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yodave

Nov 2, 2011, 10:27 AM

Post #1 of 21 (1083 views)

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Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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If anyone has followed my posts re: paying Aduana a 50% tax on one's stolen US vehicle in order to cancel their temporary permit then you may want to know I decided to forfeit my right to bring another vehicle here from the US and am planning on buying a "Mexican" car. A bit more on that below.

I think I am clear on what kind of insurance I need to get if travelling to the US as it was explained to me by my insurance agent(I will want to buy more liability for example)and know that one has to have insurance to legally drive a foreign plated vehicle in the US.

I need to know if there are any US(or State?)restrictions on driving a Mexican plated car in the US. Are you only allowed to have it in US for so long for example?

I will have the car in New York City for about 3 months-the other 9 months it is in Mexico.

Also, does one REALLY need to have a Mexican driver's license to drive one's Mexican car here?

I am being told it is so less of a hassle owning a Mexican car here than "importing" one and especially since the Tenencia has been abolished(yay!)

Just want to be sure there isn't something I don't know about driving this car in the US before I buy one.

A note re: not cancelling the Temporary Sticker by not paying their absurd taxes to do so. Some one suggested if I wanted to bring another US car into Mexico(which I don't) that I "lose" my passport and have a new one issued. It will have a different # and the chances are the Permit database works on the passport # and not names and addresses. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

Gracias-will keep you posted on how this saga turns out.

yodave

YucaLandia

Nov 2, 2011, 10:49 AM

Post #2 of 21 (1069 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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In Reply To

This topic came up in another thread, where the poster wanted to use different passports to skirt the rules on importing multiple vehicles.

I think you should follow the rules and laws of Mexico, just like you'd follow the rules back in the USA.
steve
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E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

(This post was edited by YucaLandia on Nov 2, 2011, 10:56 AM)

morgaine7

Nov 2, 2011, 11:04 AM

Post #3 of 21 (1055 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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Quote

Also, does one REALLY need to have a Mexican driver's license to drive one's Mexican car here?

You'll have to check the regulations for your Mexican state. In Baja California Sur, for example, a BCS license is needed for a BCS-plated car. Foreign licenses are valid only for a car plated in the same country (e.g., US car = US license). Rental cars excluded, of course.

Kate

yodave

Nov 2, 2011, 11:07 AM

Post #4 of 21 (1057 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I would agree with you about following the laws here as one should follow the laws in the US and I have no intention of "skirting the rules" because I have decided to buy a Mexican car. Though getting a new passport and importing a vehicle under that passport does not seem to be breaking any laws as far as I can see. But I'm not doing that so enough said about that.

When one is confronted with such an usurious LAW here in Mexico that requires one to pay Aduana a 50% tax on the value of one's US car when stolen then one can't be blamed for at least thinking of a way to screw them back(and that's not my usual attitude-but hey!)

Some one is driving around in my car here and I have to PAY the government???!!! C'mon already!

AlanMexicali

Nov 2, 2011, 11:23 AM

Post #5 of 21 (1041 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I have the same question you have. If I buy a Mexican car will I be able to use and keep it in San Diego for extended periods of time with proper insurance? I would like to not import my car and leave this 10 year old car for back up in Mexicali when flying in but when driving the 1400 miles to the border use the newer Mexican car on both sides of the border. I plan on keeping two drivers licenses and registrations.

Rolly

Nov 2, 2011, 11:27 AM

Post #6 of 21 (1041 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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Back to the original question. With proper insurance, you can keep a Mexican-plated vehicle in the USA for one year.
In México, driver's license requirements are a state matter, and the rules vary. Personally, I think you would be better off with a Mexican license when driving a Mexican-plated vehicle in both México and the USA.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

YucaLandia

Nov 2, 2011, 11:29 AM

Post #7 of 21 (1036 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I guess I see things differently:
Are we under duress when we sign documents agreeing to follow the laws when we apply for Temporary Import car permits?

Is it the government's responsibility to advise us of every aspect of every law or regulation we agree to follow?

Who is responsible for reading the terms of an agreement before we sign?

If we agree in writing to take a Temporarily Imported vehicle out of the country or pay a tax equal to the duties, should we accept the legally described consequences when we do not comply with our part of the agreement through no fault of our own?

Maybe this is a "gotcha" incident or maybe this is a very good cautionary tale to help others realize the importance of thoroughly investigating and thoroughly researching the important details of major transactions?

This is like finding out that people without insurance protection (covering getting "bailed out of jail") and insuring financial protection for injuries & damages, can be detained almost indefinitely, without food, until the financial aspects of a car accident are resolved?
steve
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yodave

Nov 2, 2011, 11:48 AM

Post #8 of 21 (1027 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I guess you DO see things differently. You seem to be giving a by to the Mexican Government for what is obviously a law that punishes a victim! You don't really expect people to read every single line(in Spanish)for something like applying for a Temporary Import Sticker do you?

I think we all read what appears to be the most important parts of the application but even the Secretary of Finance of Mexico did not know about this law!!! I found this out yesterday when a high US gov't official I told of this law was blown away with disbelief and anger and called his "guy" re: laws regarding all vehicles to see if it was indeed true.

Pretty easy to say it's a cautionary tale to research, etc when making a major transaction. I agree with you on that and I do that FOR MAJOR TRANSACTIONS. I do not consider getting a vehicle import sticker a MAJOR transaction, however I did check out a lot of things about what my responsibilities were, etc.

