Traffic stops by police officers can be a bit nerve racking in any situation. But seeing red and blue lights reflecting in your mirror on a family vacation in Mexico can be a little more than uncomfortable. Add a language barrier and your discomfort zone is breached. Getting pulled over in Puerto Peñasco is a possibility for anyone behind the wheel. So what should you do when you get pulled over in Rocky Point?
If you are pulled over by the police in Rocky Point, first, remain calm. Have your driver’s license ready. Be polite and respectful when communicating with the officer. Pay your fines at the police station. And yes, it’s true, there have been instances where some people have experienced a “shady” police stops. But for most, stops are legitimate and intended for the safety and well-being of the community and visitors.
We have been traveling to Rocky Point for over 40 years. In that time, we’ve experienced our share of getting pulled over. The Policía. The Federales. It is definitely NOT something to freak out about. If you have been to Puerto Peñasco enough times, it’s just bound to happen. If it happens to you, I’d like to share some things you should know, things to expect, and some things that might occasionally seem a bit sideways.
Who can pull you over in Rocky Point?
First, let’s talk about WHO might pull you over. It is highly likely that you will meet up with at least one police or military check point after you cross the border on your way to Rocky Point. The officials that will pull you over are police or military.
The Policía
Just like in the States, the police in Mexico also have the authority to pull over local and visiting drivers. They are tasked with maintaining law, order and keeping the peace. In addition to pulling over drivers for breaking the law, they will set up checkpoints on popular weekends to stop drunk drivers and prevent other dangerous activities.
There are a few different types of police departments in Puerto Peñasco. There is the municipal police, or Policía Municipal; the state police, or Policía Estatal; and the federal police, or Policía Federal. In town, you will most often see the municipal police. All have the authority to pull you over.
The Federales
As soon as you cross the border into Mexico at Lukeville going into Sonoyta, the possibility of being waved to the side of the road by men in military uniforms, known as Federales, is 50/50.
These young lads are tasked with ensuring people are not bringing in any dangerous or illegal cargo into their country. There are also times when the Federales will be tasked with other random stops and inspections. More on this later.
Reasons You Can Get Pulled Over In Rocky Point
There are a lot of reason you might get pulled over in Rocky Point. From our own experience, I can’t say it wasn’t always deserved. One could blame RP for its history as being a sanctuary against prohibition and the motto “What happens in Mexico stays in Mexico.”
But, alas, No! Puerto Peñasco is still home to many families. Home to businesses. Home to retirees. And second home to A LOT of southwestern U.S. families like yours and mine. And rules still apply.
Speed Limit
Speeding is one sure fire way to get pulled over in most places, not just Rocky Point. Because speed limits Mexico are posted in kilometers per hour (km/h), not miles per hours (MPH), it can be easy to get mindlessly caught off guard.
When a speed limit sign in Mexico says 40 km/h, it means 40 kilometers per hour, which translates to about 25 miles per hour. Some car speedometers will show both MPH and km/h. Be mindful of the difference and pay attention to the posted speed limit signs. When in doubt, go slow until you know.
If your speedometer does not have both MPH and km/h, you could take the posted speed limit and multiply it by 0.625. But if you are not that fast at math and need to focus on driving, an easier method would be to divide the km/h by two than add back 10 percent.
Example: Posted speed limit is 40 km/h. 40 divided by 2 is 20. Next, take 10% of 40, which is 4, and add it back to 20. This method converts 40 km/h to 24 MPH. 60km/h would be 36 MPH and so on.
Gringo Tip: When driving through the border town of Sonoyta, be especially aware of your speed limit. Anyone who has traveled through Sonoyta enough, knows the police here are extra observant of those passing through. The consensus is that traffic stops are much more frequent in Sonoyta.
Traffic Signals
Broken, and sometimes confusing, traffic signs and signals can also invite a traffic stop. Stop signs and traffic lights seem so simple, but in a foreign country they may not always be the same as in the States, leaving you open to violating a local law.
In addition, the financial state of Puerto Peñasco does not always provide for immediate sign replacement when a stop signs get mowed down or a traffic light isn’t working.
Familiarize yourself with the different traffic signs and signals. And use common sense AND patience when you approach an intersection where a traffic light is out or where a stop sign should exist. The four way stop driving practice we practice in the States is a good method to use and will keep your family and others safe.
