigration.

What does that make you? Oh, and why would you bring a Beemer to Baja unless you wanted to be noticed.

well, obviously you don't know too much about Baja or Mexico at all. Just b/c you got a house in Mulege doesn't make you an expert on INS or Panda questions at all.
Breaking the law on immigration issues like having no FM-2/3 when owning a property might cost you your property. INS is not the guy on the street.
You cannot fool INS very often, but you can pay the guy on the street. 200 MN is quite a difference to loosing a propertyy incl house on it, don't you agree?
And why my hubby is driving a Beemer (is that a BMW?) is none of your business.
Go to the thread about 4WD and AWD and read about all the BS they are producing there about cars. Americans know about cars as much as the Neandethals did. Fact!
Cars are my passion as well as my husbands. So what?
Wanna discuss with me the difference of an american "car" and a modern car from Japan or Europe??
American cars are like an old Merry-Go-Round compared to Japanese cars or a car from Italy, Germany or France or Spain.
start a new thread and I will defeat you in no time.
:lol:

squid - 12-2-2009 at 02:23 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I agree by 100 %.
The only fact you forgot to say is: driving 100 mls IN AN AMERICAN CAR is irresponsible.
They tend to flip over @ lower speed (Ford) they are just hopping off the road when bumpy etc.etc.

monoloco - 12-2-2009 at 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I don't care if you are driving a Ferrari going 100mph is irresponsible and putting others at risk. Save the fast driving for the track or the autobahn.

You Overlooked the Audi

Bajahowodd - 12-2-2009 at 02:35 PM

Quote:

Seems like many Nomads seek to look less ostentatious by driving older, inexpensive cars. However, I have seen the occasional Mexican driving new Escalades!

And is it just me, or do we seem to have a thread about the police in Constiucion every couple of months?

squid - 12-2-2009 at 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I don't care if you are driving a Ferrari going 100mph is irresponsible and putting others at risk. Save the fast driving for the track or the autobahn.

PLS explain that to me why 100mls are putting others at risk >> IF YOU DRIVE THE RIGHT CAR !
I once crossed the US towrds Florida. In Alabama i.e. everybody is doing 90 mls, even the he 18wheelers. so what the heck is the diff between 90 in Alabama and 100 on Baja on a better road as the Alabama roads???
well you said you don't care about a good car vs a US dinosaur. That makes you an expert on any car question. :fire:

monoloco - 12-2-2009 at 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I don't care if you are driving a Ferrari going 100mph is irresponsible and putting others at risk. Save the fast driving for the track or the autobahn.

If you can't figure out why it's putting others at risk to drive 100mph on a road that was designed for 60-80kph *** *** * ******** *****.

[Edited on 12-3-2009 by BajaNomad]

Bajahowodd - 12-2-2009 at 02:56 PM

How else does one get from La Paz to Constitucion in 1:15? :biggrin:

Seriously, there are many rural stretches along Highway 1 that are flat and straight, where one can see miles ahead. Who drives 60kph on those?

squid - 12-2-2009 at 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I don't care if you are driving a Ferrari going 100mph is irresponsible and putting others at risk. Save the fast driving for the track or the autobahn.

If you can't figure out why it's putting others at risk to drive 100mph on a road that was designed for 60-80kph *** *** * ******** *****.

O.K., now we are getting personally. Fine with me.
*** *****, explain to me which road in the US or the rest of the world is designed for ANY certain speed. ???
A road is constructed with no speed in mind. And the SIGNS ARE DICTATING THE Speed.
*********************************************
*********************************************

[Edited on 12-3-2009 by BajaNomad]

oxxo - 12-2-2009 at 03:43 PM

A day without a fight on Nomads is like a day without sunshine in Baja. This is better than any ol' TV novela.

Carry on.

Skeet/Loreto - 12-2-2009 at 04:00 PM

As the Once beautifull Yoiung body shivers and shakes, with Blood running from the ears and Eyes, fecas forced from the stomach at the time of Impact, her Mother twisted and bent with all four limbs twisted,one side of her face completely gone Away goes the next Speeder driving his pretty car a 100mph hoping that he can beat someone to La Paz.

Oh! how sad to see someone "Bragging about his Speed, his Pretty Car. His Road;

Go like Hell Squid! One of theses days you will get There!!

Skeet/Loreto

toneart - 12-2-2009 at 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
A day without a fight on Nomads is like a day without sunshine in Baja. This is better than any ol' TV novela.

Carry on.

