BajaNomad - Ciudad Constitucion police?

Ciudad Constitucion police?

chavycha - 2-10-2014 at 02:06 AM

Well, normally I wouldn't think much of it, but after a search of the board here and seeing all the trouble people have had with the transit police in CC in years past, I'm sad to report that it, at least for us this evening, seems to be the same as it ever was.

We pulled into town relatively late this evening, and turned onto a side street near the bank. About a block down, in what was basically an alley, we u-turned, and came back to come alongside the bank.

As we parked, across the street a pair of transit cops pulled up, turned on their lights, and approached. We were accused of 'improper u-maneuvering' and 'failing to go around the block'. The 'fine' was to be 1000p, and since the police station was 'closed', we could come in and pay next morning.

Having traveled and worked more than a bit in the third world (though not Mexico), I'm pretty familiar with this scenario. I don't know bupkus about the official law on U-turns on back roads, but I'm damn sure it had more to do with our plates and the proximity to the bank. To be fair, the officer did not ask outright for a bribe, but I'm pretty sure the fine for such a 'violation' is significantly less than we were quoted. It looks like we settled it out significantly better than most who went to the station (or even those who, like us, chose the 'pay here' option). Whatever, small potatoes in the big picture.

I was, however, pretty disappointed to read the archives here regarding the corruption and subsequent reform of the police activity in CC.

Hopefully this is an isolated incident and not indicative of more problems to come.

CC is otherwise a nice stopover, the Paraiso is a great little hotel for the $, and we had some burritos to die for this eve at the stand just next to the pizza place.

[Edited on 2-10-2014 by chavycha]

Bob and Susan - 2-10-2014 at 05:42 AM

it wasn't a "shakedown" ...

you made an illegal U-turn

since you stayed in town that night...
did you go to the police station and pay the fine?
or did you become a "criminal" and pay "mordita"

Mexican towns have many "one-way" streets

if you were in the USA and made an illegal U-turn...
wouldn't you get a ticket too?

just because you are a tourist doesn't mean you can break the laws

Mula - 2-10-2014 at 06:12 AM

This is the first problem I have heard of in Constitucion in a long time.

And it isn't really a problem. Unless marked at the intersection - u turns are frowned on.

And last time - several years ago - when we had an attempt shake down - the guy said the find would be 500 pesos. My husband said he would go to the police station.

There the fine was 570 pesos.

ashek - 2-10-2014 at 06:30 AM

same problem, two days in a row just yesterday. once with u turn, once with alto, ( apparantly 2 seconds isnt long enough) . the bs harrasment is back.

tecatero - 2-10-2014 at 06:49 AM

I have had to pay the "need lunch money " 3 out of my 4 recent visits thru Constitucion......same thing, stop sign violation at the 6 way intersection..........offfered 200 pesos once , then paid 100 pesos the other 3 times.......Its like having a toll road thru CC these days, reminds me of driving up gringo hill in TJ back in the day where it was a 50/50 chance you're gonna get stopped.

baja Steve - 2-10-2014 at 07:24 AM

I was in town for 4 days a month or so ago and never had one problem. One afternoon I did see a driver go through a stop sign and got stopped, by the time I walked up to where he was stopped he was talking to the officer in a loud voice so I stepped in to calm him down and at the end the driver, police officer and I walked back to the stop sign which was at one of the lights that has been out for years. After looking at it the driver realized he did run the stop sign and calmed down. By the time we got back to the drivers pick up the driver was apologizing and the officer let him go without a ticket and telling the driver to drive safe. Bob and Susan are right you need to slow down and obey the laws.

chavycha - 2-10-2014 at 08:05 AM

Please read the original post, I am not claiming that I did not break a traffic law, but to do a u-turn on a minor side street with no traffic at 10pm is unlikely to have been a 1000p offense.

The ability to 'pay now' with out of country plates, to have the police station 'closed' when it turns out it is indeed open until midnight 7 days a week, to be encouraged to go into the bank to get more money (we didn't), only to have a fine that magically shrinks... well, my birding skills aren't up to snuff but it sure looks and sounds like a duck.

Based on the history with Ciudad Constitution reported on here, I figure a heads up to warn fellow travelers is worthwhile, especially since the last relevant thread from October 2013 indicated no one had experienced issues in a long while.

I've added a '?' to my original post title so you can judge/interpret at your leisure.

Have a great morning.

[Edited on 2-10-2014 by chavycha]

vandy - 2-10-2014 at 08:27 AM

I try not to stop in Constipation any more.
Stick to the center lanes that are federal jurisdiction.

Mexican cops are nothing more than ugly girl scouts selling expensive bad cookies.
And I give them about as much respect.)

Pescador - 2-10-2014 at 08:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by vandy
I try not to stop in Constipation any more.
Stick to the center lanes that are federal jurisdiction.

