jerezano
Mar 4, 2008, 8:54 AM
Post #33 of 34
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Hello John,
You said:>>One could argue that if I renew the FM3 visa before it expires, as I intend to do, it won't expire and so the vehicle permit won't expire either. I don't think I want to try to explain that technicality to a Mexican policeman any time soon.<<
You should not have to ever explain that to any policeman. They should know it already. But just in case, see below.
You should carry in your car a copy of the appropriate section of the Law Aduanero. That law states very clearly that the temporary importation permit for the car remains in effect so long as your Immigration status is effective. Go to Rolly's site to download a copy of that section, print it out, and keep it in your car. I used to carry one all the time before I got a Mexican-plated car and I did have to show it twice years and years back, before the adueneros were so well instructed.
As to renewing your FM3, you should be advised that you have 30 days in which to do it before your FM3 expires. And in most regions you cannot apply for renewal before that 30 day period begins. I understand that in exceptional circumstances, the Immigration Service MAY let you make the application early. It depends upon the flexibility of your local office.
As I mentioned in an earlier post somewhere in answer to one of your earlier postings, my immigration office here in Zacatecas on a renewal FM3 always types in the expiry date of the renewed FM3. Your office may or may not. But again, the expiry date is as of midnight the day before you entered Mexico for the first time on your FM3. It is NOT the date of issue, as your Aduanero people there in Sonora have decided in the past. Nor is that expiry date on your temporary import certificate of any effect (or use, or importance) so long as you maintain your immigration status. Your FM3 is what determines when the temporary import certificate runs out.
As to getting a new permit to enter Mexico every time I leave here (which I do at least 4 times a year) I personally cannot advise that. Why pay extra money and go through the hassle for something that is not necessary? Of course, if you are worried about theft of your vehicle or some such, then why not? But I have enough to worry about without asking for more.
You also said:>>If I get stopped and dinged for the "expired" vehicle permit and showing them the document does not help, I suspect the fine won't be as much as a new vehicle permit anyway, and I will just pay it.
If you have a copy of the appropriate section of the Ley Aduenero and show it to the "policeman" you will not be fined. But if he insists that would be a mordida. My Mexican friends tell me that it is well recognized here all over Mexico that the maximum mordida is $200 pesos. Do not pay more than that. The policeman making the demand will no doubt accept that. If not, become adamant and roll with the punches. You can always report name rank and number to the Department of Tourism which believe it or not, does have some weight and will get back to that policeman sooner or later. And he knows it.
By the way, for what it is worth, I am now driving a Mexican plated vehicle and the last 5 times I have reentered Mexico with my FM3 in my hand, that FM3 has NOT been looked at, nor even asked for. I have just been waived on through. So, it just might be worth while to pay the extra money for a Mexican vehicle. Temporary liablility insurance for the USA is cheap.
Adiós. jerezano.
(This post was edited by jerezano on Mar 4, 2008, 9:45 AM)
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