Some (ahem) are better at it and more consistent than others on The Nomad. :yawn:

vandenberg - 12-2-2009 at 04:04 PM

Aaaaahhhhh........tentacled one....

you are certifiable. :no:

k-rico - 12-2-2009 at 04:04 PM

"A road is constructed with no speed in mind."

I don't thing that is true. The radii of curves are certainly determined by among other things, the speed at which vehicles travel.

Things happen fast at 100 mph. That's much too fast for a narrow 2 lane, 2 direction road.

The stretch from GN to San Ignacio is the fastest stretch tho. I catch myself hitting 75 around there and then I back off the gas pedal.

BTW, I remember a few decreasing radius curves in hwy 1. They're always fun, lots of forces at work. Takes me back to my high school Physics days. Is it centripetal of centrifugal? I think they have all been redone.

Cruising baja in a nice BMW sedan would be fun. I've always wanted to do it in a huge old Cadillac convertible or a Corvette. Now those are truly great American cars!

[Edited on 12-2-2009 by k-rico]

Bajahowodd - 12-2-2009 at 04:05 PM

Easy, Skeet. I'm more interested in the squid market in Mulege. :yes:

toneart - 12-2-2009 at 04:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
As the Once beautifull Yoiung body shivers and shakes, with Blood running from the ears and Eyes, fecas forced from the stomach at the time of Impact, her Mother twisted and bent with all four limbs twisted,one side of her face completely gone Away goes the next Speeder driving his pretty car a 100mph hoping that he can beat someone to La Paz.

Oh! how sad to see someone "Bragging about his Speed, his Pretty Car. His Road;

Go like Hell Squid! One of theses days you will get There!!

Skeet/Loreto

Thanks, Skeet! Good one! A very graphic description that should make one think. The end of the road is out there somewhere, sometime if you are in a hurry to get there. :smug:

monoloco - 12-2-2009 at 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by squid

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
I'd say driving 100mph on that road qualifies as irresponsible. The Zorillo should of hauled him to jail.

I don't care if you are driving a Ferrari going 100mph is irresponsible and putting others at risk. Save the fast driving for the track or the autobahn.

If you can't figure out why it's putting others at risk to drive 100mph on a road that was designed for 60-80kph *** *** * ******** *****.

Have you considered the consequence of a simple blown tire at the speeds you are describing? It is not a stretch of the imagination to think that could send a car into the opposing lane causing a head on collision and the DEATH of some innocent person or persons. I don't care what kind of car you are driving, if you think it is OK to drive like that *** *** * *****. Maybe *** should study Spanish a little more because LOCO means crazy. Idiot is idiota and more aptly describes the actions of you and your ******* husband who have no respect for the lives of those you share the highway with. If you want to risk your own lives, fine, take up hang gliding or something just don't go around risking the lives of others.

[Edited on 12-3-2009 by BajaNomad]

definition of Squid

tripledigitken - 12-2-2009 at 04:17 PM

From the Urban Dictionary

squid
...and comes from So Cal racers who were also involved in the Surfer culture.

Though the term is now widely used to describe street riders of questionable cornering skill, questionable judgement in demonstrations of horsepower and braking, questionable judgement in the protective clothing worn, and very questionable judgement in his/her friends, the meaning was actually developed at the racetrack.

Bajahowodd - 12-2-2009 at 04:20 PM

Gee. And here I thought all along that it was something I could order from Jesse's appetizer menu. :lol:

wessongroup - 12-2-2009 at 04:33 PM

Has anyone heard of the autobahn... ,I would not run anywhere that fast down in Baja or main land Mexico or the United States, unless it was a life or death situation.

And I will be the first to agree that driving over 100 mph on roads (any roads autobaun included) should not be done, it's just too fast for normal drivers and most people and their cars are not up to it.. even if they are "the best"

Note I drive a Ford Crown Vic Police Interceptor, it's not a BMW or the others, but it was clocked at 162 in a two miles and seems quite stable at most speeds if driven properly

Oh, one more point, you ever heard of a Ford GT40.. a winner from 1966-1969 at Le Mans... and they raced and won against the best... albeit a few years ago..

[Edited on 12-2-2009 by wessongroup]

[Edited on 12-3-2009 by wessongroup]

[Edited on 12-3-2009 by wessongroup]

Bajahowodd - 12-2-2009 at 04:39 PM

At least on the autobahn, folks stay on the right unless they are passing. And given the engineering, it is fairly safe to exceed 100mph. It's a fun trip.

BajaNomad - 12-2-2009 at 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by squid
...explain to me which road in the US or the rest of the world is designed for ANY certain speed. ???
A road is constructed with no speed in mind. And the SIGNS ARE DICTATING THE Speed.

