pulsar
Lewisville, NC
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Chris (qtla9111)
I assume you have Mexican tags on your vehicles. Compare to US tags, what effect to you think that has on your chances of being in a improperly pulled over?
Thanks,
Tom
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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pulsar wrote:Chris (qtla9111)
I assume you have Mexican tags on your vehicles. Compare to US tags, what effect to you think that has on your chances of being in a improperly pulled over?
Thanks,
Tom
No doubt having Mexican plates is a plus. I have been pulled over twice in the last couple of years for speeding in a school zone. I was ticketed both times. And guilty 
Having U.S. plates is a big disadvantage. 1) they are constantly checking for legal importation stickers and papers 2) cars with plates from the U.S. that were supposedly imported under the 10 year law that have import papers but have not registered for Mexican plates are used in criminal activity.
However, if one is in an rv there should be absolutely no reason to stop someone except for a moving violation or accident. At that time the person should ask to be taken to the station to pay the fine. Then, the official should be making the decision of whether it is worth it to take the time to maneuver a large vehicle through town, upset a tourist and probably p--- off his boss by doing it or to educate the driver and let them go with a warning.
That is why I personally believe the driver should stand their position. We all know it is illegal for the officer to accept money and so does he. We also know now that in many places in Baja and Sonora (correct me if I am wrong) the tourist can accept the ticket and pay via U.S. mail or internet.
Change comes slowly, but it takes the participation of those individuals to have the change come about. If we know that their are routes that rvers take on a regular basis and a trap is being set by crooked transit officials asking for bribes it requires positive action on the rvers part.
Know your rights, know the law and be able to point it out. There is still time for people to order their driver's book for states that they will be traveling in. Unfortunately, without the education it is difficult to defend oneself.
If I am wrong, please correct me. In the long run it will only make things better. It is obvious that they know rvers are an easy target and have money to pay and cash on hand.
On the other hand, there are some who feel "when in Rome" and the convenience of throwing money at a problem.
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The Texan
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Tom, I also am one who had a Mexican DL and Mexican plates at one time and now have American DL and tags. What Chris said is spot on and enough emphasis can not be placed on the statement of, DO NOT pay a bribe alongside the road. Stand your ground, speak in English and chances are you will be on your way in just a few minutes. On the other hand, if you are wrong and did commit a traffic infraction, then you may or may not be going to the station, but again, DO NOT pay the officer a bribe alongside the road.
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Jonna
Mérida, Yucatan & Akumal, QRoo
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I want to chime in here too. I also live in México and I truly resent those RVers who cave in to crooked cops and pay them. It makes it harder for everyone else and it makes it more likely that I will have to deal with them sometime. I am NOT going to pay them and if you and others have done so then I will have to argue much longer and put up with a lot more BS to avoid it. Please, don't contribute to the problem. Stand your ground, it is illegal and you can tell them that. They know it and if they know you know it too, you will be on your way quickly. The easiest solution is just to refuse to understand what they are asking, only understand what you want to hear. It's simple and it works. Say gracias when they tell you to go on and no entiendo to anything else.
Jonna
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Our rule: You gotta spend the night with the RV to get the sticker.
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TiogaRV
Far West United States & Mexico
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Hi Chris & Jonna,
Here is my little story. On August 3rd of this year I was involved in a minor traffic accident in the City of Putla, state of Oaxaca. A transito guy wanted money to avoid having my RV impounded until the court opened the next day (this incident happened on a Sunday}.
This transito guy flashed handcuffs, in order to intimidate me. And showing me those handcuffs was intimidating. No doubt about it. I paid him $10US and he went away.
However, I was faced with the choice of losing my RV to the impound for a day and being handcuffed OR paying $10US. I would do the same thing again, if confronted with the same situation.
I admire you both for standing tall for your ideals. For me, I choose my battles. And the morality of traffic officers in Mexico is not something that I give a hoot about.
George
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bacollins
Lawrenceburg, IN
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Prior to our last trip to Baja this past April, we bought "Spanish for Gringos" from Amazon, consists of a book and 4 CDs. It was about $20, easy to follow and learn from. We did not become fluent by any means, but it was fun and we found that even if you can only utter a few words and phrases, the Mexican people appreciate that you are making an effort and warm up to you quickly.
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qtla9111
Monterrey, Mexico
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TiogaRV wrote:Hi Chris & Jonna,
Here is my little story. On August 3rd of this year I was involved in a minor traffic accident in the City of Putla, state of Oaxaca. A transito guy wanted money to avoid having my RV impounded until the court opened the next day (this incident happened on a Sunday}.
This transito guy flashed handcuffs, in order to intimidate me. And showing me those handcuffs was intimidating. No doubt about it. I paid him $10US and he went away.
However, I was faced with the choice of losing my RV to the impound for a day and being handcuffed OR paying $10US. I would do the same thing again, if confronted with the same situation.
I admire you both for standing tall for your ideals. For me, I choose my battles. And the morality of traffic officers in Mexico is not something that I give a hoot about.
George
You choose to be bold in your reply so my comments shouldn't matter much. However, you don't have to live here, you can putz your way back to some other country anytime things may not be on your side. People who live here aren't the occasional traveler and that's why we don't need anymore help from rvers and tourists who think that "when in Rome do as the Romans do".
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