BajaNomad

Heading South

bajafreaks - 12-16-2022 at 04:07 PM

Heading South, crossing at Mexicali West this Sunday morning.
Final destination, Los Barriles.
Anyone crossed in the last few days, curious if roads, towns, etc. are getting busy with the holiday approaching?
Always a little anxious/nervous doing the run.
Thanks

La Paz Municipal Police warning

AKgringo - 12-16-2022 at 04:42 PM

In late October, I got shaken down by the La Paz Municipal police. I wasn't in La Paz either, it was way out toward El Cien on the section of road that was recently upgraded.

I did not do anything wrong, and would have fought the ticket, but numerous factors added up to make it worth my while to pay a reduced fine and be on my way. These were not rookie cops, they were very professional in their extorsion routine, they even worked the "good cop, bad cop" scenario.

Edit; Pleases don't hijack this request for info with questions about my encounter. I may add more detail later, but this is not my thread!

[Edited on 12-16-2022 by AKgringo]

bajafreaks - 12-16-2022 at 04:53 PM

Quote: Originally posted by AKgringo  
In late October, I got shaken down by the La Paz Municipal police. I wasn't in La Paz either, it was way out toward El Cien on the section of road that was recently upgraded.

I did not do anything wrong, and would have fought the ticket, but numerous factors added up to make it worth my while to pay a reduced fine and be on my way. These were not rookie cops, they were very professional in their extorsion routine, they even worked the "good cop, bad cop" scenario.


Same thing
happen to us last trip down, pulled over by the Windmills/turbines north on La Paz. I anticipate getting pulled over and if I dont its a bonus.

WestyWanderer - 12-16-2022 at 09:41 PM

Crossed going south at Mexicali west last Friday. No issues crossing although traffic in the city seemed extra busy, however we did pass through at 11 am.

We drove to Puertecitos and nothing to note. Returned three days ago via Mexicali west and we again noted traffic seemed to be busier than normal in the city.

We waited 10 minutes in the SENTRI lane which is twice as long as we’ve ever had to wait at this POE.

bajafreaks - 12-17-2022 at 06:59 AM

Quote: Originally posted by WestyWanderer  
Crossed going south at Mexicali west last Friday. No issues crossing although traffic in the city seemed extra busy, however we did pass through at 11 am.

We drove to Puertecitos and nothing to note. Returned three days ago via Mexicali west and we again noted traffic seemed to be busier than normal in the city.

We waited 10 minutes in the SENTRI lane which is twice as long as we’ve ever had to wait at this POE.


Thanks for the info, we are crossing around 8:00am on a sunday I would think traffic will be light.

mtgoat666 - 12-17-2022 at 09:01 AM

Quote: Originally posted by bajafreaks  

Always a little anxious/nervous doing the run.


Just take a deep breath and remind yourself that it is just a road, and it just driving. Drive at a safe/comfortable speed.

The popo very rarely stop you. I think it has happened to me maybe once every ten years, and I was always at fault. I suspect the people that get stopped frequently are aggressive drivers or otherwise bad drivers.

The popo have plenty of bad gringo drivers to stop, so why would they stop responsible, good gringo drivers?

If you get stopped frequently, I suggest that you have to ask yourself what you can do to drive better?

Paco Facullo - 12-17-2022 at 10:10 AM

If you don't already have a dash cam, I'd recommend getting one.

I also use a radar detector, not that I speed, it's just protection of their way reduced speed at small towns that come up on you quick.

surfhat - 12-18-2022 at 11:00 AM

Paco, wise advice on all counts.

Slowing down coming into towns needs to be respected, as much as for those severe road topos that require crawling over, and even more for showing respect. Slowing to 30 mph or so is not too much to ask, especially with the many police stations seeing how much you care about their town by crawling along for mile or two.

Following a truck through towns can be an advantage too since I have rarely seen them pulled over and it shows you are not speeding, just don't miss those hard to see stop signs. haha