BajaNomad

BCN permanent resident taking USA plated car to BCS

bajaguy - 10-31-2014 at 10:40 AM

We also live in Ensenada, have RP status and drive our US plated vehicle to Guerrero Negro every year. No problems

gnukid - 10-31-2014 at 10:41 AM

Mexconnect is largely focus on mainland where different rules apply such as TIP for temporal residente. There are no such restrictions against perm resident driving US plated vehicles in BCS, though people are often confused about this due to reading mexconnect and advertisements for importation. Be sure you are up to date on license, reg, ins, and the car has lights and plates etc and you visa and passport are valid.

Alm - 10-31-2014 at 10:48 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Mexconnect is largely focus on mainland where different rules apply such as TIP for temporal residente. There are no such restrictions against perm resident driving US plated vehicles in BCS,

I believe the difference in rules is only in TIPs.

greengoes - 10-31-2014 at 11:10 AM

Things are changing................

My understanding of the situation is if you enter Baja Sur they may ask for your visa (FMM et al). If you show your Residente Permanente they may dredge up the law that if you are a RP you can't drive a US plated car in Mexico, it should have National plates.

I am not an expert in these matters, better dig deeper and find out.

bajaguy - 10-31-2014 at 12:00 PM

Relax, you don't need a TIP iin Baja (at least not yet)
Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
My brother will be with me on a tourist FMM, if there were issues could he drive the car and get the TIP?

Sandlefoot - 10-31-2014 at 12:26 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by greengoes
Things are changing................

My understanding of the situation is if you enter Baja Sur they may ask for your visa (FMM et al). If you show your Residente Permanente they may dredge up the law that if you are a RP you can't drive a US plated car in Mexico, it should have National plates.

I am not an expert in these matters, better dig deeper and find out.


The way it is here in Baja, the only authority that will ever ask for you immigration papers, for the purpose of establishing your status as an immigrate, is an IMN officer. The police nor the military have any jurisdiction over immigration. There have been instances where the military, at a check point, has asked. But their purpose is to get your name spelled correctly and other information they are using to track tourists, NOT to determine your visitors status! When they ask me I hand them my drivers license and they get the required information from it, then they ask me the year of manufacture of my car. If they insist on your IMN paper work I would submit it, because the person may an IMN officer looking for some one specific. I have never heard any stories to that effect yet.

They are not issuing TIPS is Baja yet, and they are not expected to start soon.

Happy Trails

rts551 - 10-31-2014 at 12:27 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
Thank you, especially BajaGuy - exactly what I was looking for. Yes, I am familiar with the issues with MexConnect, but sometimes you get a good answer, so just through the line in the water hoping for a good response.

Gracias!


Never have seen an issue, but there are people on this forum who swear something is gospel but can never provide proof. I f you did have something go wrong, they would say, well its Mexico and things change.

I recommend asking where something is in writing or for something more than hearsay when it comes to a technical question that cold get you in trouble.

bajaguy - 10-31-2014 at 12:28 PM

It's all good!!!

Check your u2u inbox
Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
Gracias. It's always 5PM at my house. And - who waits for 5? Or was that 5AM?

greengoes - 10-31-2014 at 12:45 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
My brother will be with me on a tourist FMM, if there were issues could he drive the car and get the TIP?


No TIP needed for Baja. If he is driving no problema.

Alm - 10-31-2014 at 02:41 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
Yes, I am familiar with the issues with MexConnect, but sometimes you get a good answer, so just through the line in the water hoping for a good response.

If you need an answer that you like, this is one thing, but the truth is another. Mexconnect is a good source of info.

There are no TIP required on cars in Baja, no matter what your status is. However, I am not 100% positive that Mex permanent residents are legally allowed to drive US plated cars. Import regulations like TIP may differ from state to state, but immigration laws are the same all over the country.

Checkpoint in Guerrero Negro is - usually - concerned with registration papers, not your immigration status. As long as nobody checks your status, you are OK. This is a matter of poor enforcement. If you really want to be sure that what you're doing is legal, you should seek other sources of information.

[Edited on 10-31-2014 by Alm]

rts551 - 10-31-2014 at 02:56 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
I am not looking for an answer "I like".
My term "a good response" meant that I was looking for good and correct information.


correct information by word of mouth on the internet is risky. Ask for the regulation or law and see what you get.

bajaguy - 10-31-2014 at 03:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm

.

