Crime, Safety, and the Police

**Jinxx** · 01-31-21 20:30

I got pulled over by a motorcycle cop in the 5 y10 la mesa area. I screwed up by not offering a bribe. The cop actually wrote me out a ticket, took my DL license and had me follow him to the "delegacion" in the camino verde area. I was a fool for letting things progress that far and not cutting things short with a quick little 200 peso bribe. I was halfway waiting for the cop to basically come right out and ask for the bribe, and I was halfway curious to find out what happens if you actually get issued an actual citation. So once we were at the delegacion the cop told me he would change the ticket to driving while texting (which he said was much cheaper than a seatbelt infraction) if I agreed to give him 200 pesos. I said ok, but when I went to the window to pay the lady tried to charge me 1800 pesos. So I argued (politely) with the cop that he told me the wrong info. So then my only choice was to go see the "judge" that they have onsite and ask for a discount. He took me into another office and the judge lowered my fine to 1300 pesos which I went back to the window to pay with a debit card. The way the cop explained it was I had to pay or he'd have to impound my car. So basically I had to pay a 1300 fine and the cop ended up with nothing no extra cash for himself.

Lessons learned: You do have to wear a seatbelt in Mexico. Yea I know that should be common sense but I assumed they didn't care since I drive past cops all the time while not buckled up. I will be wearing a seatbelt from now on.

Lesson 2: Even though I hate corruption and bribing cops, it's almost always better(easier) to just bribe the cop and go on about your business. Of course that's only if you're actually doing something wrong. If you know you did nothing wrong then stand your ground and don't give up anything at all. But honestly out of all the encounters I've had with Tijuana police I can't say they've ever actually truly screwed me over.

**Jackie888** · 12-14-20 21:00

Originally Posted by CaptainSolo [View Original Post]

Took the car from HK's valet parking, drove home from Tijuana about 7 PM Sunday night. It was dark, not too many cars on the streets. There were no policia patrol in cars or motos anywhere in La Zona Norte or on Benito Juarez, Pueblo Amigo and Padre Kino on the way to SENTRI lanes. The total trip to cross border took less than 15 minutes.

I don't like to take taxi to the border, walking on dark streets, exposing myself to nasty policia foot patrol and potential rateros, waiting in long lines to CBP's building. So I will continue to drive carefully and deal with policia if stopped. Will show them the legal demand to take down their names and badges number, politely tell them I am an abogado with business cards from attorney friends from Tijuana's Internal Affairs. Most times they would let me go. A few even volunteered to escort me to the border.

I think the alleged 8,000-peso fines are fake news. If faced with those fines I will appeal to the mayor and Internal Affairs. The bros should not be afraid and surrender to these low-life policias.

I think the fines amount look disproportional. Even if true, I think that new laws take effect after the new year.

**Captain Solo** · 12-14-20 17:59

Took the car from HK's valet parking, drove home from Tijuana about 7 PM Sunday night. It was dark, not too many cars on the streets. There were no policia patrol in cars or motos anywhere in La Zona Norte or on Benito Juarez, Pueblo Amigo and Padre Kino on the way to SENTRI lanes. The total trip to cross border took less than 15 minutes.

I don't like to take taxi to the border, walking on dark streets, exposing myself to nasty policia foot patrol and potential rateros, waiting in long lines to CBP's building. So I will continue to drive carefully and deal with policia if stopped. Will show them the legal demand to take down their names and badges number, politely tell them I am an abogado with business cards from attorney friends from Tijuana's Internal Affairs. Most times they would let me go. A few even volunteered to escort me to the border.

I think the alleged 8,000-peso fines are fake news. If faced with those fines I will appeal to the mayor and Internal Affairs. The bros should not be afraid and surrender to these low-life policias.

**Captain Solo** · 12-14-20 08:09

Print out this legal demand to record policia's name and badge number.

Also mention your abogado friends in Sindicatura and Internal Affairs. That would stop the shake down:

http://www.blueroadrunner.com/trafficmulta.htm

**Captain Solo** · 12-13-20 19:50

MEXBOUND is the site for expats in Baja. I assume they have current information. The $800-900 traffic fines are way out of line with cost of living in BC and likely fake news:

https://www.mexbound.com/mexico-traffic-tickets/

Traffic Tickets in Mexico If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation, you should always politely insist on a written citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by mail. Traffic fines must be paid at the police station. Tickets issued in Tijuana can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:

H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana.