Roundabouts
The roundabouts in Puerto Peñasco are (fairly) new. They are intended to slow drivers down in higher traffic areas.
You may have encountered roundabouts in the States and know that you do not stop to enter the roundabout unless oncoming traffic prohibits it. This is not the case in Rocky Point. The roundabouts in Rocky Point SHOULD have stop signs at each entry point. However, as with other intersections around town, stop signs can be knocked over. Because the rule is to stop, even in the absence of a stop sign, not stopping could invite a traffic stop. This has happened to us. My husband argued with the officer about the absent stop sign with no success.
These roundabouts are installed out by the Quick Mart by the windmill on Blvd. Costa Diamante and at Encantame Towers sales office at the intersection of Blvd Costa Diamante and Blvd Paseo de la Duna (also known as Sandy Beach Rd).
Drinking and Driving
While Puerto Peñasco became a popular tourist destination for defying a ban on alcohol in the days of prohibition, that doesn’t mean that it is still a free for all on lawlessness. Drinking and driving in Rocky Point is illegal and dangerous. Open alcoholic drinks are also illegal, even for if you are not the driver.
You can be pulled over if an officer suspects you have been drinking or if they see the driver or any passengers sipping on a “roadie.”
Also keep in mind that Mexican insurance is voided if you are cited for DUI in an accident.
Check Points in Rocky Point
Check points are another form of traffic stop within the town of Puerto Peñasco or anywhere on the road from the border to Puerto Peñasco. Check points are performed by police and by Federales.
As in the States, police will set up check points in Rocky Point on busy weekends. They will usually be looking for drunk drivers. But sometimes they may inspect for other illegal matters.
When a car in our group was stopped at a check point on Sandy Beach Rd. just outside of Banditos, the officers asked if they had any weapons and proceeded to check the car before sending them on their way.
Occasionally, Federales will be posted on the road just before you get into town. They will ask you questions about where you are going and where you came from. They may decide to check your vehicle. Although, it has been some time since we have encountered this check point.
On one occasion we came across a line of cars on the highway back to Sonoyta and the border. Federales were performing random vehicle searches. We were waved over to the side of the road behind a few other vehicles and asked to open our trunk for inspection. We did as asked and after a few minutes were sent on our way.
As in the States, these check points are an effort to improve the safety and well-being of the citizens and visitors. As long as you are not violating any laws, and you behave as a respectful guest, the check point stop will be quick and painless.
What Do If You Get Pulled Over In Rocky Point
As already said, getting pulled can be stressful for anyone, especially getting pulled over in another country whose rules may not be completely know to you. But there are some things you can do to make the traffic stop go a little more smoothly.
Remain Calm
Starting a conversation with a police officer in any situation in any country hot headed and irate does not work to anyone’s advantage. Remember that the officer does not know you and won’t know how agitated you can become, thus putting the officer on alert to prepare to defend against what could come next.
Its also good to keep in mind that while this stop may be an inconvenience to you, even if you are cited for a violation,
- Your fine will be a fraction of what you would pay in the States;
- Your driving record will not be impacted;
- You won’t have to go to traffic school to get the ticket off your driving record; and
- Your insurance rates will not go up
Be Polite and Respectful
It doesn’t matter if you think you are in the right and the officer is wrong. The police officers in Rocky Point are there to keep the public safe. This includes visitors like us. Polite behavior and a respectful demeanor for the hospitality of another country can go a long way. Remember! You are a guest. And it is possible you are not familiar with the laws you may have just broken.
Provide Identification
You may be asked to provide your driver’s license. While the officer will not be looking your name up on his cruiser computer, your license will be used to complete your citation. If you are cited, the officer will keep your identification until you pay your fine at the police station. (More on paying fines shortly.)
You may also be asked to show your vehicle registration. While this is rare, you should know that in Mexico, only the owner or the renter of a vehicle is supposed to be driving the vehicle. Although we have never been asked to show registration when we have been stopped by police officers.
We have also never been asked to show proof of insurance, as in the States. But Mexican domiciled liability auto insurance is still required by law. <link article>
Pay Your Fines At The Police Station
All fines MUST be paid at the police station and not directly to the officer making the traffic stop. If the officer gives you the option to pay the fine right there on the side of the road, politely refuse and let him or her know you will follow them to the police station.