Mexican cops are nothing more than ugly girl scouts selling expensive bad cookies.
And I give them about as much respect.)

Boy, with that attitude, you must be a real best seller in Mexico. I think that is where the term "Ugly American" came from. Their whole purpose in life is just to harass you.
A little free information. The center lanes through town are not federal jurisdiction, If you look closely on the outskirts of town you will see a sign (although you may have missed it because it is in spanish) that shows the line where federal jurisdiction ends and the city jurisdiction begins.

vgabndo - 2-10-2014 at 09:01 AM

Scott, I was sorry to read of your shake down. I'll believe what Bob and Susan say when it is obvious that every possible Mexican vehicle is also ticketed for making a U-turn or running a stop sign in Constitution.

Clearly the police there target tourists for these offenses more often than the resident population.

It is also JUST as illegal to take a bribe as to pay one. If the officer didn't write you a receipt and give you all the paperwork that would have been generated in court, you can bet he put the money in his pocket. It might have been interesting to visit court on your own in the morning and make sure the cop turned-in the money!!!

Thieves come in many colors, and some wear badges and fail in their duty to enforce the law uniformly and without prejudice.

This should also be obvious to the local Judge. As a result, I have to wonder if you would have done any better going to court and making your case to someone who probably ISN'T allowed to simply pocket the fine. He must be able to see the preponderance of gringos in front of him for traffic offenses and SHOULD have some question about the equal application of the law.

Welcome to my perfect world!!! :lol:

Sure was great to meet you guys!

DENNIS - 2-10-2014 at 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by chavycha
Please read the original post, I am not claiming that I did not break a traffic law, but to do a u-turn on a minor side street with no traffic at 10pm is unlikely to have been a 1000p offense.

You're probably right, and thanks for the report.
As long as I've been here and watched the techniques of the traffic police, I've come to the conclusion that some infractions are on the books mainly to subsidize low police income...."U Turns" among the first. This infraction will get their attention every time and my Mexican friends will agree. They receive very little brotherly sympathy from the police.
I have to appreciate the strict "U Turn" enforcement as I can imagine the traffic chaos without it. It's bad enough as is.

Also, I used to have myself convinced that when the police would start whining about low pay, the city would put in more stop signs.....but who knows.

Thanks again for your report.

C.C.

captkw - 2-10-2014 at 10:37 AM

I leave "rattle snake"-jaunclalito,,preuto escondito early sunday morn and get to CC around 7 am and have no problems in the last 12/15 years now !!! GET THRU EARY...YEARS AGO ..going south used to be a taco place almost the last thing in town on the right south bound always stopped and ate..really miss that little outside Killer taco stand !! but ,, My main point is go thru before the "cops" get on duty !!! that way you wont have to play their "game"..........K&T :cool:

Other common infractions in town vs highway

Whale-ista - 2-10-2014 at 11:32 AM

It's not just gringos who become targets: I once did a long drive from Ensenada to Guaymas with friends who lived in Ensenada. The van had Baja government plates (it was a work trip). We were stopped/cited in a small town in Sonora for passing a slow moving vehicle in the towns "urban" zone.

My friend didn't dispute it. He paid the fine (?) on site and chalked it up to experience. He figured: After a few nonstop hours of highway driving it can be easy to forget to slow down in towns. Some local police may take advantage.

I won't dispute visitors could be targets at many of these places, not just by police, but Pemex vendors etc. looking for a few extra dollars/pesos at outta Towners expense.

So I lock my gas tank and slow down in towns, with or without topes, and come to full, long stops even if the locals are rolling thru the same intersections. I figure: Unlike me, they could be cousins of the local policia, and have home field advantage.

Finally, Agree it's unwise and unfair to cast aspersions on all police. There are good/bad everywhere, (Just look at recent news in San Diego) but IMO good generally outnumber bad.

DavidE - 2-10-2014 at 11:48 AM

Some Mexican traffic laws are bizarre. Some towns do not allow u-turns. Other towns with paralelos make turning left off the main thoroughfare illegal, you have to dogleg to the right follow the paralelo to the next intersection, then make a left according to signage or the light.

But the one that -really- gets tourists is the one about rear-ender liability. In most states in Mexico when making a left in a rural area YOU MUST PULL OFF ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OR OFF THE HIGHWAY if it is safe to do so. Wait for traffic behind you and oncoming traffic to pass then carefully make your left or U-Turn. Motorists are cited if they violate this law and THEY ARE LIABLE for damages to the car that hit them from behind. Re-read the part about "If It Is Safe To Do So".

It is illegal to ENTER an intersection on an amber light, flashing or not. The same infraccion as running a red light. American motorists are no more susceptible to breaking a strange traffic law in Mexico than Mexicans are to break a strange traffic law north of the border.

