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rhintransit
Super Nomad
Posts: 1588
Registered: 9-4-2006
Location: Loreto
Member Is Offline
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baja traffic stops
I got stopped in Tecate in an (afterwards) obvious trap, motorcycle cop pulling in behind people as they turned onto a street. since the tendancy is
to watch the cop in the mirror, and not pay attention to the street ahead...surprise, road went from one way to two way in one unmarked block. and
there I was on the wrong side, keeping my speed down and trying to look innocent.
after the guy stopped me, he explained how dangerous it was (yes) and I most profusely agreed. then he told me the fine was very big, and did I have
750 pesos? in my best single woman alone voice I said, gee, I barely have enough to get home to Phoenix. kept constant eye contact. smiled
sheepishly. silence. on his part. and on mine. after a bit of this impassive staring match, I again said how right he was, and how confused I was
in my (well, at least that month) time in Tecate. and asked if he couldn't just give me a warning this time.
he stared some more and then sighed and waved me on. I headed to the border line up and there he was again, same corner, waiting on next 'customer.'
I think he was waiting for my move, and when it was neither of the expected...mordida nor take me to your leader, he didn't have a ready answer. so I
dodged another one...
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pargo
Nomad
Posts: 162
Registered: 9-14-2006
Location: Burbank Ca.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Baja Nomas
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| Quote: | Originally posted by rhintransit
I got stopped in Tecate in an (afterwards) obvious trap, motorcycle cop pulling in behind people as they turned onto a street. since the tendancy is
to watch the cop in the mirror, and not pay attention to the street ahead...surprise, road went from one way to two way in one unmarked block. and
there I was on the wrong side, keeping my speed down and trying to look innocent.
after the guy stopped me, he explained how dangerous it was (yes) and I most profusely agreed. then he told me the fine was very big, and did I have
750 pesos? in my best single woman alone voice I said, gee, I barely have enough to get home to Phoenix. kept constant eye contact. smiled
sheepishly. silence. on his part. and on mine. after a bit of this impassive staring match, I again said how right he was, and how confused I was
in my (well, at least that month) time in Tecate. and asked if he couldn't just give me a warning this time.
he stared some more and then sighed and waved me on. I headed to the border line up and there he was again, same corner, waiting on next 'customer.'
I think he was waiting for my move, and when it was neither of the expected...mordida nor take me to your leader, he didn't have a ready answer. so I
dodged another one... |
Well see? there you go! Sheepish smiles and impassive silence might not work for the next one. Way to go! whatever works for ya!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8813
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
Member Is Offline
Mood: Full Time Residents
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Friday morning the seatbelt police were out at Otay....
10 policemen checking traffic both ways for seatbelt violations....
giving tickets to mostly mexicans....no slack given
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BCSTech
Senior Nomad
Posts: 584
Registered: 4-16-2006
Location: Todos Santos, BCS / Placerville, CA.
Member Is Offline
Mood: Carpe Manana
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Seems I remember someone posted the name and telephone number of a Mexican government office to report police corruption. It was suggested that the
name of the office and this number be written below a copy of your driver's license so the cop could see it.
Couldn't find that with a search here. Anyone have it?
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rrt
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 10-25-2011
Member Is Offline
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Hi folks--my first post. Very helpful forum!
I'm going to be traveling to Baja for the first time soon and would like to resurrect this older thread to ask if the cops still frequently stop
people and try to shake them down, particularly on the way from the airport to San Jose in a rental car and elsewhere on Mex 1 between Cabo and La
Paz.
Someone suggested carrying a photocopy of your driver's license and showing it to the cop instead of your actual license if you get stopped. Will they
accept a photocopy rather than the original?
Also, it occurred to me that I could bring along a portable GPS unit, which records trip data, including maximum speed. If I'm stopped, I could show
it to the cop to prove that I hadn't gone over the limit (assuming I hadn't). Has anyone tried this or have opinions on whether it would be
successful?
Thanks.
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BajaBlanca
Select Nomad
Posts: 13212
Registered: 10-28-2008
Location: La Bocana, BCS
Member Is Offline
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welcome rrt !!!
good idea to show the GPS, esp since then you can say "let's go to the station" and assuming you are in the right, get out of the ticket ...
if you are in the wrong - best to pay the ticket. Andif I understand correctly, one must go to the station at the time of the ticket to pay it. And
they keep your license til you do .... ouch !!!
