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Rolly

May 3, 2004, 1:22 PM

Post #1 of 33 (4345 views)

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Another encounter with a traffic cop

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This morning I went to the driver's license office to renew my license which had expired back in November. No big deal -- just the usual paperwork and MxP$336. Three years ago it was only $250. The lady asked for exact change, but I was one peso short. A traffic cop was standing there with his son. He held out his hand to offer me a peso. When was the last time a traffic cop gave you money?

Smile

Nice way to start a Monday.

Rolly Pirate

jzh

May 3, 2004, 2:11 PM

Post #2 of 33 (4313 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Rolly,

What a wonderful story. I have read a lot on this forum since I joined the other day. When I got my license in D.F., I realized that I need one extra copy of the necessary documents. A young boy offered to take one of my copies and run to a photocopier within eyesight so I would not lose my place in line. The boy did not run away with the documents. He wanted 10 pesos. I gave him 50.

Marlene

May 3, 2004, 3:03 PM

Post #3 of 33 (4303 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Hi Rolly,
I recently went through the drivers license experience here too. Is your latest license good for a maximum 2 years like it is here for foreigners? (Locals have the option of receiving 4 year licenses and most of those on the road probably have never had driver's ed) But now here in Mazatlán, for the initial license we now have to sit through an hour long lecture in very small school type desks.

While the lecture obviously cannot be given in English, one can obtain the written test in English. It was all very entertaining and the Transito cop giving the lecture had a great sense of humour. (By the way, they have a sign on the back of a door dated early April, saying that no steps can be skipped and no way anyone getting a new license can miss the lecture.) That is probably a good thing.

He showed pictures of a family of 5 on a motorcycle and pointed out how this was not in the best interest of safety, ie: the gas tank is not a seat. He further pointed out that those "ballena" beer bottle holders so popular during Semana Santa (Easter Week), which are designed to hang from the door frame or the steering column of the car to keep the drivers beer handy, are also not in the best interest of safety. He also stressed how pumping your brakes doesn't magically make them suddenly come to life if they don't work well and that turning from the very outside lane into the inside lane at the green arrow is not good judgement. Little tips like that make me feel safer on the roads of Mazatlán.

A friend, after living here 16 years and who has a Mexican plated vehicle, decided she would get a Sinaloa DL too, so accompanied me. I asked for the test in English however she said it didn't matter to her so was promptly presented with it in Spanish. My test had all multiple choice and circle the answers; she had lengthy open ended questions to answer. All the pleading in the world to get an English test after completing question number 3, did her no good at all. (I am still chuckling) She got 92, I got 90 so she actually got the last laugh.

Then between the two of us we were able to convince the road test driver that we had found the only parking spot left (and under a shade tree, a very valid point) so it would be really inconvenient to move the vehicle for the test. He was okay with that as I am sure the thought of having a ride with the pair of us in mid day traffic was even scarier. He took a look at our pre-paperwork and quickly checked off down the page what wonderful drivers we were.

Incidentally, we read the memo about not skipping any steps of the test at a later point in the process or we wouldn't have been so bold. He was definitely giving road tests, albeit short ones. All steps in the right direction for our roads and a worthwhile experience.

Rolly

May 3, 2004, 4:35 PM

Post #4 of 33 (4282 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Hola Marlene,

My old license was for three years. I don't know about the new one because I don't have it yet. I completed the paperwork and the paying, but I have to go back for the license tomorrow because my picture wasn't ready while I was there. It seems that the film comes in packs of two, so two pictures have to be taken before the film is processed. I was given the choice of waiting until someone else comes in for a license or come back tomorrow.

I have never taken any kind of test except a blood type test for the first license -- not repeated this time.

Rolly Pirate

esperanza

May 3, 2004, 5:01 PM

Post #5 of 33 (4271 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Interesting, my first Jalisco license was good for 4 years--and so is the renewed one.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

jennifer rose

May 3, 2004, 5:25 PM

Post #6 of 33 (4259 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Qualifications for a driver's license are a matter of state law. What flies in Jalisco isn't necessarily the rule in Durango or Sinaloa, because those are different states.