Checkpoint in Guerrero Negro is - usually - concerned with registration papers, not your immigration status. As long as nobody checks your status, you are OK. This is a matter of poor enforcement. If you really want to be sure that what you're doing is legal, you should seek other sources of information.

[Edited on 10-31-2014 by Alm]


Really???? When did that change?????

Last time I crossed from BC to BCS at the Guerrero Negro checkpoint - March 2014 - it was an agricultural inspection area and an INM checkpoint looking at your FMM/residency status.....If they were open.

I have never been asked for (vehicle) registration papers......anybody else been checked for (vehicle) registration papers at GN???

rts551 - 10-31-2014 at 03:07 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm

.

Checkpoint in Guerrero Negro is - usually - concerned with registration papers, not your immigration status. As long as nobody checks your status, you are OK. This is a matter of poor enforcement. If you really want to be sure that what you're doing is legal, you should seek other sources of information.

[Edited on 10-31-2014 by Alm]


Really???? When did that change?????

Last time I crossed from BC to BCS at the Guerrero Negro checkpoint - March 2014 - it was an agricultural inspection area and an INM checkpoint looking at your FMM/residency status.....If they were open.

I have never been asked for (vehicle) registration papers......anybody else been checked for (vehicle) registration papers at GN???


couple of years ago. Also to the south of GN (between Guerrero and Vixcaino). They also used to have a checkpoint at San Ignacio mainly checking locals. and in La Paz out towards pichilingue . They can be set up any where at any time.

bajaguy - 10-31-2014 at 03:17 PM

Well, butter my burro and call me a biscuit

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm

.

Checkpoint in Guerrero Negro is - usually - concerned with registration papers, not your immigration status. As long as nobody checks your status, you are OK. This is a matter of poor enforcement. If you really want to be sure that what you're doing is legal, you should seek other sources of information.

[Edited on 10-31-2014 by Alm]


Really???? When did that change?????

Last time I crossed from BC to BCS at the Guerrero Negro checkpoint - March 2014 - it was an agricultural inspection area and an INM checkpoint looking at your FMM/residency status.....If they were open.

I have never been asked for (vehicle) registration papers......anybody else been checked for (vehicle) registration papers at GN???


couple of years ago. Also to the south of GN (between Guerrero and Vixcaino). They also used to have a checkpoint at San Ignacio mainly checking locals. and in La Paz out towards pichilingue . They can be set up any where at any time.

rts551 - 10-31-2014 at 03:43 PM

Also you have one south of Maneadero but I haven't seen anyone there in a while.
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Well, butter my burro and call me a biscuit

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by bajaguy
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm

.

Checkpoint in Guerrero Negro is - usually - concerned with registration papers, not your immigration status. As long as nobody checks your status, you are OK. This is a matter of poor enforcement. If you really want to be sure that what you're doing is legal, you should seek other sources of information.

[Edited on 10-31-2014 by Alm]


Really???? When did that change?????

Last time I crossed from BC to BCS at the Guerrero Negro checkpoint - March 2014 - it was an agricultural inspection area and an INM checkpoint looking at your FMM/residency status.....If they were open.

I have never been asked for (vehicle) registration papers......anybody else been checked for (vehicle) registration papers at GN???


couple of years ago. Also to the south of GN (between Guerrero and Vixcaino). They also used to have a checkpoint at San Ignacio mainly checking locals. and in La Paz out towards pichilingue . They can be set up any where at any time.

rts551 - 10-31-2014 at 03:55 PM

no, they seem to move around or go on vacation, depending...but you never know where or when. The times they have stopped me they were looking for registration and license. oh and checking for alcohol.
Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
I've been by there numerous times in the last couple months. No one there.

Alm - 11-1-2014 at 03:41 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by TedZark
I was told by an immigration attorney here that a permanent resident status person could drive a foreign plated car (in this state) as long as you had a USA driver's license and current registration.

I wonder what this lawyer - or any other lawyer, for that matter - would have to say about legality of your USA license with USA address. Don't forget that you are claiming to be residing permanently in another country :)

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 05:03 AM

Alm it is a common case today for people to have multiple residences, in the same area or in different areas. It is not uncommon at all for snowbirds to travel. And there is case law for this, Case law applies to you and your belongings, warranties, registrations etc. If you are in good standing, your registrations and permits do not become invalid just because you travel between homes.