When coming to a stop, a complete stop means eventually feeling yourself being pushed back against the seat. Anything less than that is a Hollywood Stop.

MAKE A COP SHOW YOU THE INFRACCION IN HIS BOOK. It doesn't matter you do not speak Spanish. Simply note the page number of the infraccion. When you go to the comandancia, in your complaint, the second complaint to The State Tourism Secretaria the THIRD complaint federal written up by the Green Angels, refer to the page number. Want to SCREW the cop? Tell the Jefe at the comandancia that the cops offered to let you go if you paid say two thousand pesos on the spot. Think the cop's superiors won't instantly believe the cop has not been holding out on them sharing the loot? You gotta another think coming.

DENNIS - 2-10-2014 at 11:48 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whale-ista

Finally, Agree it's unwise and unfair to cast aspersions on all police. There are good/bad everywhere, (Just look at recent news in San Diego) but IMO good generally outnumber bad.

In Mexico, it's beyond the individual. It's a system....as much a part of their culture as Tortillas, and each transaction will have it's own characteristics. Fair shake or shake down....it can go either way at any given time.

Sweetwater - 2-10-2014 at 12:01 PM

Quote:

I try not to stop in Constipation any more. Stick to the center lanes that are federal jurisdiction.

I've been through Constitucion several times and always stayed in the center lanes. Is the quote true? I have seen the local cops sitting at multiple intersections but I haven't seen them with anyone pulled over. I'm mostly interested in not causing problems or stopping there unless there is a real need.

David K - 2-10-2014 at 12:08 PM

Went through Ciudad Constitucion twice on 2012 summer trip, didn't even see a policia either time. Stopped happily at every red light and any stop sign (and counted to 3 before going).

Udo - 2-10-2014 at 12:21 PM

That is a really good one David!
I have seen that one so many times at just about every town I have traveled through.
I always thought that the driver was too lazy or did not want to get on the lane closest to the middle.
Problem is...that every time I have seen it done, there is a whole slew of on-coming traffic!
The "carefully" has never been applied, IMHO.

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
But the one that -really- gets tourists is the one about rear-ender liability. In most states in Mexico when making a left in a rural area YOU MUST PULL OFF ONTO THE RIGHT SHOULDER OR OFF THE HIGHWAY if it is safe to do so. Wait for traffic behind you and oncoming traffic to pass then carefully make your left or U-Turn. Motorists are cited if they violate this law and THEY ARE LIABLE for damages to the car that hit them from behind. Re-read the part about "If It Is Safe To Do So".

DavidE - 2-10-2014 at 02:33 PM

Ain't that the truth. On Mex 200 at La Peñita I once waited for perhaps ten minutes (it seemed like an hour) before traffic cleared for me to cross. Being old, I jockey the car perpendicular to the highway, so when I do cross, it's going to be plenty quick.

Screwing around on the paralelos in Moscaino is bad enough, where there is "normal" amounts of cars I really sweat it. Dog legging can be freakin' dangerous if a person isn't cautious. The "Y" intersection approaching Guerrero can be a thrill when you have a kid in a battered pickup take the salida at 80mph.

Ceda El Paso in proper Spanish means YIELD RIGHT OF WAY

Ceda El Paso in real Spanish means PRAY

monoloco - 2-10-2014 at 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
Went through Ciudad Constitucion twice on 2012 summer trip, didn't even see a policia either time. Stopped happily at every red light and any stop sign (and counted to 3 before going).

Why is it that every time someone posts about getting shaken down by the police, two or three will predictably chime in that they didn't get hassled? Just because it didn't happen to you, doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

absinvestor - 2-10-2014 at 02:36 PM

Chavycha- your post is a classic case of the "messenger getting shot." Seemed to me your comment about "hopefully an isolated incident" indicated that you were not out to bash the police etc but was meant to alert other travelers to be extra cautious. I have never had a problem traveling thru CC but I'm extra careful due to prior reports. Thanks for posting your experience.

DavidE - 2-10-2014 at 03:10 PM

Statistical Reality is sometimes a bitter pill for some folks to swallow.

Not that long ago I read a story in the L.A. Times about a motorcycle CHP who chortled "I am going to break the state record for the number of citations issued in one single day" Damned lucky thing I was not on the freeway that day.

Can anyone drive for 5 miles on an LA freeway without breaking any laws whatsoever? Mechanical, legal, driving? Number of feet traveled when signalling. I don't appreciate hyper-enforcement anywhere at any time. it sucks.

David K - 2-10-2014 at 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

A misunderstanding...?

Why is it when someone posts a negative comment about something in Mexico anyone would be upset to read of a positive one? Just because it happened to someone doesn't mean it will happen to everyone.