In Michoacan, there is no distinction between foreigners and Mexican nationals. And driver's licenses are good for up to six years, although those driving Suburbans have been required to get a chauffer's license at a somewhat higher cost. All of the examination is in Spanish. There was a brief eye test -- like "Can you see across the room?" -- and the nurse kindly suggested that I looked like I had O+ blood. Sounded good enough for me. The entire process took about 15 minutes.

johnv

May 3, 2004, 5:31 PM

Post #7 of 33 (4257 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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I am not sure, but I thought that a transfusion of the incorrect blood-type could cause death.

esperanza

May 3, 2004, 5:37 PM

Post #8 of 33 (4253 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Yes, that was my point: that each state can do what it wants.

There's no distinction between foreigners and Mexicans in Ocotlán, where I got my license renewed. It was just as you described: all in Spanish, cursory eye test, blood type (they didn't require proof, just my word; fortunately I do know what type I am), picture, 15 minutes. And I did get the same class license I've always had here, a chauffeur's license. If I recall correctly, the whole thing was 250 pesos.

http://www.mexicocooks.typepad.com

Marlene

May 3, 2004, 5:41 PM

Post #9 of 33 (4251 views)

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Re: [johnv] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Actually, we do have to take blood tests here now. There is a little lab nearby the office where driving licenses are issued, where a very efficient nurse does the paperwork and test for 70 pesos in just under 5 minutes. My blood type, which I had long forgotten if indeed I ever knew it, is listed on the front of my shiny new drivers license.

pat

May 3, 2004, 5:58 PM

Post #10 of 33 (4243 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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"-- and the nurse kindly suggested that I looked like I had O+ blood. Sounded good enough for me."

Jennifer, somehow I think you, being the smart gal that you are, are pulling our collective legs, but in case you aren't, read the following which I cut and pasted from the internet. Unless you are actually type O, you may be restricting your options when and if you ever need blood.
.
...... it is important that blood types be matched before blood transfusions take place. In an emergency, type O blood can be given because it most likely to be accepted by all blood types. However, there is still a risk involved.
A person with type A blood can donate blood to a person with type A or type AB. A person with type B blood can donate blood to a person with type B or type AB. A person with type AB blood can donate blood to a person with type AB only. A person with type O blood can donate to anyone.
A person with type A blood can receive blood from a person with type A or type O. A person with type B blood can receive blood from a person with type B or type O. A person with type AB blood can receive blood from anyone. A person with type O blood can receive blood from a person with type O only.
Because of these patterns, a person with type O blood is said to be a universal donor. A person with type AB blood is said to be a universal receiver. In general, however, it is still best to mix blood of matching types and Rh factors.

jzh

May 3, 2004, 7:06 PM

Post #11 of 33 (4221 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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In Distrito Federal, you need a comprobante de domicilio, copy of your FM2 or FM3, your fee and that's it. Same goes for Estado de Mexico. No tests of any kind. Blood test is optional.

Only difference is that in Estado de Mexico, your license is only good for the duration of your visa, but you can renew with your visa renewal.

Yet, in D.F. you can get a permanent license, regardless of your length of visa, good for your lifetime.

Jerry@Ajijic

May 3, 2004, 7:11 PM

Post #12 of 33 (4219 views)

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Re: [pat] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Since you are talking about blood you might also mention about positive and negative factors.

jennifer rose

May 3, 2004, 7:15 PM

Post #13 of 33 (4218 views)

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Re: [Jerry@Ajijic] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Let's keep the discussion about Mexico, leaving a discussion of Rh factors for another forum.

Kip

May 4, 2004, 5:53 AM

Post #14 of 33 (4178 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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The blood thing seemed pretty relevant to me. Knowing the serious consequences may save someone's life. I think the bottom line is..know before you go what your blood type is and have it put accurately on your license. It would be the pits to be badly hurt in a wreck but "fixable" only to be killed by the people trying to save you!