I am going to try to pull up the old thread on police and phone nubers etc.
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rrt
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 10-25-2011
Member Is Offline
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Thanks, BajaBlanca. The only question in my mind is whether even the police station will accept the GPS reading, or if they'll just ignore it like the
cop did (if I have to go to the station).
I don't expect to be speeding, but it apparently doesn't depend on that. I'm wondering if they're still running this racket to the same extent as
before. Also whether it's possible to get away with just showing a copy of the driver's license to avoid having the cop take the original.
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slimshady
Nomad
Posts: 291
Registered: 9-3-2008
Member Is Offline
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Watch youself on that stretch of highway. They are really hungry for mordita this time of year. Also at the SJD airport the feds are in full effect.
Make sure your registration is current and don't let your mexican looking friends pick you up in your US plated car unless they are US citizens and
have US licenses as my friend was.
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rrt
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 10-25-2011
Member Is Offline
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Actually, I was going to rent a car but am wondering if I'd be better off hiring a driver (to Todos) for my first time rather than dealing with this
whole thing, which I'm not looking forward to.
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bajaguy
Elite Nomad
Posts: 9247
Registered: 9-16-2003
Location: Carson City, NV/Ensenada - Baja Country Club
Member Is Offline
Mood: must be 5 O'clock somewhere in Baja
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Sindicatura
Phone number is 072, but don't know if that is for all of Baja or just the Tijuana area/
Traffic ticket info:
http://www.bajabound.com/before/driving/authorities.asp
http://www.las-gaviotas.com/Baja-Traffic-Tickets.htm
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rrt
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 10-25-2011
Member Is Offline
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Thanks, but those links appear to be for Baja Norte, and I'm going to be in Sur. Also, I don't have a cell phone, so I couldn't call 072 at the time
anyway.
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Alan
Super Nomad
Posts: 1628
Registered: 4-6-2005
Location: Yucaipa, CA/La Paz
Member Is Offline
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A good article in the "Baja Citizen" about this subject this week. It seems that at least here La Paz there is an attempt to do something about this.
EMPRHOTUR has developed an official complaint form to address these issues. It is titled "The Official Claims, Complaints & Suggestion Form" and
is available in English and Spanish. The article says the form is available at the EMPRHOTUR office, tourist information centers and participating
car rental agencies.
They ask that the form be filled out as completely as possible, especially personal details of the officer in question and a detailed description of
the event then emailed to Rosa Romero at emprhoturlapaz@prodigy.net.mx
Who knows if this will work but at least it can't hurt. There are many policia throughout Baja and I really don't think one method is effective for
all. Just give it your best shot. Some fines MAY be larger back at the station depending on the precinct because El Hefe may be in on it and now you
will have to pay both  In the very few times I have been stopped in the 40+ years
of driving the peninsula I admit to paying mordita twice but only after haggling him down to 200 pesos and only because I was in a rush Everytime I
have demanded to go to the station and have only paid the bite when he kept haggling and delaying me further. I have never gone to "the station". I
have been told that in La Paz they can't take your drivers license and I should demand a ticket, no personal experience yet. Years ago in the border
towns like Ensenada it was common for them to take your license plate (usually parking violation) then sell it back to you because they knew most
would ignore a ticket and just drive back NOB.
In Memory of E-57
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rrt
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 10-25-2011
Member Is Offline
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Thanks for the info. It's not really the price of the ticket I'm worried about--I'm only going to be there a week or so--just that I'd like to avoid
the whole experience if possible, especially because I don't speak Spanish. I've read that they're cracking down on it, and I'm glad to hear it.
Incidentally, do cops wear namebadges there or something to identify them with, other than their signature on a ticket?
[Edited on 10-26-2011 by rrt]
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dtbushpilot
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3291
Registered: 1-11-2007
Location: Buena Vista BCS
Member Is Offline
Mood: Tranquilo
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Stop worrying rrt, you'll just ruin your vacation. Don't do anything stupid and try not to look like a potential victim and you will be fine. Even if
you do get pulled over it will still be fine, just go and have fun.
I live in BCS most of the time, I drive over the speed limit everywhere I go sometimes WAY over the limit. If I was doing what they said I negotiate
the best deal that I can and ask the officer if he will pay my fine for me as I am in a hurry to get to an important meeting. If I wasn't doing what
they say I will say that I wasn't, let them know that I am a local and know the drill and demand that they take me to the station to pay my fine. I've
never gone to the station.