416 West San Ysidro Blvd. Suite L No. 725.

San Ysidro, CA 92143.

Tickets issued In Rosarito can be paid in the USA with a check or money order made out to:

H. Ayuntamiento de Rosarito.

P. O. Box 439060.

San Diego, CA 92143-9060.

Tickets issued in Ensenada can be paid by sending a check or money order made out to:

Municipio de Ensenada.

PMB 147 P. O. Box 189003.

Coronado, CA, 92178-9003.

Traffic Fines vary by city: (fines are in Mexican Pesos).

For running a red light. From $ 226.00 up to $ 678.60 (around $20 to 62 US Dollars).

For not having or not using seat belts. From $ 452.40 up to $ 678.60 (around $41 to 62 US Dollars).

For using cellular phone while driving. From $ 452.40 up to $ 1,000.00 (around $41 to 91 US Dollars).

For driving without a valid driverâ's license or car registration. $ 452.40 (around $41 US Dollars).

For drinking alcoholic beverages on the streets, sidewalks or public property. From $ 452.40 up to 904.88 (around $42 to 82 US Dollars).

For exceeding the speed limit. From $ 316.00 up to 1,357.00 (around $29 to 123 US Dollars).

For driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) In addition to the fine, you may also be detained. From $ 904.88 up to $1,923.00 (around $82 to 175 US Dollars).

Procedures After a Traffic Violation.

Dial the state wide Emergency Response Hotline 066 (equivalent to 911 in the USA) from any private or public telephone, to notify the authorities.

Do not move the vehicles that are involved in the accident and wait for the police accident investigator to arrive at the scene.

You should call your vehicle insurance company representative.

Once the police accident investigator has determined who's at fault, you will be asked to go to the nearest police station, to discuss with other party involved possible mutual settlement agreement concerning payment for repairs, thus avoiding the State the's office.

At the police station, if necessary, you have the right to ask for an attorney.

If someone is injured in the accident, no matter how slightly, the person alleged to have been at fault must go before the State the's Office.

**Phordphan** · 12-12-20 08:21

Originally Posted by Jackie888 [View Original Post]

I notice that everyone drives slower than shit in Tijuana. I would park my car out of the Zona Norte and walk in. Hell, I'm using uber from now on.

You must be driving in the wrong spots!! I think most Tijuana drivers are playing the old Death Race 2000 video game. I swear a ton of them have a serious death wish. Even cabbies have commented on that.

**Dogers69** · 12-12-20 04:19

I've read that border patrol had set up a license plate reader of cars going into Mexico that made a noise for every reported stolen car. They said it was going off all day long. But they had no jurisdiction on stolen cars. That's why you see cars worth 4 grand in san Diego with the club wheel lock. I pretty much always expect my rental cars to be stolen or broken into in san Diego at any moment from bad experiences here. Some of my stuff in the trunk is actually chained down with long bike lock so next time they pop my trunk it will take them more then 5 seconds to take my crap.

**ClamSlammer** · 12-12-20 00:30

I used to drive from centro to Siglo XXI daily, via Blvd Agua Caliente, passing the stadium, Galerias Hipodromo, La Cueva, 5 y 10, Carrusel and so on. It is a major, 6 lane thoroughfare. There were so many dumbass clueless drivers on the road. I mean, literally, they would drive at 15-20 mph. I'd blow past them at 40 mph like they're not even moving. I'd glance over to see who the fuck could be that stupid, expecting to see a gray-haired septuagenarian but instead most of the time I'd see some dumbfuck in their 20's.

Anyhow, I wouldn't doubt if the whole article about the new traffic fine system is all bullshit. I mean, how did they come up with those odd fine amounts? $2606? $1738? $7819? And if you get busted speeding 1 km over the limit the fine is $8688 while the fine is only $5213 for putting lives at risk by driving drunk? What kind of idiocy is that? And how do they measure your speed? With their non-existent radar guns? And those "iPad" like devices that don't resemble iPads the slightest, they only bought 100 of them? Tijuana currently employs about 2500 officers so they'd need a hell of a lot more than 100 "iPads." No way will the new system reduce cops soliciting bribes. It will only increase it. Cops can now show the motorist an official fine amount that is exorbitant, then use that as leverage to solicit a lesser cash bribe. This has all got to be some type of joke.

