In thousands of kms of driving Mexico's roads we have never been stopped, other than at the usual military or agricultural check points. I admit to allowing either the MH or the tow car to creep over the limit, but this is unusual, as the danger on these roads is actually omnipresent and, I find, on a long drive it is difficult to keep up with all the speed changes one drives through.
It is often surprising what one might see passing you sometimes. This winter it was a black Bentley, new and impressive, flying by on the road from Guadalajara towards DF with a just a siren on, travelling I'd guess at 130 MPH with a second vehicle a Chevy, perhaps a Suburban, trying to keep up. Farther down the road the drivers were taking a break, having a cigarette.
I have a different oppinion than some might of how Mexicans see northerers driving their roads. What I remember is how many waves (and waves in return) we are greeted with on our drives, especially in rural areas. We love it. I understand that there is another side to that but we, so far, will just keep enjoying, and smiling.
Thats right Dave, just keep waving and enjoy. In Mexico I drove for work and pleasure constantly and I was only pulled over three times, and I deserved it. You see, if you are in Guadalajara (GDL) on Lopez Mateos northbound near Plaza del Sol, you cannot make a left hand turn for what seems like miles. So, when I was dating in GDL, occasionally I would make an illegal left hand turn. Well, I was only caught twice (ticketed once) twice before I finally learned.
I used to routinely do 100-140 KPH in a 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee on the autopistas, and I would still get passed by Mexicans in BMWs, Audis, Porsches and Suburbans! But then I was possibly more 'acclimated' to the driving culture. I usually drove the posted speed on the libres; how can you not drive any faster than that with all the traffic and topes.
After living and driving in Mexico for a length of time, I also got the feel of the topes; they usually start when you enter a town, then there seem to be three or four sets.
I don't know if acting dumb is the best route. I find a good working knowledge of Spanish and a confident, in control attitude (yet respectful) seemed to work for me.
I don't know if acting dumb is the best route. I find a good working knowledge of Spanish and a confident, in control attitude (yet respectful) seemed to work for me.
Agree. I have found that a good command of the language earns you a lot of respect, and the conversation often turns from what the original issue was to "Where did you learn to speak Spanish like that?" After a friendly conversation for a couple of minutes, we're off.
My personal opinion and nothing else. If come back year after year, why wouldn't you want to learn the local language? It can only be to your benefit. Sure, it is great if you can point, greet, and say good morning, but it makes a big difference.
Imagine you are a foreigner who lives spends the summers in Overland Park, Kansas and you want to participate in local events, neighborhood parties, shopping at the exclusive malls but you don't speak English. You won't have a very good time, rest assured. You may be able to get by, but year after year you become bored with your limitations.
Also, Mexico is a culturally enclosed country. It doesn't have the influx of immigrants like the U.S. or Canada.
I usually hand over a photo copy, but I tell the officer it is a copy, and that I have to keep the original, that it belongs to the Government, and I can only give it to a Judge!. It's worked so far!
The one time I was too slow and the officer got his hand on the original, my knowledge of Spanish (workable, not fluent) kept me from a ticket for speeding when I was going 5 KM below the posted 60 Km/H limit (I know because they had the large digital readout in the back of the truck showing me speed!) I was in the right hand lane, all the left lane traffic was passing me, but I got stopped! When the officer realized that I was going to accept the ticket from him and dispute it at the police station or in court, he found something else wrong -- my dog wasn't tied in in the back of the toad and the window was open! My wife agreed that he should be, clipped on the leash, and his "face" was saved. He handed back the license, and pointed out that the posted speed was a maximum, and he could still give me a ticket if he felt my speed was unsafe!
This was in Puerto Vallarta, where we were staying a month. North on the 200 just past Walmart.
Remember that respect, face, and "machismo" are very important in Mexican culture. Ridicule or threats will only get you in deeper. If you are firm but respectful (when you know you are right, and apologetic and respectful when you are wrong) you have a good chance of gaining their respect as well and minimize potential problems.
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