Over the last month or so there have been many sobriety check points between San Carlos and Guaymas and many of you may have been pulled over in one of them. Ines and I took the kids to Guaymas to see World War Z several weeks ago and were stopped at Las Tinajas in one of these check points. Sadly, we were not inspected. I guess when you have two kids and a wife in the car you are not being profiled.
Now what is happening is that drivers that are obviously intoxicated are being hit up for a bribe, paying the bribe and then allowed to leave the scene. Makes you feel save driving around town on a Friday night doesn’t it! I was just informed of one incident just a few days ago where my buddy was stopped for DUI given a breathalyzer right on the spot, did not pass the test and was promptly taken to the ATM and requested to pay 3,000 pesos in fines. The machine would only give him 2,000 pesos so he paid the cop 2 K and was then allowed to hop in his car, drunk mind you, and then just drive home.
So I can see that the new Comisario has things well in hand here and as the old saying goes, the more things change the more they stay the same. So if you are drinking and driving you better be ready to fork over some pesos for that get out of jail card. Viva Mexico Cabrones!!!!
I honestly don’t know what the fine is for a DUI here in Mexico but when I get a chance I will look in to it. I suspect you may be correct though and the bribe is way worse than the fine but the fine probably will cost you some time, and we all know that time is often more valuable than the hassle of dealing with the DUI and paying the bribe so the cops know they have you by the you know whats.
Very simple. If you Drink and Drive, PAY UP.
At least in Mexico you have a choice of ‘payment plan’.
Defensive driving is a must. Personally, I have done it for 64 years.
Unfortunately, drunks are here to stay. As for crooked cops, try Chicago and New York City for comparison.
Vince, you’re a good guy. I have read much of your posted materials.