USA Interstate highway system is one good example:

"Minimum design speed of 75 mph (120 km/h) in rural areas, with 65 mph (100 km/h) acceptable in rolling terrain, and as low as 55 mph (90 km/h) allowed in mountainous and urban areas."

Reference:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interstate_Highway_standards

:biggrin:

toneart - 12-2-2009 at 08:36 PM

I hate it when signs dictate. They are soooo intimidating. And there are so many of them. Billboards have me doing the silliest things. :rolleyes:

chernefitter - 12-2-2009 at 08:46 PM

Yikes it seems ol Squid doesn't like U.S. cars or its roads....wonder why?......

SunnyDay - 12-3-2009 at 12:40 AM

I always tell people when they ask "how long does it take to drive to such and such (place in Baja)" That I never count up the time or mileage, there are stops you have to make, times when you have to slow down, that the journey is the desination after all. Isn't that what makes the trip so great?

fishbuck - 12-3-2009 at 01:24 AM

I have put off my trip to B Asuncion this year to fish because I just can't take the drive. And I love fishing there.
It's a minimum 5 day trip for me and that is only one day fishing. 4 days of driving about 6 hours a day.
I know people have done it all in one day but I don't like to torture my body like that. 6 hours is enough.
If you have plenty of time it does make sense to slow done and smell the... uh I can't think of anything that smells good in Baja...but to slow down and enjoy the sites.
But that is difficult if you still work for a living and are trying to squeeze in a quick trip. That's where the speeding comes in.
I've really wanted to start flying down again but at $140/hour to rent a decent plane the B. Asuncion trip is an easy $1000. And it's almost worth it! :cool:

Skeet/Loreto - 12-3-2009 at 07:39 AM

Fishbuck: As much of a desire you have for fishing, one day you will get there!! Keep trying and maybe you will get that job that gives you the time. Good Luck!
Skeet

fishbuck - 12-3-2009 at 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Skeet/Loreto
Fishbuck: As much of a desire you have for fishing, one day you will get there!! Keep trying and maybe you will get that job that gives you the time. Good Luck!
Skeet

Thanks Skeet! I'm working on it. :yes:

Beware of police in Tijauana too

arrowhead - 12-4-2009 at 08:42 AM

In today's afntijuana, there's an article where the president of the Avenida Revolución merchants association is complaining that the TJ motorcycle cops are extorting money out of the tourists, again. He complained that during the recent “Expo Tequila” (there's a thread on that here) they put up road blocks and threatened to take away cars from tourists. The merchants complained to the authorities, but nothing is ever done about it.

Quote:

TIJUANA BC 03 DE DICIEMBRE DE 2009 (AFN).- El presidente de la Asociación de Comerciantes de la Avenida Revolución, Ricardo Parra Montes, denunció una serie de extorsiones en dicha zona comercial, cometidas principalmente por motociclistas de la sección de tránsito de la policía municipal.

Lamentó que en tiempos de crisis, cuando los comerciantes hacen lo posible por salir adelante, sea la misma autoridad la que frene el flujo de visitantes a la ciudad, ya que se instalan filtros policíacos en la referida vialidad, lo cual inhibe la presencia del escaso turismo proveniente del vecino país.

Relató que en días pasados, durante la llamada “Expo Tequila”, un grupo de agentes policíacos instaló filtros para detener a los visitantes extranjeros a quienes extorsionaban bajo la amenaza de quitarles el vehículo.

Parra Montes señaló que esta situación ya le ha sido expuesta a las autoridades sin embargo, lamentó que no se haya hecho nada al respecto.

“Hemos tenido reuniones con directivos de la policía pero nos dicen que nos protejamos mejor, que compremos alarmas, que dupliquemos las chapas en las puertas porque ellos no pueden hacer nada por traer al personal concentrado en el combate a las bandas del crimen organizado, eso no es justo para nosotros porque están desprotegiendo al comerciante establecido, porque creamos trabajos y pagamos impuestos”, dijo.

surebought - 12-4-2009 at 08:53 AM

I am very proud of you the original poster. You did absolutely the right thing. Your not dealing with societies most educated when dealing with the Mexican Muni Cops. They have a very short attention span and as long as you are polite and say yes, I will follow you to the Station, they will usually quickly lose interest in you and let you go with a smile. And a little bit of Spanish can't hurt either. The worst thing you can do is bribe them. That sends the wrong message and make life more difficult for future generations.

wessongroup - 12-5-2009 at 07:46 PM

Not sure where the information came from on the educational level of the police department, but would offer.. is what offering a bribe to a "cop" in San Diego does .. what message does that send :lol: