Ticketed By Policia Federal
A week and a half ago I was driving from a small town about 25 kms from our house. This is the winding part of Hwy 85 north of Linares, NL. I drive it several times a week and like others I speed. I was clocked at 120 kms in an 80 km zone. Sounds like a lot but I was keeping with traffic.
There have been speed traps there for the last six weeks and as the weeks go by they get better at hiding. Guilty as charged, the officer approached my car, I shook hands and greeted him. He asked for my driver's license and registration. Our vehicles are Mexican with Mexican plates and insurance. Never a hint of a mordida, probably because all my papers are in order including insurance.
He quickly said, "give me five minutes while I write this up". This isn't about mordida, but about the cost of the ticket. Many times I have heard that people who were stopped were asked to pay 2000 to 4000 pesos for a ticket.
The fine on Mexican highways for speeding is the same no matter what the number of kms over the speed limit you are clocked at. The charge was in minimum wages. 60 minimum wages to be exact. 4085 pesos, with two 25% discounts if paid at Banco Bancomer and paid within 15 working days. Final bill, 2365.88.
Not proud of my bill but the point is, when they give those supposedly exaggerated numbers to pay, they're not kidding. They really mean it.
I have since dropped my speed down to 100 kms and keep an eye out. There is a new app available in Mexico that keeps you posted on their whereabouts if that is important to you. I wasn't trying to avoid the cops, I just got used to driving at that speed since we all do in this area.
There have been speed traps there for the last six weeks and as the weeks go by they get better at hiding. Guilty as charged, the officer approached my car, I shook hands and greeted him. He asked for my driver's license and registration. Our vehicles are Mexican with Mexican plates and insurance. Never a hint of a mordida, probably because all my papers are in order including insurance.
He quickly said, "give me five minutes while I write this up". This isn't about mordida, but about the cost of the ticket. Many times I have heard that people who were stopped were asked to pay 2000 to 4000 pesos for a ticket.
The fine on Mexican highways for speeding is the same no matter what the number of kms over the speed limit you are clocked at. The charge was in minimum wages. 60 minimum wages to be exact. 4085 pesos, with two 25% discounts if paid at Banco Bancomer and paid within 15 working days. Final bill, 2365.88.
Not proud of my bill but the point is, when they give those supposedly exaggerated numbers to pay, they're not kidding. They really mean it.
I have since dropped my speed down to 100 kms and keep an eye out. There is a new app available in Mexico that keeps you posted on their whereabouts if that is important to you. I wasn't trying to avoid the cops, I just got used to driving at that speed since we all do in this area.
