BajaNomad

Driving across border in UTV

aburruss - 1-15-2022 at 02:07 PM

Does anyone have any experience or any relevant information about driving across the border in a UTV/SxS?

I'm not AS concerned with driving INTO Mexico, (I'll have registration, insurance, and all that fun stuff), but I'm more concerned with how things will be handled driving back into the US. My rig is NOT plated for driving on-road in the states, so I'm not sure what the border agents will say, if anything. I'll simply be driving to a parking lot very close to the border to load the rig onto my trailer.

I'll be crossing both ways in Tecate.

Thanks!!

JZ - 1-15-2022 at 02:54 PM

Interesting question. You'd think if they are legal to drive on the road in AZ you could cross back to the US at AZ crossings.

Doesn't seem like this would be something (CA traffic laws) CBP would be in the business of enforcing.

Someone should ask an agent when they cross.


[Edited on 1-15-2022 by JZ]

PaulW - 1-15-2022 at 03:09 PM

I don't have a UTV, but all my friends that do always use a trailer. And they go back and forth all the time with no issues to report.

Lee - 1-15-2022 at 03:39 PM

Quote: Originally posted by aburruss  
My rig is NOT plated for driving on-road in the states, so I'm not sure what the border agents will say, if anything. I'll simply be driving to a parking lot very close to the border to load the rig onto my trailer.

I'll be crossing both ways in Tecate.

Thanks!!


Off the top of my head. I would say you'll have a problem driving unplated at the border. Fed laws apply along with CA laws. Gotta have current tags on a plate to be legal.

Great question. Report back?

David K - 1-15-2022 at 03:41 PM

Because you didn't drive an un-licensed vehicle into Mexico, I doubt if they would let you drive it out of Mexico!?!

ehall - 1-15-2022 at 04:24 PM

We do it on bikes at Tecate all the time. Just Az offroad plate.

aburruss - 2-1-2022 at 06:47 PM

Trip report to come.. BUT to answer my own question:

-Parked truck and trailer on the US side ($15/day).
-Drove 4 UTVs (registered with CA "green sticker" off-road only registration) the 300 yards to the border.
-Mexican border agents waved me through with my green light.
-<insert lots of fun stuff for 4 days>
-Got into normal border line. 40 minutes later, we are the next up to cross, the first agent standing out 100' before the gate wants to chit chat about our UTVs. Modifications, cost, etc
-Border agent in the booth asks me about our trip, looks at registration and matches it to sticker, and tells me welcome home.
-Drive 300 yards back to parking lot.
-Go home.

Easy peasy.

[Edited on 2-2-2022 by aburruss]

JZ - 2-1-2022 at 06:50 PM

Wow! Fantastic!

RFClark - 2-1-2022 at 10:32 PM

I don’t think the Feds are going to be a problem! Usually at Mexicali East there's a CA Highway Patrol Cruiser lurking to write assorted tickets to those picking up the walk across. That definitely might be a problem!

TecateRay - 2-3-2022 at 03:33 PM

Quote: Originally posted by aburruss  
Trip report to come.. BUT to answer my own question:

-Parked truck and trailer on the US side ($15/day).
-Drove 4 UTVs (registered with CA "green sticker" off-road only registration) the 300 yards to the border.
-Mexican border agents waved me through with my green light.
-<insert lots of fun stuff for 4 days>
-Got into normal border line. 40 minutes later, we are the next up to cross, the first agent standing out 100' before the gate wants to chit chat about our UTVs. Modifications, cost, etc
-Border agent in the booth asks me about our trip, looks at registration and matches it to sticker, and tells me welcome home.
-Drive 300 yards back to parking lot.
-Go home.

Easy peasy.

[Edited on 2-2-2022 by aburruss]

In Tecate, Ca I've seen the SD sheriffs writing tickets for stop signs and no plates. Doesn't happen often but the possibility is there.

caj13 - 2-3-2022 at 06:05 PM

I have 2 SXS licenced for on road use, one with South Dakota plates, one with michigan registration and stickers. neither can be driven on california roads - so you'll have to assess that risk for yourself.

bajatrailrider - 2-5-2022 at 05:21 PM

Us side tecate all border agents driving un plated ATvs on road no plates.