**Jackie888** · 12-11-20 20:46

I notice that everyone drives slower than shit in Tijuana. I would park my car out of the Zona Norte and walk in. Hell, I'm using uber from now on.

**Captain Solo** · 12-11-20 19:54

To avoid Mexico's tax and registration fees, and may be drive stolen cars, lots of Mexicans drive cars with expired licenses. I have seen cars towed due to invalid licenses. Last time Policia stopped me, they only wanted to see the car's registration, not driver's license.

This new device is supposed linked to US car registration data base to check illegal cars, but why even need it? If drivers cannot produce current registrations they are authorized to tow and impound cars until the matter is sorted out, but fines on the spot is more lucrative, as drivers can abandon clunkers and not pay to reclaim them. They just have to go across the border and steal more cars with current registrations.

The 8,000-peso fines for speeding and cutting in lines may be aimed at smoothing out traffic returning across the border, which can be rough and sometimes cause road rages.

Policia cannot target all millions cars in Tijuana. I think being careful and blending in with traffic will be OK. The pervs in this site should never dream of driving like Formula1 racers and Tijuana.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/...riving-388-sp/

Tijuana cops will carry an electronic device now, kinda like an iPad linked to the USA Information archives for vehicles," explained Pedro Vargas from Tijuana. "You will be able to pay on the spot with a credit or debit card and get a discount. But I don't know how much less. They will crack down on the United States-plated cars (chocolates) driven by Mexican nationals and confiscate the vehicles if not legally imported to the country. ".

Since September 7, a reported 23 million peso (about $1.02 million) technological upgrade implemented into the Tijuana police force's traffic enforcement division went live.

"The city of Tijuana approved the acquisition of 100 electronic devices," El Imparcial reported on September 26, "and modified the fines paid by the (violators)."

**Captain Solo** · 12-11-20 18:12

Damn. These new extremely high fines will eliminate any incentives to drive over to Tijuana, knowing how corrupt policias and Mexican courts are.

Polcias have no equipment or hard evidences but can accuse anyone, exact their fines on the spot and dumb, greedy judges would just side with them.

Will stop driving over and monitor how these new traffic fines are enforced.

https://www.sandiegoreader.com/news/...riving-388-sp/

Tijuana cops will carry an electronic device now, kinda like an iPad linked to the USA Information archives for vehicles," explained Pedro Vargas from Tijuana. "You will be able to pay on the spot with a credit or debit card and get a discount. But I don't know how much less. They will crack down on the United States-plated cars (chocolates) driven by Mexican nationals and confiscate the vehicles if not legally imported to the country. ".

Since September 7, a reported 23 million peso (about $1. 02 million) technological upgrade implemented into the Tijuana police force's traffic enforcement division went live.

"The city of Tijuana approved the acquisition of 100 electronic devices," El Imparcial reported on September 26, "and modified the fines paid by the (violators)."

Tijuana Noticias then posted photos of the devices on their recently published "The new electronic infractions tabulator for Tijuana" article.

Tijuana dwellers lamented online about the 8,688 pesos ($388) speeding violation and the 7819 pesos ($349 US) fine for parking in a handicapped spot. Randy from Imperial Beach thought otherwise and said, "Artículo 107 is still a bargain compared to this side of this border" — referring to the driving while intoxicated infraction, which carries a 5,213-peso ($232) multa (fine).

"We all have to be vigilant and stick to the law," Vargas continued.

List of new fines.

Vargas is the founder of the upcoming February 10-11,2021 (San Pedro Mártir Hill Climb (3) in Ensenada, the "longest uphill climb race in the world. " Many of Vargas's racers trek in from all parts of the USA And travel through San Diego and Tijuana. Vargas can relate to the safety infractions' fines, including a seatbelt and non-functional light / lamp violations that'll cost 2606 pesos ($116) per citation. "Yep, no more paper pads for citations. The idea is to make it easier to pay your ticket and curb the mordida (bribe). ".

The El Imparcial news report stated that Luis Antonio Quezada Salas, the councilor of Tijuana's city hall, said, "one of the objectives of this measure is to charge Americans who violate the regulations within the city immediately."