I know Cavycha didn't insinuate it would, I thought his post was great, and I wasn't trying to contradict him. What I was trying to get across is that it doesn't mean that all gringos are targets. We drove through CC (Ciudad Constitucion) expecting to be eyeballed by the cops... and we looked for cops... Maybe they were on siesta, as it was early afternoon both times we came through town.

So, please post the good, the bad, and the ugly! For every time I have said something good about El Rosario, there was usually a counter-opposite post. This is a discussion forum, not just a god news only forum, afterall.

Have a nice day!

Martyman - 2-10-2014 at 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
it wasn't a "shakedown" ...

you made an illegal U-turn

since you stayed in town that night...
did you go to the police station and pay the fine?
or did you become a "criminal" and pay "mordita"

Mexican towns have many "one-way" streets

if you were in the USA and made an illegal U-turn...
wouldn't you get a ticket too?

just because you are a tourist doesn't mean you can break the laws

Oh Jeez!

oxxo - 2-10-2014 at 04:58 PM

I was in Cabo San Lucas on business at the INM office a couple of days ago. I left town on the four lane about 11 am. Immediately a policia transito pulled in behind me on his motorcycle. Well, the speed limit was posted at 60 kph and I set my cruise control on 60. I'm just slow poking through the outskirts of town while the local traffic is passing me going 100 kph. Local traffic was not a problem for the officer, he just stayed on my tail. After about 4 km of this cat and mouse game, he got bored with me and turned off.

No mal dias. :saint:

DENNIS - 2-10-2014 at 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by oxxo
I was in Cabo San Lucas on business at the INM office a couple of days ago. I left town on the four lane about 11 am. Immediately a policia transito pulled in behind me on his motorcycle. Well, the speed limit was posted at 60 kph and I set my cruise control on 60. I'm just slow poking through the outskirts of town while the local traffic is passing me going 100 kph. Local traffic was not a problem for the officer, he just stayed on my tail. After about 4 km of this cat and mouse game, he got bored with me and turned off.

No mal dias. :saint:

It was an escort. :lol:

DavidE - 2-10-2014 at 05:47 PM

Would you have sweat any less if the rider wore a gold helmet and had the California star emblem on the gas tank?

Look, if you think a cop is hassling you, turn on your signal, pull over, wave him down. Then start asking questions: The best carnitas, is this the road to Culiacan, where is his favorite hotel. Hell I follow them all the way back to their car and wave my arms as they spin gravel getting the hell away...

Bajahowodd - 2-10-2014 at 06:02 PM

The CC kerfuffle of a few years back really seems to have abated. Time was that you could not transit through town without seeing numerous of cops laying in wait for a sting. I have to believe that all of the Nomad posters and their actions had a positive effect on the situation. Last couple of times through there we saw zero cops on the main drag.

monoloco - 2-10-2014 at 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

IMHO, it doesn't add much to the discussion. The OP posted a report about something that happened to him recently, how does your experience driving through there 2 years ago have any bearing on that? I don't think that anyone reading his post would think that 100% of the gringos who drive through CC get hassled by the police, there must be a few hundred gringos who drive through there everyday, considering the size of the police force it would be impossible to extort more than a handful of them, so no matter how corrupt they are, your odds of having any problems are very low. I personally have driven through there probably 30 times, I have been pulled over and extorted once. From that small statistical sample should we deduce that there is a 1 in 30 chance of being extorted?

David K - 2-10-2014 at 06:19 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco

Quote:

You are right...

Uh oh... better rag on howodd too, can't have too much good news following bad:

Quote:

Originally posted by Bajahowodd
The CC kerfuffle of a few years back really seems to have abated. Time was that you could not transit through town without seeing numerous of cops laying in wait for a sting. I have to believe that all of the Nomad posters and their actions had a positive effect on the situation. Last couple of times through there we saw zero cops on the main drag.

vgabndo - 2-10-2014 at 06:56 PM

Why is David's post important to the discussion, reason number 39173?

David K - 2-11-2014 at 09:45 AM

Yup, good news is bad. Do you read George Orwell, Perry? Are the drones flying overhead yet in Mt. Shasta?

Cliffy - 2-11-2014 at 01:00 PM

If I may jump in_
I'm going down to B of C in a few weeks and have never driven that far in Baja (BOLA before). The comments on CC have me thinking of my small town
We have a population of 4000 and we are literally 100 miles from the nearest town any bigger. The hiway going through our area is about 5 miles long and we have 5 LEO agencies that write tickets on that 5 miles. Local police, state sheriff, state DOT, Park Service,and Indian police, and write they do. 90% of our summer traffic is from out of town. If the sign says 25 you'd better be doing 25! We see it every day. People coming into town doing 80 (65 limit) for the last hour and then 25 seems stopped so they cross the bridge at 40-45. Bingo! 1 ticket.
I don't blame the LEOs, it's their job. People don't pay attention or care. I have them pass me in the 45 area over a double double yellow doing 60+.
Now we might not have "questionable tickets" but we have a LOT of tickets.
Don't know what I'll find when I get there but in CC I'll be stopped at every stop sign and probably as slow as anyone else on the road (very slow).

