| Northern Baja Traffic Tickets
For years, Americans traveling into
Mexico by car at Tijuana have been subjected to the occasional
corrupt cop who flags them down for a “violation”. The hapless
driver, usually scared and confused, will usually comply, paying
whatever amount that is agreed upon to avoid following the cop to
the police station (something the cop doesn’t really want…they want
your cash). But what most gringos don’t know is that you have the
option of paying at the police station or by mail if you get pulled
over in Tijuana, Rosarito, or Ensenada. Here is some info on that
and other useful tips:
If you are stopped by a police officer for a traffic violation in
Tijuana or Rosarito, you should always politely insist on a written
citation that you could pay either at the police station, or by
mail. 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, for the cities of San
Felipe, Tecate and Mexicali, traffic fines must be paid at the
police station.
When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the
fine by filling an appeal (Recurso de Inconformidad), either in
person or in writing, for a Municipal Judge to review. To do this,
immediately go to the nearest Municipal Judge within the police
station; if you need information on how to do this, call our Tourist
Assistance Hot Line 078.
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 driver’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)
- Permission to post the above article was
kindly given by Mexico Pemiere.
Check them out.
If a policeman continues to tell you
that you have to pay the “ticket” now, tell him that you have the
“Sindicatura” phone number which is 072 (Citizen’s support line) and
say that you are going to file a complaint. At the very least this
should deter the officer from trying to force a bribe and he’ll then
possibly write you a ticket. If he insists that you drive with him
to the police station, say that you will follow him and most
likely he will just let you go.
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