And for us drivers who opt out of paying the fine, we reportedly still have the option to plea in front of the judge.

"It is one thing when infringed on, and that is fine, but for them to set USA Resident prices on us (locals), it is not worth it," opined L. Piña. "The constitution says that no worker (of Mexican nationality) should pay more than one day of his salary for a fine, and the judge is obliged to lower the fine if it is proven that you are employed."

"Regarding the 8,688 peso /$388 speeding ticket, that's about a month's worth salary for a minimum wager here," Vargas added. "The Tijuana mayor is adamant about cleaning up the house."

San Diegans driving and simultaneously texting or posting photos of their recent visit can be hit with a 3910-peso ($175) fine. Motorists cutting someone off in line before crossing back into San Diego can receive a 2606-peso ($116) fine.

**Captain Solo** · 12-11-20 17:18

I usually turn from Caliente casino into SENTRI lane right at the intersection of Padre Kino and Calle 4. There are no sign forbidding a left turn into SENTRI lane at that intersection. So where do policia wait at?

Occasionally at heavy traffic time, Transito would have a guy to block traffic into SENTRI with a yellow tape. I got stuck in the middle of the intersection and wanted Transito guy to lift the tape. He god mad and called in his partners who threatened me with a 8,000-peso fine. He was bluffing, dressing me down then made me apologize to him and his partner and let me go.

I need to find a safer route from La Zona to Padre Kino, may be Via Rapida then cross the river near Plaza Rio to that rotary and join the line to SENTRI. There should be fewer patrol cars lurking North of Chicago. What do you think?

**Travv** · 12-10-20 22:25

Lots of flashing red "cherries" aka Tijuana cop car lights - 2 to 3 Tijuana traffic cop units there now ticketing for illegal you-turns to avoid the glorieta and get into the Sentri lane quick. $1800 plus peso fine. Watch out. They are hunting tourist wallets hard today. No dollars, you have to pay in pesos.

**Jinxx** · 12-07-20 07:52

Originally Posted by BrotherMouzone [View Original Post]

Last time I was in Tijuana (mid-September) I took a mototaxi from Hong Kong back to the border (Hong Kong doorman outside directed me to one. May have been a club-owned mototaxi as that was the first time I'd ever even seen one but not sure). "Mototaxis" as I understand them aren't traditional "motorcycles" - they're three-wheeled vehicles with a seat in the front for the driver and a bench in the back for a couple of passengers. Got me (and my luggage) to the border just fine. Super cool experience.

I know what you're talking about that little Hong Kong buggy. I see them all them time scooting around downtown area. I love that thing, I want catch a ride in it one of these days. I might ask them to give me a ride just around the zona through the alley while I pick me out a door girl to bang. Just to say I did it. LOL.

The mototaxis in Venezuela are just plain regular two wheel motorcycles. You just flag one down, tell him your destination, he tells you how much, he hands you a little helmet to put on, you hop on the little back seat. And bam you zoom off to where you're going. And in Caracas a lot of the car "taxis" weren't even licensed. Plenty of times in Venezuela my taxi was just some regular dude in his regular car charging people to drive them around. Like an uber driver but without the Uber app. It was impossible for them to have a taxi meter because their inflation is so bad no meter could accurately keep up with the prices. Venezuela is like a bizarro world, that just happens to full of gorgeous Latinas.

Originally Posted by SpeedToys [View Original Post]

Moto taxis in Thailand are an adrenaline rush.

If you survive. .

Exactly! LOL!

**BrotherMouzone** · 12-07-20 06:46

Originally Posted by Jinxx [View Original Post]

What would be super nice is if we had mototaxis. In Caracas Venezuela there are mototaxis everywhere. It's just a guy on a motorcycle who will taxi you where you need to go. It's dirt dirt cheap and the fastest way to get somewhere. Maybe not the safest or most secure mode of transport, but definitely cheap and convenient.

Last time I was in Tijuana (mid-September) I took a mototaxi from Hong Kong back to the border (Hong Kong doorman outside directed me to one. May have been a club-owned mototaxi as that was the first time I'd ever even seen one but not sure). "Mototaxis" as I understand them aren't traditional "motorcycles" - they're three-wheeled vehicles with a seat in the front for the driver and a bench in the back for a couple of passengers. Got me (and my luggage) to the border just fine. Super cool experience.