DENNIS - 2-11-2014 at 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cliffy
I don't blame the LEOs, it's their job.

C.C. LE is living through a reputation which they have earned. For a while there, it wasn't just cops doing a tough job. It was roadside extortion gone wild.
I appreciate what you're saying, Cliffy, and in time, CC will outlive this reputation. But until then, they get the respect they earned for themselves.

Tecate has done the same disservice for themselves as well.

Bob and Susan - 2-11-2014 at 01:35 PM

actually this morning the title of this thread was different...

it said something like..."Ciudad Constitucion police SHAKEDOWN"

chavycha changed it

it wasn't a shake-down at all...just a traffic violation
and he said he did it...guilty

chavycha is the guy in another thread wants someone to "smuggle" a few new rods across the border...

now it looks like he paid mordita...
paying mordita is not good for any of us

it is what it is

Pescador - 2-11-2014 at 01:36 PM

I talked to a couple of good friends today who are Mexicans and they laugh when we have a problem with the local police. They have the same kind of thing but they generally do not get as much money from them as they do from us. The really interesting thing is that I have never heard of the Federales (that is the pandas to those who do not know the difference) constantly shake down the locals but I have never heard of a tourist ever getting shaken down by them. They also work over the truck drivers with the following approach. OK, senor, let me check all of your paperwork. MMMMMM, everything seems in order, now if you would kindly unload your truck we can check everything in the back. Truck driver typically asks if a small donation could perhaps speed things up a little bit and the Federale says that might make his job a little easier. Of course, the drivers may or may not be reporting the correct amounts to the owners. And on and on it goes.

motoged - 2-11-2014 at 01:55 PM

I just returned from a 7-week and 16,000 km trip from Canada to Baja and back.
In ALL that driving, I had one speeding violation in Pendelton, Oregon on Day Two that was forgiven by the officer....gave me a warning that I tended to observe for the rest of the trip.

I was aware of the CC issues thanks to BN's and was VERY careful to obey all signs and my good judgement. I stayed there two separate times and was a real visible target with my moto in the back of the truck as I drove around "enjoying the sights" and looking for the best taco and burger stands.

I have adopted an attitude of "pretend I have drugs and guns in the truck"....this is my self-regulation mantra that seems to have kept me from tickets.

Now, I just hope I don't shoot myself in the foot or huevos after smoking a joint :lol:

DENNIS - 2-11-2014 at 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pescador
The really interesting thing is that I have heard the Federales (that is the pandas to those who do not know the difference) constantly shake down the locals but I have never heard of a tourist ever getting shaken down by them.

My understanding as well. My worker says they are the worst.

vandy - 2-11-2014 at 02:34 PM

Let's see: PFP
Stopped three times for infractions:
Improper lane change;
Tinted windows;
Open beer.
I did them, and paid on the spot.
Other times pulled over just to say "howdy!" And to look me over.

Still fundraisers, like all traffic cops.
States, Canadia or Baja, they all leave a bad taste.
I am sorry I compared them to ugly Girl Scouts with bad expensive cookies.

They are worse.
Policia chupen ****** de burros muertos.

[Edited on 2-12-2014 by BajaNomad]

DavidE - 2-11-2014 at 02:47 PM

As long as the cops have to buy their own uniforms, firearms, bullets, handcuffs, gasoline, oil, flat tire repairs and tow truck rides to the taller mechanico this is going to continue. Mexicans get outraged at the idea of paying cops a decent wage. 3/4ers of the carcachas I see pulled over by the PFP are showing no license plates, decals, or permit papers. If la patrulla sees a truck with no light fixtures in the rear they are likely to pull it over.

Wait 'till someone runs a red light in Tecate and they find out the official fine costs double that of a drunk driving fine. A mere 1,100 pesos.

The eggchickeneggchickeneggchickeneggchikeneggchickeneggchicken, debate over we won't pay your more 'cause we don't trust you, is not likely to change anytime soon.

But if a Constitucion transito is running really low on gasoline, cause business was slow, then what would you think? It's the SYSTEM not the cops.

monoloco - 2-11-2014 at 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

My understanding as well. My worker says they are the worst.

They are pretty much a rolling toll booth for truckers.

DENNIS - 2-11-2014 at 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
It's the SYSTEM not the cops.

Exactly. Every cop that rose through the ranks from the chief on down has had to act accordingly with his peers. That's why the occasional cry for justice we hear here, "Turn the street cop in to his commander [or whoever]," is a ludicrous waste of time. They've all been there.....done that.......and understand the system full well.