If you are interested, look more into it, there are also gypsies and transient workers with no permanent home who have rights and can get permanent residency cards, for example in the USA there are millions, and certainly being a legal resident of 2 or 3 places does not make you immediately illegal for doing so and one can not suddenly change their reg at the moment of moving between two homes or crossing the border.

Mainland has their own unique laws that do not make much sense nor are consistent with international use cases.

I can be a permanent resident of multiple countries and have a CA reg as long as I intend to return the vehicle to CA.

Baja is a highly transitory area, with so many cars and drivers that do not have any plates or license nor reg, those who do carry valid immigration, plates, reg and license and are traveling between homes are not flagged illegal in BCS.

We have bigger fish to fry!

cliffh - 11-1-2014 at 07:47 AM

Just came to east cape, Or. plated truck and 5th wheel, Az plated quad trailer, don't recall ever being asked at GN for Registration papers or INM papers in the last 10 to 12 years, same for military stops. Federal stop once outside Cuidad Const. asked for reg. on truck and 5th wheel. Have been towing something up and down once or twice a year since 75. All you need is good attitude and show your US drivers lic., have ins. papers etc. if needed Have a great trip

rts551 - 11-1-2014 at 10:59 AM

Many foreign countries DO NOT recognize a US drivers lisence and an International Drivers License is required.. We are lucky that is not the case in Mexico yet.
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Alm it is a common case today for people to have multiple residences, in the same area or in different areas. It is not uncommon at all for snowbirds to travel. And there is case law for this, Case law applies to you and your belongings, warranties, registrations etc. If you are in good standing, your registrations and permits do not become invalid just because you travel between homes.

If you are interested, look more into it, there are also gypsies and transient workers with no permanent home who have rights and can get permanent residency cards, for example in the USA there are millions, and certainly being a legal resident of 2 or 3 places does not make you immediately illegal for doing so and one can not suddenly change their reg at the moment of moving between two homes or crossing the border.

Mainland has their own unique laws that do not make much sense nor are consistent with international use cases.

I can be a permanent resident of multiple countries and have a CA reg as long as I intend to return the vehicle to CA.

Baja is a highly transitory area, with so many cars and drivers that do not have any plates or license nor reg, those who do carry valid immigration, plates, reg and license and are traveling between homes are not flagged illegal in BCS.

We have bigger fish to fry!

Alm - 11-1-2014 at 11:19 AM

Gnukid, it's not that clear, and is not "the same" as having multiple properties. Though from practical point of view there is probably no risk involved.

Yes, you can be a permanent resident of multiple countries, but not any countries and/or not for long.

Permanent residence status normally implies that you reside "most of the time" in that country. You may even lose this status after long periods of absence. I don't know if this is the case with Mexico, don't need to know. This is something that the OP might want to read more about if they really want.

Snowbirds travel, and this doesn't tell much because each one has a different situation. Some do spend most of the time outside the US (or Canada), some make it 50/50, some have PR status in Mexico, and some travel with just tourist status.

Gypsies are special group, I wouldn't compare their status with anybody else.

[Edited on 11-1-2014 by Alm]

Alm - 11-1-2014 at 11:24 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Many foreign countries DO NOT recognize a US drivers lisence ...

And those that do, may require it to be officially translated into local language - or an equivalent like International License issued - and even then they only allow you to use it for a few months. After that, you have to obtain a local license.

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 12:31 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Mexconnect is largely focus on mainland where different rules apply such as TIP for temporal residente. There are no such restrictions against perm resident driving US plated vehicles in BCS,

I believe the difference in rules is only in TIPs.


Alma,you are wrong about BCS requiring permanent residents to import vehicles-that's the point. In BCS PR can drive Ca plated vehicles.

Please stop creating confusion.

karenintx - 11-1-2014 at 03:13 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Quote:
Originally posted by Alm
Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Mexconnect is largely focus on mainland where different rules apply such as TIP for temporal residente. There are no such restrictions against perm resident driving US plated vehicles in BCS,

I believe the difference in rules is only in TIPs.


Alma,you are wrong about BCS requiring permanent residents to import vehicles-that's the point. In BCS PR can drive Ca plated vehicles.

Please stop creating confusion.


