Baja Traffic Tickets

For years, Americans traveling to Las Gaviotas by car have been subjected to the occasional Baja traffic ticket. The driver, often scared and confused, will usually comply, paying whatever amount that is agreed upon to avoid following the officer to the police station. 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:

We strongly recommend you buy Mexican Car Insurance before you cross the border. This is available at several locations shortly before you get to the border, but it’s easier to buy the insurance online, using this link (bajabound.com).

If you are stopped by a police officer for a Baja traffic ticket 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.

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 the 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 a 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).

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.