You want to waste some more time.....report it to Sindicatura. They understand the system too.
Foreigners are the only ones that refuse to see it.

chavycha - 2-11-2014 at 03:25 PM

You are correct, I changed the title shortly after the original post. I didn't, and don't, want to imply that there was a concerted effort by police in CC to target tourists.

And as far as 'smuggle' new rods across the border? I was hoping to have a couple of fly rods which cost $99 USD each brought here, since literally no one in Baja sells them. Believe me, if there was a way to get them here, or have them shipped, without paying more than twice the USD face value in shipping that would arrive sometime this month, I would. If you'd bothered to stalk my post on the hunting and fishing forum, you'd know that I'd already inquired at length about that.

But here's the thing... you're right. Guilty as charged. I'm actually not just a rabble-rouser, but a dirty rotten criminal as well. You see, a couple weeks ago, I was at a hotel in the States. And there was a wrinkle in the sheet, which I couldn't seem to smooth out. I pulled the sheet back, and found the culprit. I took that dirty, no-good, piece of crap mattress tag and pulled as hard as I could! It ripped off the mattress. I stood there triumphantly holding my prize - that ragged, 3" long, slightly cardboardy mattress tag. I placed it on the bedside table, smoothed the sheets, and slept like a baby. The next morning, I awoke slowly to the sound of chirping birds. I put on my glasses, and my eyes slowly drifted to the eviscerated mattress tag. I could read a few letters... the dimensions of the mattress, the materials, the manufactu... And then it hit me. I read, mouth agape, the lettering on the tag. WARNING: THIS TAG MAY ONLY BE REMOVED BY THE CONSUMER - FEDERAL OFFENSE TO TAMPER! Oh my God. It's no wonder I'm in Mexico. I can't go back to the US, I live in fear of that incident catching up with me sooner or later!

You simply could not have been more correct in your assessment. I'm a little afraid, even, that you might work for the US Mattress Protection Agency, conveniently working under cover and DBA Bob's Burros. And, gasp, now you have it, all in writing, that I am a US FEDERAL OFFENDER!

Have a good afternoon!

Quote:

Originally posted by Bob and Susan
actually this morning the title of this thread was different...

it said something like..."Ciudad Constitucion police SHAKEDOWN"

chavycha changed it

it wasn't a shake-down at all...just a traffic violation
and he said he did it...guilty

chavycha is the guy in another thread wants someone to "smuggle" a few new rods across the border...

now it looks like he paid mordita...
paying mordita is not good for any of us

it is what it is

[Edited on 2-11-2014 by chavycha]

DENNIS - 2-11-2014 at 03:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
They are pretty much a rolling toll booth for truckers.

And others. My worker has his truck registered with ANAPROMEX and the big rear window sticker is an invitation for the feds to get into his wallet.

On the other hand, as mentioned earlier, generally they do tend to leave the foreigner alone in this trolling for lunch money thing.

monoloco - 2-11-2014 at 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by chavycha

And as far as 'smuggle' new rods across the border? I was hoping to have a couple of fly rods which cost $99 USD each brought here, since literally no one in Baja sells them. Believe me, if there was a way to get them here, or have them shipped, without paying more than twice the USD face value in shipping that would arrive sometime this month, I would.

Just for future reference, you can order something on line, have it shipped to ACV, or another expediter, and they will have it here 3 or 4 days after they receive it, for 25% over invoice. Your two $99 fly rods would have cost $50 to have delivered. Sometimes you can get the company you buy from to give you an invoice for a reduced price and save yourself some money on the importation.

chavycha - 2-11-2014 at 04:04 PM

Thanks for the tip. The location I was in up until yesterday wasn't served by ACV, unfortunately, and it was a couple hours drive to their nearest drop point. DHL, UPS, and FedEx all wanted around $150 USD before import fees. At this point in time I will likely just wait another week and have some friends bring them down.

[Edited on 2-11-2014 by chavycha]

That's Why I Explained How To Screw A Liar Cop

DavidE - 2-11-2014 at 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
It's the SYSTEM not the cops.

Lie right back. Tell the commandante the bostid demanded two thousand, three thousand, pesos. Shook his handcuffs, patted his holster, said he's follow you to the ATM. I did this to a cop who accused me of running a stop sign as I got into my car after breakfast. Trouble is i parked there overnight with the hotel being next door. As I crept out of the commadancia I could hear screaming for almost a block. Mexicans think gringos are far too dumb and innocent to use this trick. I forced them to espeak Ingles. Just don't do this unless the charge is positively false. There are other ways to handle less grievous "disagreements".

DENNIS - 2-11-2014 at 04:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE

Lie right back. Tell the commandante the bostid demanded two thousand, three thousand, pesos. Shook his handcuffs, patted his holster, said he's follow you to the ATM.