Kip
kip

jzh

May 4, 2004, 6:26 AM

Post #15 of 33 (4172 views)

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Re: [Kip] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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The other thing to do if you are worried about blood type is just to put something into your wallet that mentions it. I have insurance cards that even mention the blood type.

Don

May 4, 2004, 8:43 AM

Post #16 of 33 (4123 views)

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Re: [jzh] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Here in Jalisco, my Mexican Driver's License lists my blood type and a person who can be contacted in an emergency.

TomG

May 4, 2004, 9:24 AM

Post #17 of 33 (4113 views)

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Re: [jennifer rose] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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In Reply To

Let's keep the discussion about Mexico, leaving a discussion of Rh factors for another forum.

There isn't actually a Forum on Rh Factors. Let me help guide this discussion back on topic:
When an individual expat (not expats in general) is applying for/or reapplying for a Mexican driver’s license in a Mexican state run office and the question of one’s individual blood type is brought up, one, not currently wearing one's dog tags, has the option of either being casual in allowing a possible miss assignment of blood type to be printed on one’s license; or of being as conscious as possible in getting their blood type information reported accurately.

Some responders on Mexconnect have intuitions that hint to them this printed information on a driver’s license could be used in the event of an automobile accident resulting in injury as the determining factor in what type of blood a hospital might give one in quick emergency response. A/some responder/s on Mexconnect feel strongly that the open discussion of this question of accurately reporting one’s blood type is a Mexconnect rule violation because it is off the topic of Another encounter with a traffic cop started by Rolly, wherein he chronicled the nice deed of an Mexican traffic cop.

A possible reason for Another encounter with a traffic cop being a special discussion topic in the first place is that there it a common feeling by Mexican nationals in aggregate (as distilled from multitudes of undocumented private conversations by Mexicans with multitudes of foreigners, who subsequently reported these unproven allegations in books, cocktail conversations, jokes, and messages to others) that “Mexican traffic cops” (they are generalizing here but I can’t help it) are corrupt and without much positive social value. Rolly (as he always does) reported a personal encounter (one that actually happened to him) documenting that one Mexican traffic cop did one good deed to Rolly. Rolly did not really go on much, but the spirit of the post, as interpreted by me, indicates that some Mexican traffic cops have veins of goodness in them.

This is an unproven leap of assumption, but such a Mexican traffic cop upon encountering a medical emergency in a traffic accident in Mexico might have the goodness to be helpful in the emergency and tell the medical personal the blood type of a bleeding injured person from the information listed on the Mexican driver’s license. This could in some chance circumstances be instrumental in saving a life or causing a death, assuming that the ambulance personal are not as characterized by Dr. G in Oaxaca in his prejudicial statement: “Your emergency medical ID bracelet will not help you, because the Mexican (his term) ambulance drivers will think it is gold and steal it before they take you to the hospital.” (A statement made to my wife in front of me, and in front of his wife, a nurse, who subsequently laughed in agreement.) Of course this statement is controversial, but what can I do?

Here is where we put the pieces together: Traffic cop does good deed in Durango area. Imaginary conclusion > some Mexican traffic cops are not as bad as everybody says they are. Projectory assumption > nice Mexican traffic cop encounters an accident and in good faith use the information you gave on your Mexican driver’s license to be helpful in the emergency. Unwanted international cultural outcome = gringo/a dies as result of faulty blood type listing being reported by nice Mexican cop. Nice Mexican cop feel terrible responsibility and contracts la tristeza.

As often happens in conversation, the initiating topic sentence leads to a response that has multiple related facets. One of the multiple related facets is pursued more vigorously as a result of its more awidely shared interest. None of the conversationalists want to appear rude, and thus do not interrupt the conversation in progress and rephrase a new topic sentence of the related topic facet. Then as often happens, all the participants smilingly continue as if nothing is out of order. I’ve seen it happen time and time again.

(This post was edited by TomG on May 4, 2004, 11:16 AM)

jzh

May 4, 2004, 10:01 AM

Post #18 of 33 (4108 views)

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Re: [Jerry@Ajijic] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Jerry,

In both DF and Estado de Mexico, they make not of the letter and the +/-.

