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grace59
Senior Nomad
Posts: 614
Registered: 9-14-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
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Mexicali Police
In August coming through Mexicali we noticed a heavy police presence pulling people over. The day after we went through our neighbors were coming down
to San Felipe and got pulled over for "speeding" although they were just going with the flow of traffic. The said they would follow the officer to the
station, but then he pulled over in a quiet area and intimidated them into Mordida payment of 100.00 US. My husband was determined NOT to go through
Mexicali on the way down this month so we entered at Tecata with no problems. Unfortunately, we had to go through Mexicali on the way out to look at
some granite. We were following another gringo (with CA plates) to the granite shop which is on the road to the new crossing...at the light ready to
make the left a police car was beside us. When the light turned green we followed our friend through the light and had just gotten rolling when the
policia pulled between us and turned the lights on our friend. My husband checked his speed and we had only gotten up to about 40k in a 60 k zone. We
passed our friend but pulled over at the granite shop to wait for him. Our friend said that he would follow the officer to the station, but had to
stop at the granite place with us. When he stopped the officer just kept going by....the reason he pulled our friend over was for "speeding". Is
anyone else hearing of problems with police in Mexicali or were we just close to two isolated incidences??????????? I don't want to be coming down La
Rumarosa in the middle of winter because my husband refuses to go through Mexicali!!
Whenever I hear that rainy, chill wind blow. I think it may be time to head for Mexico. Tengo que obedecer mi corazon!
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capt. mike
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8085
Registered: 11-26-2002
Location: Bat Cave
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Mood: Sling time!
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basturos!!!!!!!!!!  !!!!!!!!!!!!
formerly Ordained in Rev. Ewing\'s Church by Mail - busted on tax fraud.......
Now joined L. Ron Hoover\'s church of Appliantology
\"Remember there is a big difference between kneeling down and bending over....\"
www.facebook.com/michael.l.goering |
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Marc
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2802
Registered: 5-15-2010
Location: San Francisco & Palm Springs
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Mood: Waiting
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Cd. Constitutîon all over again?
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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These mordida epidemics can pop up anywhere in Mexico and from time to time, probably will. That's one reason I mentioned yesterday on the Cd.
Constitucón thread that it was premature to lift the pressure on that city. They'll be back to their nonsense in no time.
.
[Edited on 9-9-2010 by DENNIS]
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Russ
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Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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Remember in the States when the city would give the cops quotas on passing out traffic tickets. Although it's not the same thing cus they'd get you
actually doing something wrong, most of the time. It still raised money. I think I'd rather pay a toll than worry about bogas shake downs though.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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DENNIS
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Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
Remember in the States when the city would give the cops quotas on passing out traffic tickets. Although it's not the same thing cus they'd get you
actually doing something wrong, most of the time. It still raised money. I think I'd rather pay a toll than worry about bogas shake downs though.
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The only thing that differentiates an armed robber in an alley and a predatory cop is a badge.
Of course, we've been through all of this...haven't we.
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knuckles
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Posts: 140
Registered: 9-15-2009
Location: I am never sure anymore :)
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
Remember in the States when the city would give the cops quotas on passing out traffic tickets. Although it's not the same thing cus they'd get you
actually doing something wrong, most of the time. It still raised money. I think I'd rather pay a toll than worry about bogas shake downs though.
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The only thing that differentiates an armed robber in an alley and a predatory cop is a badge.
Of course, we've been through all of this...haven't we. |
Ok people, I have a different take on this one......
In the the states now (at least CA) the police issue a citation and send you a bail notice in the mail. Regardless if you are guilty or innocent they
ask for a fairly hefty sum of money just to make it go away. Surprise, the last one I got was nearly $400
The second problem is on the back of the citation it now says "you may or may not receive a bail notice". So then you head to the court and get your
surprise bill in person. How many of you have not received a notice and forgot to show up? How many innocent traffic offenders just pay the bill? I
for one have tried to fight two tickets (I was innocent) and lost. Cost me significant amounts of both time and money.
Now for the punch line....
