BajaNomad

Drones and Military Checkpoints?

Enrique2012 - 12-1-2019 at 10:39 AM

Question: Has anyone passed through a military checkpoint with a drone that was discovered during a military checkpoint inspection? If so, what was the outcome?

I am gearing up for a dirt bike ride from the border to Cabo, and this years ride will have a special emphasis on photography. As part of my photo arsenal I want to bring my drone, but I'm feeling uneasy about it. I have read the MX rules regarding drones but they are ambiguous, and as we all know it really depends on what officiail you're talking to at the time.

I don't have the advantage of hiding it somewhere in a car or truck. I will on my dirt bike and the drone will be in my backpack - it will be discovered at one or more checkpoints.

If you have experience with this scenario please let me know.

[Edited on 12-1-2019 by Enrique2012]

Nikno - 12-1-2019 at 11:16 AM

My friends and I have traveled with drones extensively in Baja and have never experienced a problem. I have been in many military checkpoints including some pretty deep searches. They never paid any attention to the drone.

If you want to be 100% safe, get a Mavic Mini. It weighs under 250 grams and under Mexican drone laws it is considered a toy and does not need a license or permit to fly.

However, I doubt you will have any problems at all. I have flown my drone in many places in Baja and never been questioned. Do not fly over cities or near airports and you will be fine.

Paco Facullo - 12-1-2019 at 12:09 PM

Simply strap the drone down on the top of your helmet with bungee cords .....

Often the best place to hide something is in plane sight...

Lee - 12-1-2019 at 03:50 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Enrique2012  
Question: Has anyone passed through a military checkpoint with a drone that was discovered during a military checkpoint inspection? If so, what was the outcome?

I am gearing up for a dirt bike ride from the border to Cabo, and this years ride will have a special emphasis on photography. As part of my photo arsenal I want to bring my drone, but I'm feeling uneasy about it. I have read the MX rules regarding drones but they are ambiguous, and as we all know it really depends on what officiail you're talking to at the time.

I don't have the advantage of hiding it somewhere in a car or truck. I will on my dirt bike and the drone will be in my backpack - it will be discovered at one or more checkpoints.

If you have experience with this scenario please let me know.

[Edited on 12-1-2019 by Enrique2012]


JZ is one of the drone experts here. u2u him. He'll prob see this post. Think he would have written something about drones SOB if there were problems.

Personally, I wouldn't sweat it.

David K - 12-1-2019 at 04:04 PM

The military is looking for THREE things: Guns, Ammo, Illegal Drugs (incl. marijuana).

They are not charged with checking your immigration papers, auto insurance, or drones. They may look at anything you have and they have asked for my ID (in order to get the spelling of my name) once [at Gonzaga Bay when they were writing down names and vehicles passing through].

Paco Facullo - 12-1-2019 at 05:10 PM

Quote: Originally posted by David K  
The military is looking for THREE things: Guns, Ammo, Illegal Drugs (incl. marijuana).
].


Also a cold water, beer or shots of Tequila are appreciated !

AguaDulce - 12-1-2019 at 06:16 PM

not always, if they want to shake you down they will. San Ignacio.Been through there 40-50 times the last 10 years. Bad last week.

David K - 12-1-2019 at 06:31 PM

LOL... I was speaking "officially charged with looking for..." but yes, in San Ignacio we were accused of transporting marijuana, lol! That is one of the things!!

mtgoat666 - 12-1-2019 at 08:36 PM

Quote: Originally posted by Enrique2012  
I have read the MX rules regarding drones but they are ambiguous


How are the regs ambiguous?

AguaDulce - 12-1-2019 at 09:23 PM

if you have not been there you would not understand

Kimpatsu_Hekigan - 12-2-2019 at 07:49 PM

Just an FYI link re: drones...

Drone Laws in Mexico

Suerte,

K.H.

David K - 12-3-2019 at 09:57 AM

Quote: Originally posted by Kimpatsu_Hekigan  
Just an FYI link re: drones...

Drone Laws in Mexico

Suerte,

K.H.


What a nice page! Thanks for posting!!