BajaNomad

TIP notice at southbound San Ysidro crossing?

bajabarry - 2-12-2015 at 07:01 AM

Crossing south on 2/8 I noticed a large government looking sign which appeared to be referring to TIP - the temporary import permit. My understanding is that TIPs are not required in all of Baja - see http://rollybrook.com/car-in-M%C3%A9xico.htm - but I am concerned that this notice (not able to read it) may be about a change. Does anyone know what this sign says, assuming it is still there? It was at the right turn heading to the new southbound crossing.

SlyOnce - 2-12-2015 at 10:09 AM

The new signs that I see crossing US into MX deal with import of your US vehicle to get MX plates. It's called "nationalizing" the car. Us gringos don't need to do that we can drive everywhere with US plates and registration.

If my MX novia is driving my US plated car and I'm not there, the car is called a "chocolate" and it can be impounded, that is why you import and nationalize. There are strict limits on this and it costs money.

bajabarry - 2-13-2015 at 04:50 PM

That is not my understanding of TIP and nationalizing is a different, although related, issue. My understanding is that on the mainland if you want to drive a U.S. or Canadian (ie, not Mexican) plated vehicle into Mexico, you must obtain a TIP, putting up some amount of money as a deposit that you will get back when you leave the country and surrender your TIP documents. However, if you do not have temporary immigration status, for example you have permanent residency, then you cannot get a TIP for your non Mexican vehicle. You must either nationalize it, or get rid of it and buy a Mexican vehicle.

[Edited on 2-13-2015 by bajabarry]

SlyOnce - 2-16-2015 at 09:12 AM

Yes but the sign on the banner is about the difference between permanent importation and temporary

MitchMan - 2-16-2015 at 11:26 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajabarry  
That is not my understanding of TIP and nationalizing is a different, although related, issue. My understanding is that on the mainland if you want to drive a U.S. or Canadian (ie, not Mexican) plated vehicle into Mexico, you must obtain a TIP, putting up some amount of money as a deposit that you will get back when you leave the country and surrender your TIP documents. However, if you do not have temporary immigration status, for example you have permanent residency, then you cannot get a TIP for your non Mexican vehicle. You must either nationalize it, or get rid of it and buy a Mexican vehicle.

[Edited on 2-13-2015 by bajabarry]


For a US plated vehicle driven in Baja by its US citizen owner with a valid current US drivers license, current valid US registration, current required insurance and who is not a Mexican citizen, the rules/policies practiced and applied by the Mexican authorities for driving said vehicle by said owner/driver are different in the "Restricted Zone" of Baja than for Mainland Mexico. So far, based on pervasive, ubiquitous, consistent and prominent actual practice and application in the Baja to date, one hasn't needed a TIP for the use of the vehicle described herein under the circumstances described hereinabove within the Baja.

[Edited on 2-16-2015 by MitchMan]

MitchMan - 2-16-2015 at 11:50 AM

Quote: Originally posted by SlyOnce  
Yes but the sign on the banner is about the difference between permanent importation and temporary


Advice: in Mexico, the application of law, policy, administration, disclosures, pronouncements, actual policy Vs practiced policy, actual law Vs practiced law, timeliness is rarely predictable, accurate, consistent, or even always correct regarding many if not most things legal or administrative. Takes some experience to get a semi-reliable intuitive feel as to how things roll in Mexico.

You need to always ask questions, always be suspect of what is displayed or posted or even pronounced, and gather as much current info as possible constantly from varied sources. Doesn't hurt to be aware that it is very common (and more the rule than not) to encounter different interpretations by the very people that are charged with enforcing the rules.

Mexico is thoroughly a 3rd world country.

bajabarry - 2-19-2015 at 10:12 AM

Ok, but why is this at the San Ysidro crossing? Could it be meant for Mexican nationals bringing vehicles into Baja?
Quote: Originally posted by SlyOnce  
Yes but the sign on the banner is about the difference between permanent importation and temporary