Fines are posted at the station in pesos. While they may take cash, they may not be able to make change. Fines range from around $40US for no seatbelt to $80US* for speeding. If you go directly to the police station following getting pulled over, these fines are discounted by half.
(*Note these amounts have been the same for a few years. As of this post, they have not changed.)
Once you have paid your fine, you will get your license back and be on your way. No future court date, no traffic school, no points on your license, or no increased insurance rates.
Giving the officer money and not paying the fine at the station is considered bribery. While it does happen in Rocky Point and in Sonoyta, it is not acceptable. It may seem more convenient to just pay up and be on your way, but doing so contributes to continued “Mordida.” We’ll revisit this later.
On some occasions, like the time we were pulled over at the roundabout for missing the absent stop sign, when you request to follow them to the station, they let you off with a warning.
Where Is the Police Station in Rocky Point?
The police station is located east of Benito Juarez on Blvd Jose Lopez Protillo, just across the street and southwest of Sams’ Club and Bodega Aurrera. (If you are heading South on Benito Juarez and pass Little Ceasar’s, you went too far. If you are heading North on Benito Juarez and bass Sam’s Club, you went too far.)
How Much Do Speeding Tickets Cost in Rocky Point
Fines for violations are posted at the police station. Various social media sites in Rocky Point usually post any updates to these fines.
Bribery and Other Rumors
Mordida
It is true, Mordida, or bribery in English, is a thing in Rocky Point. While I can’t say for sure what the motivation for such corruption is, I have to believe that poor financial conditions might be a factor. If you have ever crossed the border, you just have to look around and you’ll see how different the financial state of the local people is compared to even the dumpiest of tourist cars crossing into Mexico from the United States. While this does not justify corruption, it certainly makes it more alluring.
Could you be pulled over for no reason at all? Yes.
Does it happen a lot? That depends. From my experience, we get pulled over a lot less now than we did many years ago. Back then we were a lot younger. Drove around with a carload of people, and more often than not, we were partying. We made for easy targets. We took trips to the police station to pay fines. We were also guilty of paying a roadside fine out of convenience.
These days, we go out of our way to obey the posted limits, behave respectfully and cooperate. When we have been pulled over, rarely are we asked to pay a fine roadside fine.
Help Puerto Peñasco Stop Bribery
While it seems more convenient to pay just the roadside demand and get back to your vacation, the town of Puerto Peñasco has been trying to battle the reputation of corruption and put a stop to the bribery.
A few years ago, Puerto Peñasco Mayor, Kiko Munro announced that the town would be taking steps to put an end to bribery. He requested that residents and tourists should report incidents of bribery by local police. A complaint hot line was established. To file a complaint, the police car number and date are required, and, if possible, the name of the officer.
Rumors On The Highway
There are robbery and murder stories that circulate every now and then about Americans being pulled over by uniformed military on the highways in Mexico. If this is completely true, I cannot be sure. Details are always vague and not very conclusive as to what actually took place when an incident does actually happen.
There is no evidence of murder by police or military on the Highway 8 between the border and Puerto Peñasco. If this concerns you, follow the U.S. Embassy recommendation and drive the highway during daylight hours. More than 2 million people visit the seaside town every year. In broad daylight you will be driving amongst a crowd.
We have been stopped at a military check point out on Highway 8 well before Sonoyta on our way back to the States. The young gentleman in camo uniform with an intimidating gun and waved us over to the side of the road to be inspected.
There were plenty of vehicles on the road and the sun was high so we were not alone and neither were the other drivers getting flagged over behind us. Our cargo was inspected and we were sent on our way.
On a side note, a day or two later we read that there was a some sort of joint U.S. and Mexico forces activity happening in the area. I remember this because when we crossed back to the U.S. there were more customs officers and border patrol agents than normal. We also encountered heavily armed park rangers at the gas station in Why, Arizona. (I was surprised that park rangers would be so armed.)
My point is that those soldiers that pulled us over on the highway coming from Rocky Point were truly there to enforce safety.
You Are A Guest
At risk of sounding like a nagging granny, remembering your manners and behaving like guest will go a long way if you get pulled over in Rocky Point. Your experience may not be exactly like getting pulled over in the States, but by using these tips and information, you’ll be better able to navigate the stop.
