BajaNomad
Not logged in [Login - Register]

Go To Bottom
Printable Version  
Author: Subject: Driving across border in UTV
aburruss
Nomad
**




Posts: 218
Registered: 2-6-2018
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 1-15-2022 at 02:07 PM
Driving across border in UTV


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!!
View user's profile
JZ
Select Nomad
*******


Avatar


Posts: 10562
Registered: 10-3-2003
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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]




See Baja California in 4K: https://youtu.be/4VNTIhRa6q0

Ever wanted to camp on a deserted island in the Sea of Cortez? https://youtu.be/g3ThXCm3XSA

Come along for a ride of the famous Seven Sisters https://youtu.be/hrdzmTWPUQs



View user's profile
PaulW
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 3075
Registered: 5-21-2013
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.
View user's profile
Lee
Ultra Nomad
*****




Posts: 3508
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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?




US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.

What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
View user's profile
David K
Honored Nomad
*********


Avatar


Posts: 64854
Registered: 8-30-2002
Location: San Diego County
Member Is Offline

Mood: Have Baja Fever

[*] posted on 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!?!



"So Much Baja, So Little Time..."

See the NEW www.VivaBaja.com for maps, travel articles, links, trip photos, and more!
Baja Missions and History On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/bajamissions/
Camping, off-roading, Viva Baja discussion: https://www.facebook.com/groups/vivabaja


View user's profile Visit user's homepage
ehall
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1906
Registered: 3-29-2014
Location: Buckeye, Az
Member Is Offline

Mood: It's 5 o'clock somewhere

[*] posted on 1-15-2022 at 04:24 PM


We do it on bikes at Tecate all the time. Just Az offroad plate.
View user's profile
aburruss
Nomad
**




Posts: 218
Registered: 2-6-2018
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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]
View user's profile
JZ
Select Nomad
*******


Avatar


Posts: 10562
Registered: 10-3-2003
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 2-1-2022 at 06:50 PM


Wow! Fantastic!





See Baja California in 4K: https://youtu.be/4VNTIhRa6q0

Ever wanted to camp on a deserted island in the Sea of Cortez? https://youtu.be/g3ThXCm3XSA

Come along for a ride of the famous Seven Sisters https://youtu.be/hrdzmTWPUQs



View user's profile
RFClark
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 2462
Registered: 8-27-2015
Member Is Offline

Mood: Delighted with 2024 and looking forward to 2025

[*] posted on 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!
View user's profile
TecateRay
Nomad
**




Posts: 346
Registered: 9-6-2006
Location: La Mesa, CA
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.
View user's profile
caj13
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 1002
Registered: 8-1-2017
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 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.
View user's profile
bajatrailrider
Super Nomad
****




Posts: 2432
Registered: 1-24-2015
Location: Mexico
Member Is Offline

Mood: Happy

[*] posted on 2-5-2022 at 05:21 PM


Us side tecate all border agents driving un plated ATvs on road no plates.
View user's profile

  Go To Top

 






All Content Copyright 1997- Q87 International; All Rights Reserved.
Powered by XMB; XMB Forum Software © 2001-2014 The XMB Group






"If it were lush and rich, one could understand the pull, but it is fierce and hostile and sullen. The stone mountains pile up to the sky and there is little fresh water. But we know we must go back if we live, and we don't know why." - Steinbeck, Log from the Sea of Cortez

 

"People don't care how much you know, until they know how much you care." - Theodore Roosevelt

 

"You can easily judge the character of others by how they treat those who they think can do nothing for them or to them." - Malcolm Forbes

 

"Let others lead small lives, but not you. Let others argue over small things, but not you. Let others cry over small hurts, but not you. Let others leave their future in someone else's hands, but not you." - Jim Rohn

 

"The best way to get the right answer on the internet is not to ask a question; it's to post the wrong answer." - Cunningham's Law







Thank you to Baja Bound Mexico Insurance Services for your long-term support of the BajaNomad.com Forums site.







Emergency Baja Contacts Include:

Desert Hawks; El Rosario-based ambulance transport; Emergency #: (616) 103-0262