Mexican authorities are spread pretty well over the countryside and especially on the borders of Mexico, namely the southern Mexican border and the US border. Mexican authorities usually consist of military units that cover most of the major roads and highways in Mexico and they patrol the roads to be sure that there are no unnecessary behaviors going on. Mexican authorities are the ones who deal with the majority of traffic issues, motor vehicle tickets and international problems. While many tourists and first time visitors get a little nervous the first time they see Mexican authorities patrolling around, they have nothing to be scared about and actually should feel safer that the government is looking out for their safety. If you are a tourist in this situation, count your blessings!

Government officials and Mexican authorities have a main job and that is to find drugs and contraband. Sure they are making sure there are no people in Mexico that shouldn’t be there and they are controlling the traffic around them but they are really looking for drugs. Mexico is a gold-mine for many drug dealers and it takes the Mexican authorities taking extra precautions to keep things under control. When you get stopped at a routine checkpoint, just slow down and follow the procedures they lead you through. It is set up to go by fast and to get you through the checkpoints quickly. If you don’t cooperate then you will run into problems and come across as a suspicious person of interest.

Mexican authorities are also in charge of giving out traffic tickets. If you are looking to get away from traffic problems and traffic tickets then Mexico is not the place for you to go because you will run into them! While tickets can vary from city to city, here is the general range you can expect to pay for certain infringements:

• Running a red light: $20-75
• Littering: $45+
• Double parking: $25+
• Driving without license or registration: $25-65
• Not giving the right of way to a pedestrian: $25+
• Not wearing a seatbelt: $25-65
• Talking on cell phone while driving: $25-65

If you happen to get a ticket or a fine you can pay it at the local police station or by mailing it into the local console when you get back to the States. While ticket infringements won’t cost as much as US traffic infringements (per ticket) it seems as if it is quite a bit easier to rack up traffic tickets in Mexico!

If you feel like you were treated wrongly and wanted to file an appeal then you need to go to the local police station and talk with the municipal judge. They will give you the right procedure to follow from there to reverse the fine- if you have a legit reason.

So remember, Mexican authorities are often scary at first sight, but after a while you will get used to seeing them and appreciate what they are doing to protect you. Also, be careful where you park and how you drive because they won’t protect you from a ticket!


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