Thank you gnukid...you are 100% right.

If it was illegal than every Fed/Cop in CSL would have writers cramp. When we were pulled over for an illegal u-turn no questions were asked about our S/D license plate with a Texas D/L.

When the hubby parked in the wrong color parking zone the rear license plate, again a S/D plate was removed by the police and a ticket was left on the windshield. The hubby drove out to the police station/jail house on the highway going to Todo Santos. He spoke to the judge in his "pretty good" Spanish. He had to show the court his Texas D/L, pay the fine then he was given back his S/D license plate.

Yes, he told the judge..."I live here full time and have my R/P card." The judge's only remark was..."Do you like living here?" To which my hubby said "We love living here!" Both of them smiled.

I am not a Gringo Gazette fan however this was address a couple of issue ago. Like Carrie said..."quit telling people you know that someone you know was told by someone they know that their car was impound because they have an R/P and drive a USA plated car. It is not true because The Baja is a free-zone...at least for now" Those are her words not mine.

So let's all drive our USA plated cars and smile!

Hook - 11-1-2014 at 03:53 PM

It really is amazing that a free-zone, frontera area can extend 1000 miles below the border in Baja and only about 300 miles in Sonora.

But that's the way it is........for now.

rts551 - 11-1-2014 at 03:55 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
It really is amazing that a free-zone, frontera area can extend 1000 miles below the border in Baja and only about 300 miles in Sonora.

But that's the way it is........for now.


once Mexican laws are enforced (and there is a lot of pressure to do so) there are going to be a lot of whiners on this forum and others.

karenintx - 11-1-2014 at 04:38 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
It really is amazing that a free-zone, frontera area can extend 1000 miles below the border in Baja and only about 300 miles in Sonora.

But that's the way it is........for now.


once Mexican laws are enforced (and there is a lot of pressure to do so) there are going to be a lot of whiners on this forum and others.


I am not whining but I am doing what the law says is legal.

When the law changes, and I agree it will, then I will do as I have done since I starting coming to Mexico 34 years ago...be legal. Until then, I will continue to drive my USA plated vehicle because it is legal.

Happy Driving...

rts551 - 11-1-2014 at 04:53 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by karenintx
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
It really is amazing that a free-zone, frontera area can extend 1000 miles below the border in Baja and only about 300 miles in Sonora.

But that's the way it is........for now.


once Mexican laws are enforced (and there is a lot of pressure to do so) there are going to be a lot of whiners on this forum and others.


I am not whining but I am doing what the law says is legal.

When the law changes, and I agree it will, then I will do as I have done since I starting coming to Mexico 34 years ago...be legal. Until then, I will continue to drive my USA plated vehicle because it is legal.

Happy Driving...


was not that long ago I remember a lot of people whining or worse when the TIP was enforced for water craft. You just think it is legal. I don't think you or anyone else on this forum (including me) have seen a law that allows or prohibits it. If you have something...please share it with the rest of us.

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 06:04 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by karenintx
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
It really is amazing that a free-zone, frontera area can extend 1000 miles below the border in Baja and only about 300 miles in Sonora.

But that's the way it is........for now.


once Mexican laws are enforced (and there is a lot of pressure to do so) there are going to be a lot of whiners on this forum and others.


I am not whining but I am doing what the law says is legal.

When the law changes, and I agree it will, then I will do as I have done since I starting coming to Mexico 34 years ago...be legal. Until then, I will continue to drive my USA plated vehicle because it is legal.

Happy Driving...


was not that long ago I remember a lot of people whining or worse when the TIP was enforced for water craft. You just think it is legal. I don't think you or anyone else on this forum (including me) have seen a law that allows or prohibits it. If you have something...please share it with the rest of us.


Why not imagine everything is illegal according to our logic. No tacos, no love, no peace!

rts551 - 11-1-2014 at 06:10 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by karenintx
Quote:
Originally posted by rts551
Quote:
Originally posted by Hook
It really is amazing that a free-zone, frontera area can extend 1000 miles below the border in Baja and only about 300 miles in Sonora.

But that's the way it is........for now.


once Mexican laws are enforced (and there is a lot of pressure to do so) there are going to be a lot of whiners on this forum and others.


I am not whining but I am doing what the law says is legal.