However, Jennifer is right, this is off topic.

mepsi

May 4, 2004, 12:36 PM

Post #19 of 33 (4079 views)

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Re: [TomG] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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To get back to the "Traffic Cop" subject, I'll give you my favorite. A few years ago we were staying in a hotel in downtown Mexico City when, about 2:30 AM, my wife got sick. I knew what medication was needed and headed out into the night, having no idea where to find an all night Pharmacy. After walking aimlessly for a few minutes I came upon a traffic cop stopped on his motorcycle across the street from Bellas Artes and asked him for help. He said he didn't know where one was for sure and after some further conversation in my mediocre Spanish he suggested I give him whatever I thought the medicine would cost and he would try to find the medicine and bring it to our hotel. I figured I didn't really have much to lose and gave him the peso equivalent of about $15 and returned to the hotel. About an hour later he showed up at the hotel with the correct medicine, a receipt and the exact change. I almost had to force a tip on him.

As an ex law enforcement officer in the US I can about guarantee it would not have happened like this NOB.

Monte

Karin

May 4, 2004, 2:56 PM

Post #20 of 33 (4050 views)

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Re: [TomG] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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When the question of the blood type comes up, there are actually three options:
1) the correct blood type
2) the estimated or wrong one, or
3) none at all.
When applying for my drivers license, I was told by the nice lady: No es importante.

brooklyn

May 7, 2009, 8:45 AM

Post #21 of 33 (3905 views)

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Re: [mepsi] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Last year, crossing over from McAllen to Reynosa, I, in my typical non-comprehending gringo fashion, blundered into the wrong traffic lane. I should have been at the other side of the plaza, where the immigration office is, but traffic was speeding across the plaza, and I did not see how I could get across without a bad collision.

A traffic cop on duty there saw my problem. He quickly held up all the traffic, bowed and motioned to me to drive across, which I did. The traffic was then resumed.

When I tried to tip him, he refused, saying simply "Welcome to Mexico".

La Isla

May 7, 2009, 11:00 AM

Post #22 of 33 (3874 views)

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Re: [Marlene] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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In Reply To

A friend, after living here 16 years and who has a Mexican plated vehicle, decided she would get a Sinaloa DL too, so accompanied me. I asked for the test in English however she said it didn't matter to her so was promptly presented with it in Spanish. My test had all multiple choice and circle the answers; she had lengthy open ended questions to answer. All the pleading in the world to get an English test after completing question number 3, did her no good at all. (I am still chuckling) She got 92, I got 90 so she actually got the last laugh.

I'm guessing that the reason the English test was multiple-choice is that they didn't have anyone on staff capable of correcting essay-type answers in English.

Marlene

May 7, 2009, 12:41 PM

Post #23 of 33 (3856 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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A 5 year old thread surfaces! I had to read my post before answering, as I thought I was losing my mind, posting and forgetting! hehe

Yes, at that time, and probably still, there was no one in that department to mark in English. The lecture was in Spanish. They have the code to the multiple choice to deal with the English test.

BajaGringo

May 7, 2009, 3:07 PM

Post #24 of 33 (3825 views)

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Re: [La Isla] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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Here at the Rosarito Beach office in Baja they give the test on a touch screen computer and it is in Spanish. I was able to take the test in Spanish and sweated it out a bit, not because I didn't understand the questions/answers but I realized that I never even bothered to check if the traffic laws were the same as NOB?

Somehow I actually scored a 100% and while waiting for them to give me my drivers license I watched another gringo take the test who didn't speak a word of Spanish. They gave him an interpreter who ended up giving the guy all the answers in the process.

You got to love Mexico...

Our House Building Project in Mexico...
Lomas de San Martin
Loving Life on the Baja Peninsula

Ustlach

May 13, 2009, 1:57 PM

Post #25 of 33 (3668 views)

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Re: [BajaGringo] Another encounter with a traffic cop

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All this talk about DL's prompted me to go find out what the local requirements are.