I would rather avoid that method. Throwing down the gauntlet with an armed man would scare me.

David K - 2-11-2014 at 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Cliffy
If I may jump in_
I'm going down to B of C in a few weeks and have never driven that far in Baja (BOLA before). ...

Don't know what I'll find when I get there but in CC I'll be stopped at every stop sign and probably as slow as anyone else on the road (very slow).

Ummm... is "B of C" Bay of Concepcion?

If yes, then you don't go anywhere near CC (Ciudad Constitucion)!

Bajahowodd - 2-11-2014 at 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

Ummm... is "B of C" Bay of Concepcion?

If yes, then you don't go anywhere near CC (Ciudad Constitucion)!

Unless you feel like driving two more days. :lol:

monoloco - 2-11-2014 at 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DENNIS

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE

Lie right back. Tell the commandante the bostid demanded two thousand, three thousand, pesos. Shook his handcuffs, patted his holster, said he's follow you to the ATM.

I would rather avoid that method. Throwing down the gauntlet with an armed man would scare me.

The next time you drive through, he just might "find" a bag of chuky in your car. :lol:

DENNIS - 2-11-2014 at 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by monoloco
The next time you drive through, he just might "find" a bag of chuky in your car. :lol:

Yeah......If he ever saw you again it wouldn't be fun. :fire:

Cliffy - 2-11-2014 at 10:08 PM

OOOPS!!! MY fault!!! I thought I'd be going through there. How did I ever find Europe when I was flying jets?????????
I gotta find my old AAA Baja map!!!!!!!!

David K - 2-11-2014 at 11:55 PM

IFR, VFR, or Seat of your pants? :biggrin:

The highway south of Loreto (after it reaches the top of the mountain to La Paz) is my least favorite drive on Hwy. 1... It is a whole day of driving through mostly nothing and Ciudad Constitucion!

Concepcion Bay is a great destination!

RnR - 2-12-2014 at 07:25 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K
The highway south of Loreto (after it reaches the top of the mountain to La Paz) is my least favorite drive on Hwy. 1... It is a whole day of driving through mostly nothing and Ciudad Constitucion!

The last twenty miles of this somewhat nondescript section of highway is my favorite.

After 2 1/2 days, crest the last hill, finally see the Bay of La Paz, and...

I'm HOME! :bounce:

DavidE - 2-12-2014 at 10:41 AM

Crooked Cops are cowards. Got in the face of several after they tried to screw me (days or weeks later). Polite though. Cannot act snotty at any point in this scenario from start to finish.

Sorta like "Do you go hunting for rattlesnakes with a shovel while wearing shorts and huaraches?" These cops are at least not completely stupid. As a tourist you have a TON of resources at your disposal. If you poner un denuncia against a cop for attempted bribery and later on if you should should be hauled into the ministerio publico on a trumped up charge by the cop or his buddies the ministerio publico is likely to snatch a .45 out of his desk drawer and drill the cop between the eyes. SECTUR will sick the PGR on this El Flacco Y El Gordo (Laurel & Hardy) " farce so fast it would make a person's head swim.

Cops KNOW THIS. A consular agent KNOWS THIS. It ain't gonna happen. A tourist getting hosed in the eyes of the feds is like a Duputado or Senador getting hosed. They look (SECTUR) if they smell a rat, the cop, the commandante and if involved the Minister Publico are going to find their ARSE on fire -- a real four alarmer. Once, long ago I needed serious help for a drug frame up (being hauled in for questioning). The consular agent called SECTUR, SECTUR called the PGR, and the next day a squadron of PGR storm troopers showed up at the MP office. The offending SOB's brought me cases of soda and a gosh darned pastel de tres leches as a (Gee We're Sorry). I was camped at Lagos de Montebello in Chiapas and the Policia Municipal got it into their heads that a lone camper HAD to be involved with drug smuggling.

If you keep your cool and sting crooked cops with elan, they will avoid you like you have ebola.

David K - 2-12-2014 at 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by RnR

Quote:

The last twenty miles of this somewhat nondescript section of highway is my favorite.

After 2 1/2 days, crest the last hill, finally see the Bay of La Paz, and...

I'm HOME! :bounce:

Naturally after 200 miles of Magdalena desert or farms, the view of La Paz is spectacular! Baja Angel was hoping we could find a place to pull over to take photos!

DavidE - 2-12-2014 at 12:06 PM

Jajajajajajajajajajajajjajajajajaja.............................

The VERY extreme most hated section of Mex 1 for me.....................

The last 3,000 meters, northbound

David K - 2-12-2014 at 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Jajajajajajajajajajajajjajajajajaja.............................

The VERY extreme most hated section of Mex 1 for me.....................

The last 3,000 meters, northbound

The last 3 km., where?