When the law changes, and I agree it will, then I will do as I have done since I starting coming to Mexico 34 years ago...be legal. Until then, I will continue to drive my USA plated vehicle because it is legal.

Happy Driving...


was not that long ago I remember a lot of people whining or worse when the TIP was enforced for water craft. You just think it is legal. I don't think you or anyone else on this forum (including me) have seen a law that allows or prohibits it. If you have something...please share it with the rest of us.


Why not imagine everything is illegal according to our logic. No tacos, no love, no peace!


never said it was legal or illegal. Just said where is the proof. Taking this to an emotional level because you can not support you claim does not help your credibility.

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 06:49 PM

How about the fact that many of us have a legacy of experience with law enforcement in BCS and we drive our cars with PR or previously FM2 in BCS and we read the law and no one has ever been persecuted for PR with CA plates and CA license in BCS nor has there been a law that says we should not? If you have other experience please share or stop the crazy talk.

rts551 and Alm stop the nonsense or post actual experience or law supporting your story.

[Edited on 11-2-2014 by gnukid]

rts551 - 11-1-2014 at 07:01 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
How about the fact that many of us have a legacy of experience with law enforcement in BCS and we drive our cars with PR or previously FM2 in BCS and we read the law and no one has ever been persecuted for PR with CA plates and CA license in BCS nor has there been a law that says we should not? If you have other experience please share or stop the crazy talk.

rts551 and Alm stop the nonsense or post actual experience or law supporting your story.

[Edited on 11-2-2014 by gnukid]


distraction. You made the assertion it was legal. not me. Absence of proof does not make something fact. Show the proof or its just your opinion.

By the way, you are right, many of us have experienced Mexico, including living there for many years. Didn't make me an expert in everything though, and I doubt it did you either.

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 07:20 PM

rts551 I highly recommend that you don't drive anywhere.

dont' pull that label off the mattress

don't leave mayonnaise out

what else?

[Edited on 11-2-2014 by gnukid]

rts551 - 11-1-2014 at 07:42 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by gnukid
rts551 I highly recommend that you don't drive anywhere.

dont' pull that label off the mattress

don't leave mayonnaise out

what else?

[Edited on 11-2-2014 by gnukid]


-do not pay attention to distractions
-beware people who are too aggressive with their opinions and get their feelings hurt easily if someone disagrees
-remember that the internet makes it easy for people to voice opinions without consequence
-keep doing what I am doing because I am having a ball and don't have to worry about what someone on the internet thinks

anything else? oh yea,
OP - sorry for the distraction. there obviously no factual information out there yet. But is appears that none is having a problem either. Have a good time.

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 08:01 PM

Nonsense, there is a legacy of case law for baja, if something is not illegal, it is legal.

Projection doesn't change anything.

Be practical, due to it's nature, baja has a transient population, as well goods and service arrive from other parts, little manufacturing is done there.

The population has long been arriving from other parts and bring their vehicles, they are not immediately illegal, in fact vehicles, warranties, registrations, licenses, from all over the world are legal as are people with a variety of status in the frontier. as long as you are up to date and in compliance.

If the fact that the population of BCS is largely diverse with a variety of backgrounds is a concern to you RTS-551 that's fine, but it has no affect on the legality of the those who transit with current legal registrations, plates and license from other parts-that's the current state of affairs.

If anyone has a question about insurance, or options for plates, reg, or dl please ask, there are many legal and affordable options available. If the law changes there will continue to be many affordable options.

Basically, keep your stuff up to date and make sure you have headlights-you'll be fine! If you have any questions ask away here on Baja Nomad.

Baja is a great place to have fun!



[Edited on 11-2-2014 by gnukid]

dtbushpilot - 11-1-2014 at 08:06 PM

Well TedZark, I hope your questions and concerns have been addressed. What seemed to be a simple question has morphed into 3 pages of words and stuff, maybe this will wrap up in another page or two :no::no::no:

You guys are only posturing to yourselves, Ted quit at the top of page 2....

[Edited on 11-2-2014 by dtbushpilot]

gnukid - 11-1-2014 at 08:15 PM

To humor the paranoid, while you are in BCS, if you enter a federal zone, for example a parking entrance to go to the ferry, then it's possible that national laws could be in effect, at that moment RTS-551 could go full paranoid, or could just exit the parking lot.

[Edited on 11-2-2014 by gnukid]