On Trip One I arrived at the one and only DL office serving this community of over 1 million inhabitants just at 2 pm as they were closing their doors for the day. No info that day. The walk from the nearest parking places (unless you get really lucky after driving around for a while) is about a 15 minute walk either in a dusty ditch full of basura or in the street with all the other maniacs looking for a parking place. Daytime temperatures have been about 105'F the past three weeks, and will only get hotter. I would wait until winter, but I am not sure when winter is. Those two or three days in December when it was only 88'F? (Hyperbole...it was a little cooler for a few more days than that.)

On Trip Two I was asked if I had a current Sonoran DL. I wondered why I would be there if I did, but since I don't have, I said no, my DL is current but from the USA.

In that case I would have to come back another day and take a driving test.

Then if I passed I would need:

1. a completed application form with my signature, the signature of a doctor, and the signature of a mechanic. No further information on which doctors and mechanics are authorized. My partner thinks the doctor and mechanic may be DMV people right there in the office, but we don't know at this point. Are Mexican DL's valid only for a specific car? What if I drive my partner's car and not mine? They do not answer phones.

2. proof of residence in Sonora: the usual electric or water bill, and another form of ID such as an voter's card or Mexican passport. Pretty sure a US passport would not suffice. An FM2 or FM3 might work, but no way to know until you try. I imagine that would be able Trip 5 or 6 to the office.

No written tests. Why does that not surprise me?

The instructions say absolutely nothing about a fee. I assume that will be Trip Six or Seven after going to a bank someplace to pay the fee.

There are no Driver's Manuals or information about the laws. This and the driving test are what concern me the most:

Will I get dinged for making complete stops at stop signs and stop lights? It is obvious that no one here ever stops at stop signs or red lights unless they are convinced they cannot get through the intersection without hitting another car or that the other on-coming traffic might not be intimidated and get out of the way. If there are no cars close, they do not stop. Maybe I will get dinged for obstructing the traffic behind me if I make complete stops.

Will I get dinged if I take the long way around and through some one-way streets instead of speeding down the street in the wrong direction if I can see a way to do it without hitting another car? I gather hitting pedestrians might be OK.

Very near the DMV is the CIMA hospital (recently tauted on these fora for being some special hospital recognized by US insurance companies, or some such thing) with the only glorieta I am aware of in this city. All traffic from the east (back where the DMV is located) wanting to enter the hospital parking lot goes the wrong way around half of a glorieta and then down the wrong way of the one-way exit road into the parking lot. I hope the tester doesn't take me there. It is very near the DMV and would be a great place to test a driver on use of a glorieta, but who knows what the right way is?

If asked to park in a space too small for my vehicle, will I get dinged for saying "I cannot. The space is too small." instead of bumping and pushing the cars that are in my way until I get in?

What if I am able to find a speed limit sign (a very big "IF") and then drive at or under that speed limit. Will I again be found at fault for obstructing traffic by driving too slowly?

What if I wait at an intersection to let pedestrians cross? More obstructing traffic?

And then the biggy...virtually all of the major streets in the center of the city are one-way streets. At every intersection where there is a semifour and there are also stop signs. When I first got here I was a wreck as my partner would blast right through the stop signs without any hestiation. He runs all the red lights and all the stops signs just like all the other people here do, but he usually slows down a little to see if anything big is coming from the other direction, then he blows on through. But not at these intersections. "The light was green," he would say. Then I just don't know what the stop signs are supposed to mean. He says when the lights are not working, then people use the stop signs. Oh, I guess then, no one here uses the system we use in the USA when the traffic lights are out. Well, of course not, that would require some knowledge of traffic laws and a measure of consideration for other people. Both things Mexicans are completely devoid of.

I just don't think I can pass a driving test when I have no idea how to drive here. Fifty years of accident free driving in the USA means nothing and has not prepared me to pass the test here. A test which the Sonorans do not take. From what I can determine by talking to my partner and other Sonoran friends, none of them has ever taken a written test nor a driving test, and none of them has any clue whatsoever as to the actual Rules of the Road. They have never seen or heard of a driver's manual.

I guess I will drive on my US DL until I can't get back there to get another one.

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