My sentiments, DavidE

Mulegena - 2-12-2014 at 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by David K

Quote:

The last 3 km., where?

La Frontera/The Border/The last most northerly stretch of magical Mexican turf
before you cross into the hands of the US Border Patrol and out of the land we all love so.

dtbushpilot - 2-12-2014 at 12:59 PM

From Ensenada to El Rosario......

DavidE - 2-12-2014 at 01:40 PM

Before you cross into gringolandandia....you know that place don't you? Where you can fold up on a sidewalk with a heart attack or stroke and passersby nudge you with their toe and growl...."Crawl out of the way you gawddamned drunk!"

Edited "you" beats "tou" any day of the week.

[Edited on 2-12-2014 by DavidE]

tripledigitken - 2-12-2014 at 02:35 PM

Seems to me, given your recent medical history of hightailing it to the US for treatment, you should be less critical of "gringolandandia". Short term memory loss?

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Before you cross into gringolandandia....you know that place don't you? Where you can fold up on a sidewalk with a heart attack or stroke and passersby nudge you with their toe and growl...."Crawl out of the way you gawddamned drunk!"

Edited "you" beats "tou" any day of the week.

[Edited on 2-12-2014 by DavidE]

DavidE - 2-12-2014 at 04:09 PM

Yeah those sidewalk hospitals and doctor pedestrians are five star. My mistake

If you can't separate the drug-dazed, elitist, based ethos of "the typical gringo" from an average Mexicano in Mexico I feel sorry for you. You do not know Mexico.

Down here when I stumble on steps, must mount one step both feet then another -- there is usually a rush of people to grab my elbow. Up north I might as well be a roomba. I have been jostled so many times (I walk in an obviously disabled fashion) that I have fallen a half dozen times in the USA. The rude individuals never even looked back.

When I had a disc go badly herniated in Mexico and the folks in the nearby farmacias similares saw my distress at climbing the steps, THEY INSISTED on coming to the car window, taking my order, filling it and then bringing the sack back filled with change.

I PAID AND PAY FOR THE MEDICAL service I get in Mexico and in the USA. Know of any MRI and CatScan machines in central Baja California? That's the first thing that they did to me in San Diego.

I do not live in Mexico for "The Fine Beaches" or a 3,000 pound marlin, indian pottery, or because the society acts "Mexican Sombrero Cactus Ethic" I live in Mexico because of the people, my family included. The youngsters are less drug addled, my neighbors know my name, I wave and wave back a hundred times a day, shake hands several dozen, people ask about my health and I will be DAMNED if I have in my 68 years ever encountered that in a town of 100 or one million in the USA.

motoged - 2-12-2014 at 04:43 PM

One rarely earns the respect of a perspective gained by standing on the back of criticism :light:

DENNIS - 2-12-2014 at 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE

my neighbors know my name,

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-mi0r0LpXo&feature=kp

DavidE - 2-12-2014 at 05:21 PM

Persacktly...

tripledigitken - 2-12-2014 at 06:15 PM

I didn't compare gringos to mexicans. Don't presume to know any of my knowledge of Mexico either.

I only spoke to the medical care you got nob. If I were in a similar situation I would temper my insults directed back there.

You're not unique in this, I've read of other expats with similar stories.

BTW. Ive not lived in Mex for 50 years, but I've been visiting for 58 years. I have been posting photos here of my travels to Baja for 7 years, I believe they speak to my love of Mex and its people.

Regards

Quote:

Originally posted by DavidE
Yeah those sidewalk hospitals and doctor pedestrians are five star. My mistake

If you can't separate the drug-dazed, elitist, based ethos of "the typical gringo" from an average Mexicano in Mexico I feel sorry for you. You do not know Mexico.

Down here when I stumble on steps, must mount one step both feet then another -- there is usually a rush of people to grab my elbow. Up north I might as well be a roomba. I have been jostled so many times (I walk in an obviously disabled fashion) that I have fallen a half dozen times in the USA. The rude individuals never even looked back.

When I had a disc go badly herniated in Mexico and the folks in the nearby farmacias similares saw my distress at climbing the steps, THEY INSISTED on coming to the car window, taking my order, filling it and then bringing the sack back filled with change.

I PAID AND PAY FOR THE MEDICAL service I get in Mexico and in the USA. Know of any MRI and CatScan machines in central Baja California? That's the first thing that they did to me in San Diego.

I do not live in Mexico for "The Fine Beaches" or a 3,000 pound marlin, indian pottery, or because the society acts "Mexican Sombrero Cactus Ethic" I live in Mexico because of the people, my family included. The youngsters are less drug addled, my neighbors know my name, I wave and wave back a hundred times a day, shake hands several dozen, people ask about my health and I will be DAMNED if I have in my 68 years ever encountered that in a town of 100 or one million in the USA.