I've been pulled over a couple of times for turning the wrong way on a one way street in La Paz and was let off with a warning both times. I'm always
polite, especially if I was in the wrong, it's never been a big deal regardless
"Life is tough".....It's even tougher if you're stupid.....
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David K
Honored Nomad
Posts: 65107
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline
Mood: Have Baja Fever
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The true speeding fine is way way less than the mordida the cops know you will give! At least that is what is reported... How about it, anyone
actually go to the station/ judge and pay?
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rrt
Newbie
Posts: 7
Registered: 10-25-2011
Member Is Offline
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Thanks, dt, but what else would I worry about? There are no drug gangs, the weather's great, cost of living is low. But I'll get over it.
David, I have to wonder if there is an actual fine--it seems to be very flexible, even at the station, depending on how much you have with you. I hope
not to find out.
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Jack Swords
Super Nomad
Posts: 1095
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: Nipomo, CA/La Paz, BCS
Member Is Offline
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Our new 4Runner goes incredibly fast, so did our older one. Twice entering and leaving Cd. Constitucion we were followed by Federal Highway police at
90+ mph only to be passed. Found that two way street in La Paz that turns into a one way going the wrong way only to have a local police van pull up
and have me turn around. Tecate police have done the same. Been stopped for many reasons, but never written up. Did pay $20 mordida in Tijuana for
no turn signal (bogus) as we entered the line to the border crossing after a 12 hour drive. One doesn't go to Baja to fear the local police and
shouldn't let it be a concern. If a stop is legit, so be it. If not, deal with it as one must deal with other issues. Keep a good attitude, enjoy
yourself, and watch for those cattle on the road.
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CaboMagic
Super Nomad
Posts: 1113
Registered: 4-30-2005
Member Is Offline
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Welcome to Baja Nomads rrt .. am starting a new thread to reply to your inquiries. "For new nomad rrt"
Most all responses here, there and everywhere are provided with best intentions!
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CaboMagic
Super Nomad
Posts: 1113
Registered: 4-30-2005
Member Is Offline
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For new nomad rrt
My posts intention is to provide info 4u to assist in making decisions .. most important of all have a wonderful trip & visit!
You asked : " Actually, I was going to rent a car but am wondering if I'd be better off hiring a driver (to Todos) for my first time rather than
dealing with this whole thing, which I'm not looking forward to. " to which I emphatically say YES hire a driver. Respectully done so of course -
allow yourself to become aquainted with the oddities/differences of the regions driving, road signs, stop signs which many times appear to be a
suggestion, allow yourself to relax and see what there is to see, w/out having to watch for things like cows, stopped vehicles (brakelights dont
always work!) and since there will be many many 'things' pleading for your eyes attention ya might as well .. then, if you decide you want to further
explore w/out time (or associated $ cost of hiring a driver) constraints you can do so quite easily. Car rental companies are in most lobbies,
concierges can arrange for you etc etc.
Hope this helps and hope there are forthcoming insights from others whose expereinces can provide further assistance!
Magic best wishes ~ Lori
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MitchMan
Super Nomad
Posts: 1856
Registered: 3-9-2009
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For the past 12 months in La Paz, I have noticed a growing presence of federal police stoppin cars on the main highway under the bridge that goes to
the airport. Also, I have noticed more people being stopped by local police. Actually, the local police have made it a policy to stop everybody they
can on major roads in town (Colossio, 16 de Septiembre, 5 de Febrero, and the malecon) several times a month. It seems to be getting worse. Since I
started NOT looking them in the eye as I pass them by has worked extremely well and paying great attention to fully stopping at all stop signs and
going the speed limit in town, my stoppage rate has gone way down.
I still feel a bit insecure as I travel those abovementioned streets and that irritates me. One great big problem is that the posted speed limits in
La Paz are way to low to be practical traveling speeds. That means that there is still plenty of "room" for the police to be even more of a nuisance
than they are now.
I find that when I am stopped (if I am guilty) I try to engage them in respectful but lengthy conversation, then negotiate down the mordida. Last
stop only cost me $ 50 pesos on a very questionable stop. If I am not guilty, I keep talking while respecfully maintaining my innocence and so far I
have been let go. If he/she won't let me go, then I will insist on going to the staion. Only problem is, I don't know what happens if the station is
closed when I am stopped. Anyway, I consider this progress.
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