If you can, try to use a thick accent of some sort! Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday . Youre most likely to experience police corruption in Tijuanas touristy areas. Reacting During a Traffic Stop. Our receipt was invalid, and the police tried to scam us again for the same violation. I caught the pickpocket and she insisted on going to the police. Some approaches work better than others for certain people, so you need to judge based on your personality what will work best for you. If you are stopped by the police while driving, you may feel confused, anxious or even angry. Youll want to avoid this if possible. . I have had two personal experiences with traffic stops in Mexico in the last six years. Youre more likely to get stopped by a corrupt officer in these places because there are so many police around. The officer claimed he stopped me because I was on my phone. This limits your loss if you end up being forced to pay a bribe. They will turn on the lights and possibly the siren on their cop car and pull you over, just like any other traffic stop. Buy an RV, sell your RV, or both? By continuing to use our site, you consent to accepting cookies. If they do manage to get your belongings back, they may ask for a bribe before they hand over your items. Caldern sends in the army. But there are two other scenarios that you might find yourself in. Nonetheless, I got pulled over. A corrupt officer is less likely to stop and hassle a group of people than an individual. This is done to intimidate you. There are other benefits to not driving. We want to highlight 3 approaches that work very well in handling the police. I was not having it. Whether you are a native Spanish speaker, or you've been practicing for the whole last year, or you only learned the word taco last month, dont even try to speak a word of Spanish. I have a friend who fell victim to this while bar-hopping in Tijuana. That couldnt be right. There are also a couple of scams that Tijuana police officers can be involved in. Criminals have also been known to get their hands on real police badges, jackets, and hats and pose as police officers. How Much do Traffic Tickets Cost in Tijuana? She took the offer and I got my phone back. The rules of the road are a bit different in Tijuana than they are back home. Dont give them a reason to want to, because you will not win. Being stopped by police is a stressful experience that can go bad quickly. In rare cases, an officer could demand you to get more money from an ATM. Avoid pulling your phone out to look for directions while youre walking around on the street. Its important to note that Tijuana, Rosarito, and Ensenada each have their own mailing address in the U.S. Youll want to make sure you mail your check to the correct address. I knew a law requiring dogs to be caged in cars did not exist. Tijuana is often rated as the most dangerous city in the world (that is not in a war zone). Very slowly. At this point, they may let you go if youre lucky. An officer could also stop you for a crime that you did commit, like a traffic violation. A corrupt cop could target you as a result. Generally speaking, the local police officers are focused on enforcing local laws, scanning license plate tags to make sure cars are not flagged, and stopping petty crime and drunk driving. This leaves plenty of opportunity for police corruption. The areas around the border crossings are also heavily policed because they are frequented by tourists who are entering and leaving Mexico. I didnt know that they accepted dollars in Mexico City as official currency! Alternatively, try handing them a copy of your passport. If you end up having to pay a bribe, youll get away for $50-$100 (500-1000 pesos) in most cases. Another bizarre Mexican law that could technically (but probably not really) see you arrested is the one about removing your feet from your bike pedals.Yes, you read that right. The problem with making a call during a police stop or threatening to file a complaint after is that it will anger the officer. In this section, Ill outline three ways to respond when getting stopped by a corrupt police officer in Tijuana. The main tourist street in Zona Norte is Calle Coahuila. Whether you choose to thicken your accent or not, just stick to your guns. Of course, going to the police station is better than giving money to a corrupt police officer. This is good advice for dealing with police in any country, including the U.S. If you are asked by a police officer if they can search you or your belongings, you have the right to say no, under the Fourth Amendment . These officers are stationed in these areas to deter violent crime and to keep tourists safe. That one was costly and involved aks pointed at me for an hour. It depends on how corrupt the officer is and what crime youre being accused of. Zero desire to go back. It can also help to avoid making eye contact with the police. He does not want to explain to his commanding officer that he was trying to shake down a tourist. Ideally, youll want to speak to someone in the office of the Sindicatura Del Gobierno Municipal. Each of these tourist zones has a main street with a large police presence. Turn off the car. After the sale, the dealer tells their corrupt police officer accomplice. Dont carry any valuables on your person that you dont absolutely need. You can read the full story about how I was pickpocketed in Tijuana here. You're always gonna be a Mexican. This way, you know that the fine is legitimate and that the money isnt going into the officers pocket. If you spend enough time in Tijuana, you will encounter a corrupt police officer who stops you and asks you to pay a bribe. If the officer asks for money, pretend that you dont understand what theyre talking about. Write down everything you remember ASAP. I became a Mexican citizen because the United States walks too proudly on the earth I prefer a land far less racist and far more accepting. Of course, you can also get stopped legitimately if you committed a violation. Anyone who has been arrested has the right to speak . Traffic citations are written in both English and Spanish and will contain instruction on how to pay the fee. They could accuse you of jaywalking or trespassing. Higher-level fines, like driving under