I happen to find the Mexican system a bit more ...honest? You pay a small amount and you are done. Or you stand your ground and your are probably
still done. No dealing with adminstration or courts or DMV, no points on your record. And the fines are a much more reasonable amount.
Stopped twice in BCN in the past 10 years, once I was guilty, cost me $40, once not guilty, cost me $20.
Which is easier to deal with and more honest?
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MitchMan
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Registered: 3-9-2009
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Knuckles makes a great point. Was pondering this issue myself.
In the US, cops are paid a fair wage (comparatively speaking), but the city and county management make the cops give tickets to raise money for the
city/county. The fines are often times way too high. The intersection cameras are a windfall, mostly preying on safe infractions, but charging
hundreds for the offense. Also, handing out tickets left and right for seat belt infractions and so called "speeding" tickets when only going 5 miles
over the speed limit or the speed limits are unrealistically low.
There is a similarity to the foul mentality leading to extracting of money from the working people for actual safe driving while technically an
infraction. I call that absolute theft. It's happenning in Mexico and in the US.
Knuckles has it right. I have and do pay more in the US than I ever have in Mexico for mordida. So, which is actually worse? If the quantity of
money is a metric, in my experience, that would make the US ten times worse.
[Edited on 9-9-2010 by MitchMan]
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tjBill
Senior Nomad
Posts: 516
Registered: 10-6-2007
Location: Tijuana
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| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
These mordida epidemics can pop up anywhere in Mexico and from time to time, probably will. That's one reason I mentioned yesterday on the Cd.
Constitucón thread that it was premature to lift the pressure on that city. They'll be back to their nonsense in no time.
.
[Edited on 9-9-2010 by DENNIS] |
The mordida epidemics tend to crop up when a city's administration is going out. Mexcali's administration, like a lot of Baja, is going out in four
months.
When the new administration comes in, they will crack down on the problem.
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DENNIS
Platinum Nomad
Posts: 29510
Registered: 9-2-2006
Location: Punta Banda
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Good point, Bill. One to watch.
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mcfez
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8678
Registered: 12-2-2009
Location: aka BN yankeeirishman
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| Quote: | Originally posted by knuckles
| Quote: | Originally posted by DENNIS
| Quote: | Originally posted by Russ
Remember in the States when the city would give the cops quotas on passing out traffic tickets. Although it's not the same thing cus they'd get you
actually doing something wrong, most of the time. It still raised money. I think I'd rather pay a toll than worry about bogas shake downs though.
|
The only thing that differentiates an armed robber in an alley and a predatory cop is a badge.
Of course, we've been through all of this...haven't we. |
Ok people, I have a different take on this one......
In the the states now (at least CA) the police issue a citation and send you a bail notice in the mail. Regardless if you are guilty or innocent they
ask for a fairly hefty sum of money just to make it go away. Surprise, the last one I got was nearly $400
The second problem is on the back of the citation it now says "you may or may not receive a bail notice". So then you head to the court and get your
surprise bill in person. How many of you have not received a notice and forgot to show up? How many innocent traffic offenders just pay the bill? I
for one have tried to fight two tickets (I was innocent) and lost. Cost me significant amounts of both time and money.
Now for the punch line....
I happen to find the Mexican system a bit more ...honest? You pay a small amount and you are done. Or you stand your ground and your are probably
still done. No dealing with adminstration or courts or DMV, no points on your record. And the fines are a much more reasonable amount.
Stopped twice in BCN in the past 10 years, once I was guilty, cost me $40, once not guilty, cost me $20.
Which is easier to deal with and more honest? |
Not to mention your insurance rates get jacked up too. No seat belt ticket $280 + $60.00 increase per year. You make good logic on this subject.
Old people are like the old cars, made of some tough stuff. May show a little rust, but good as gold on the inside.
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MICK
Nomad
Posts: 499
Registered: 11-12-2003
Location: Rio Hardy
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Mood: livin the good life on the river
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Funny, I drive thru mexicali all the time and I have yet to be pulled over ( knock on Wood) I find most of the cops there friendly and have even had
them wave to me while sitting next to them at a light. I do not drive thru town so that may be the deal. If you are heading down use the river road
maybe they are less agressive there. I did go to the east border a few weeks ago and saw a few cops but did not get stopped. Now I will say that I can
not get thru TJ without being pulled over so I don't know what's up with that. I would agree that at least in Mexico you know where you stand. The
system is quick and over with.
Last time I came across at tecate I saw 5 highway patrolman with cars from baja pulled over between the border and Hwy 94. Wonder what the mexicans
think of our system?
Mick
Getting there is ALL the fun!
Ok being here is fun to
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knuckles
Nomad
Posts: 140
Registered: 9-15-2009
Location: I am never sure anymore :)
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| Quote: | Originally posted by MICK
Wonder what the mexicans think of our system?
Mick |
Yeah, I that wonder what they think about our befuddled system in comparision to their own.
Let's face it, nobody likes a traffic stop no matter what country you are in!
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Bajafun777
Super Nomad
Posts: 1103
Registered: 9-13-2006
Location: Rosarito & California
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Mood: Enjoying Life with Wife In Mexico, Easy on The Easy
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I too travel in and out of Mexicali a lot and have not had any problems. I would be one of those that insist on going to the police station and I know
exactually where it is. However, if I was speeding which I do not do in Mexico but if I missed a sign, which everyone here knows can happen, due to
trees, brush, large trucks, etcl I would rather pay a $20 dollar make the world go away than what our out of wack California system charges us. I went
into a the 125 toll going to Chula Vista and put my $3 dollars in like it said but actually had to put $4 dollars due to the dang machine not
registering one of my dollars. I had a friend get a ticket for this same issue however since he put in $3dollars he did not put in another dollar to
make the malfunctioning toll money register turn the green light on. His ticket for not doing this was $165 I believe he told me. So, the $20 dollar
pay and go sounds better,LOL. Travel Safe and Take Care, bajafun777
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Bajajorge
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2604
Registered: 10-13-2005
Location: Topaz Lake, NV/San Felipe
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For those that cross into Mexicali through the Calexico East crossing, here is some info. After going through the crossing point you will come to a
main boulevard. When you turn right, onto the blvd you'll come to a stop sign. Be sure to stop as there is always a motorcycle cop there. As you
continue westbound you'll be going parallel along our lovely new border fence. On your left hand side you will see some 1 story houses and side
streets. In these side streets hide Mexicali's finest by the hoards.
Go the speed limit through this area, never mind how fast the traffic is going. Cuz if you go with the flow of traffic, you will be the only person
stopped due to your gringo status.  
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Gold Card
George
Do you carry your Gold Card?????....ever use it on your side???
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Bajajorge
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 2604
Registered: 10-13-2005
Location: Topaz Lake, NV/San Felipe
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| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
George
Do you carry your Gold Card?????....ever use it on your side??? |
I've never had the pleasure of being stopped. But, now that I've said that,
I will probably be screwed into the ground the next time I cross.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
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Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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| Quote: | Originally posted by Bajajorge
| Quote: | Originally posted by bajaguy
George
Do you carry your Gold Card?????....ever use it on your side??? |
I've never had the pleasure of being stopped. But, now that I've said that,
I will probably be screwed into the ground the next time I cross.
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Used it once in Ensenada about 8 years ago........no transaction fees!!!! 
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durrelllrobert
Elite Nomad
Posts: 7393
Registered: 11-22-2007
Location: Punta Banda BC
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Mood: thriving in Baja
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| Quote: | | I don't want to be coming down La Rumarosa in the middle of winter because my husband refuses to go through Mexicali!! |
What? Youre not into bobsleding
Bob Durrell
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grace59
Senior Nomad
Posts: 614
Registered: 9-14-2004
Location: San Felipe, Baja, Mexico
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| Quote: | Originally posted by durrelllrobert
| Quote: | | I don't want to be coming down La Rumarosa in the middle of winter because my husband refuses to go through Mexicali!! |
What? Youre not into bobsleding |
Nope, no bobsledding, luge, skiing, snowboarding...nada...don't even like snow! That's why I'm building a house in Baja! 
Whenever I hear that rainy, chill wind blow. I think it may be time to head for Mexico. Tengo que obedecer mi corazon!
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