the influence, or speeding have much higher fines. If youre lucky, theyll just let you go. In the state of Baja, traffic tickets are divided into four levels of severity. Dont make illegal U-turns. Driven Mex 200 from Bahia Kino to Puerto Angel with many side trips away from the coast (Tequila, Patzcuaro, Guadalajara, etc.) They will stop tourists and solicit a bribe, just like the real police. Even though people drive a bit differently in Mexico, the driving laws are basically the same as in the U.S. For those who are worried about getting one of these tickets in Tijuana, consider visiting without a car. He gave us a scribbled receipt and we went on our way. If you wander around enough in Tijuana, a corrupt officer will find you. Then, turn off your car and remove the keys from the ignition. This website utilizes some advertising services. I have an additional status too. The officer carries a credit card machine in their car. Between the US and Canada, Ill never run out of great places to go. These are the offers you would find at a regular police station, and they are also the most likely to engage in corrupt activities and solicit cash bribes. Some officers are more aggressive than others. The only thing a corrupt police officer really wants from you is money. Sometimes they dont have time to drive you to the police station. Violence, tension, police corruption and brutality do not stop in Mexico. Its already here. The fragmenting of Mexico's criminal gangs and armed groups has helped fuel rising violence in recent years, with this year on track to break last year's record for homicides. Most of the time, the officer will not want to go, as he or she will have to spend hours with you in the station and get nothing out of it while he or she could be out and about exploiting other drivers. Once youre at the border, its easy to cross on foot. Along this street, youll find Tijuanas largest shopping plaza, Plaza Rio, the Tijuana Cultural Center (CECUT) as well as a number of hospitals, banks, skyscrapers, and residential buildings. Made the terrible mistake of leaving a clip of bullets in the Jeep and got pulled over. Corrupt police officers regularly stop drunk tourists and shake them down for bribes. There is no legal way to pay a spot fine, by the way, and any receipt that the officer gives you will be fake. If the cop is corrupt, he will take your money and leave. Keep hands visible at all times and don't make sudden movements that could confuse the officer. You can mail your fine to Mexico from the U.S.-Never attempt to bribe or give money to the officer. The hot hot sun. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. A corrupt officer may be less likely to hassle you if youre with someone who knows the city and speaks Spanish fluently. Sounds like he handled the situation perfectly. Police in Mexico have to write you a ticket, just like police in the U.S. What is Hoy no Circula, anyway? They approach your vehicle, tell you that you committed a crime, and demand a bribe. A fake officer is less likely to target a group because its harder to trick multiple people. CA License# 4001692 Carol J. Kramer. Sometimes they may ask to look in the vehicle. Hello, They could push you up against a wall or their police car and pat you down and search you or your vehicle. Some approaches work better than others for certain people, so you need to judge based on your personality what will work best for you. Ill explain exactly how to pay a ticket in Tijuana later on in this guide. Humans suck. This is an upscale area with fewer tourists. If you question their legitimacy, they may threaten to arrest you and take you to jail. 3. In this case, the officer will probably put you in the back of the police car and drive you there. 1. While talking to the officer, be patient. No anonymous comments. There is also the principal of the matter. You may have to delay and ask several times before the officer agrees to issue you a paper ticket. You should always at least try to get out of paying a bribe to a corrupt police officer, even if youre uncomfortable with the situation. If the police hear you speaking English or another foreign language, theyll know youre a tourist. If someone approaches you offering to sell you drugs, simply say no thanks and walk away. The corruption tends to decrease the higher up the chain you go, and the tactics vary entirely. You never have to consent to a search of yourself, your belongings, your . He then became a permanent resident and imported his car to Mexico. No wonder the people south of the border want to come here. If you have rented your car, ask lots of questions in the office about your paperwork. If youre naturally hot-headed, youll want to watch your temper and be careful while visiting Tijuana. Of course, I got pulled over, and rightfully so. If you behave like youre in a rush and youll do anything to get out of there, the officer will be more likely to solicit a bribe. You dont have as many rights or freedoms in Mexico as you do back home. The officer usually begins the interaction acting professionally. Great stuff. There are only around 2500 police officers working in Tijuana, which is about half as many as there should be for a city the size of Tijuana. Pull over to the side of the road. You may have heard stories about people being pulled over and having to give a mordida (bribe) to the cop because they were worried they were going to be thrown into jail if they didnt. They also dont want to arrest you and have to do a bunch of paperwork. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Especially in Zona Norte and Zona Centro. If you were accused of a more serious crime, like drunk driving, speeding, or having illegal drugs in your possession, the officer will ask for a larger bribe. Youre more likely to be pulled over while driving here than getting stopped on foot. What you say to the police is always important. Ask for the written citation and you can pay it by mail from the U.S. -If you feel like youve been fined unfairly, take note of the time, location, vehicle identification number and badge number of the officer. office of the Sindicatura Del Gobierno Municipal. Cyclists are not allowed to remove their feet from their bike pedals for fear they could lose control and crash. They may tell you that you have to come down to the police station with them and threaten you with jail time. For example, you wont have to buy Mexican auto insurance. If you start to act aggressive or fight back, the officer could get violent. It will anger the officer. A cruise stop, or a flight destination town (Acapulco, Cancun, etc) is one thing. In some cases, they may handcuff you and put you in the police car. I saw to many Sailors and Soldiers getting fined in Tijuana for the exact amount of cash they had minus the bus fare to get back to the base. Lost a flashlight to a military stop. This is literally the worst thing that you can do. Every Saturday and Sunday morning. For example, I met an ex-pat who was living in Mexico on a temporary import permit and took his car with him when he moved to Mexico. Here is what you need to know: If you choose to plead guilty at the roadside and pay the fine, you will be convicted. If everyone pays, the corruption will continue. What are your likely plans for 2023? Its also harder for them to trick a group of people into paying a bribe. Realistically, you probably wont win. I imagine they also want you to have enough cash to get home safely. They will usually tell you that that you committed a serious crime and that youre in big trouble. For more info on getting around Tijuana without a car, check out my guide to taking taxis and Ubers in Tijuana. Thank you! If you were pulled over while driving, they may threaten to impound your car. Lesson learned. If the officer accused you of a minor crime, they usually ask for $100. He is looking for frightened people willing to pay to go about their day. If you wear your money belt properly, an officer wont be able to feel it while patting you down. You cant control every situation. All of this adds to the stress. This article is accurate and reflects reality. Those RVing south of the border should be aware that traffic stops in Mexico are significantly different than in the United States. It says 'new application processing.'" This is getting spooky . Cop asked for $1000, settled for $50. These days, almost every violation costs well over $100. With stories ranging from extortion to money laundering, to kidnapping, the Mexican authorities and the rest of Latin American law enforcement officials do not have the best reputation when it comes to police corruption. The officer ended up taking all of his cash. to do so. The tactics we mention today are a blend of advice from Mexicans and expats living in Mexico, and we think after reading this post youll be ready to handle any twisted cop that comes your way in Mexico or the rest of Latin America. Its just an attempt to collect cash off the books. They dont want to fight with you. You may not even speak the language. Great article. While vising, chances are youll at least take a stroll down Avenida Revolucion in Zona Centro or along Calle Coahuila in Zona Norte. Also, keep in mind that going to the police station is a hassle. If they really want to, they can ruin your day or your whole trip. The drug trade has brought a massive amount of crime and money to the city. the lights on his or her police cruiser, you should pull your vehicle. Tijuana police are not known for being too helpful to tourists. This is just one guys story but I do believe that Tijuana police target foreign plated vehicles. They could pretend to make a phone call to a superior or write your address down and tell you that youll receive a receipt in the mail. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Investigation begins, as another San Diegan alleges shakedown by Tijuana police Another local man says he was shaken down by Mexican police, as Tijuana officials announced an investigation into the alleged incidents. . If youre prepared and know what to expect and how to behave, the police interaction will go much smoother. Some Mexican police officers enter law-enforcement not because of a genuine interest in policing but because of ulterior motives. Reach out for pricing and further information. Also my visa status is being changed. In this scam, the dealer sells drugs to a tourist. Corruption is there but in no way does it run rampant. For example, you could pull out a map and ask the officer for directions. Tijuana is becoming a foodie and nightlife destination. You no longer have to go to the station to pay a fine or mail in a check. 21 hours ago. This is a perfect recipe for police corruption. Still have lots of Mexican friends there. We know that being pulled over by a police officer while driving in a foreign country can be a scary experience. Thats okay. Ill talk more about this later. One comment about having clips in the RV is a real bozo no no. Your tax deductible gift can help stop human rights violations and save lives around the world. Your phone is a target for pickpockets and muggers. Police corruption exists here but its less common. The problem is so prevalent in Mexico that the U.S. State Department's consular information sheet acknowledges it: "In some instances, Americans have become victims of harassment, mistreatment and extortion by Mexican law enforcement and other officials. You might fall victim again during a future trip. Collecting a $200 bribe from a tourist could earn them more than their weekly salary. Uber is a safe, affordable, and convenient way to get around Tijuana. Use your turn signals. They do not want to get caught. If you still want to drive, check out my guide to driving in Tijuana. Police may also be more likely to pull you over if youre driving a new or high-end vehicle. Learn how your comment data is processed. No way will I ever venture there again. According to this article from the San Diego Tribune, most officers earn around $166 per week working 48 hours. what to do if stopped by mexican police. Please follow these rules when commenting on RVtravel.com. Another great way to get around Tijuana is by taxi de ruta. . Surprisingly, I think rental cars are less of a target than locally plated cars.I see at least 3 to 5 rental cars a day head the wrong way down the street in front of me and have rarely seen them pulled over. We looked it up and realized that we were, in fact, driving out of accordance with the policy, had committed a traffic violation, and did deserve a ticket.