But I say that there is hardly a soul out there who knew of this law-that's been my experience and there are a lot of people out there who have said they had no idea. So it's a bad bad law that punishes the victim. Don't give 'em a by by saying it's the victims "fault" for not having done their research.

BTW-I'm not angry here. I just think this is an interesting point of discussion and disagreements make the world....

yodave

Nov 2, 2011, 11:49 AM

Post #9 of 21 (1024 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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Rolly-I agree and plan on getting a Mexican driver's license. Gracias-yodave

YucaLandia

Nov 2, 2011, 12:00 PM

Post #10 of 21 (1015 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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Hi Dave,
I really respect and admire your responses.

I did not think you were trying to slide-by. I think you clearly did your best, and it must be really frustrating to find out that there is a "gotcha" or "catch-22" buried in the fine print -frustrating to deal with hassles of having a car stolen, and then to add insult to injury, you find out that the Mex. Gob. wants 40% of the "value" of your car (serious money) for you to maintain the ability to bring in another vehicle in the future.

You clearly said that you were not going down the by-ways, and because you have handled these things so well, I thought it might be safe to use your example as a spring-board to explore some of the related issues.

I really do think that 100's of expats have benefited from you telling your story. THANKS!
All the best,
steve
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Read-on MacDuff
E-visit at http://yucalandia.wordpress.com/

bournemouth

Nov 2, 2011, 12:53 PM

Post #11 of 21 (999 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I think it might have been kinder if you had used an anonymous example for your new thread, rather than clearly using Dave. I know if I were Dave I would resent your action - he, of course, may not.

RickS

Nov 2, 2011, 12:55 PM

Post #12 of 21 (996 views)

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Re: [YucaLandia] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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It's my understanding (but my 'understandings' are often wrong me thinks!) that this law may be on the books to keep someone from 'disposing' of a vehicle with a temporary permit and then trying to collect from the insurance company.
IF this is the case then I think it is a bad law. Like yodave says it penalizes the innocent while trying to deter the guilty.

I'm thinking too that hardly anyone (outside of, say, a Rolly) would be aware of such a seemingly unlikely law unless they 'come up against it' as yodave has. I surely didn't know about it after having gotten permits almost yearly for 10 years, and I'm pretty sure it has never come up on this forum before (I've been around here since roughly 2000).

All in all, it's just one more reason to think twice about driving down SOB. Yes, the likelihood of having one's car stolen is not high, but it's certainly a bigger risk in Mexico than (where I live and travel) NOB. The thought of having my nice car stolen while visiting Mexico.... and then have the honor of paying the government $10,000 for the privilege.... doesn't sit very well with me. YMMV

(This post was edited by RickS on Nov 2, 2011, 1:08 PM)

AlanMexicali

Nov 2, 2011, 2:01 PM

Post #13 of 21 (975 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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Thanks Rolly that is what I was hoping was the rules. So for 3 to 5 months each year I can do this and there will be no problem getting a normal rate, say for 6 months from a US insurer on that car, hopefully also? I guess I would keep the Mexican insurance up as we will be crossing to Mexico also, no problem for me as to the cost.

Casa

Nov 2, 2011, 2:04 PM

Post #14 of 21 (975 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I think it’s best to check with each individual state especially when holding a drivers license from a US state.

In California for example:
Fees must be paid within 20 days of entry or residency to avoid penalties. Any vehicle owned by a California resident must be registered within 20 days of entry into California unless a special permit was obtained. Nonresidents whose vehicles are properly registered to them in their home state or jurisdiction may operate their vehicles in California until they:

Accept gainful employment in California.
Claim a homeowner's exemption in California.
Rent or lease a residence in California.
Intend to live or be located here on a permanent basis (for example, acquire a California driver license, acquire other licenses not ordinarily extended to a nonresident, registered to vote).
Enroll in an institution of higher learning as a California resident or enroll their dependents in school (K-12).

NOTE: Nonresident military personnel stationed in California or their spouses may operate their vehicles with valid out-of-state license plates from their home state or the state where the military person was last stationed.

In New York

The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) states that you must apply for a NYS driver license not more than 30 days after you become a NYS resident. You also have 30 days after you become a resident to register your vehicle in NYS as well.

Section 250 (5) of the Vehicle and Traffic Law of NYS defines the term "resident." The law defines a resident as a person who lives in NYS with the intent to make NYS a "fixed and permanent" place to live. To live in a house, a home, an apartment, a room or other similar place in NYS for 90 days is considered "presumptive evidence" that you are a resident of NYS. A police officer can use this evidence as the reason to issue a traffic ticket if you drive in NYS without a driver license or vehicle registration issued by NYS.

A 3 month stay in New York puts one right at the limit. And if one is using a New York Driver license then I believe that makes them a resident and subject to registering your vehicle in NYS.

careyeroslib

Nov 3, 2011, 6:08 AM

Post #15 of 21 (906 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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YoDave: I would talk directly to NYS officials regarding your questions.

Just as a note, we´re Canadians, from Ontario, and have driven back and forth at least 10 times in the past few years and I have to say that not even ONCE have I seen a Mexican plated car anywhere in the US north of border states. (Btw, I have had some of the same questions with respect to possibly driving a Mexican plated car to Ontario for an extended period). If I decided to do it, personally, I would want to talk with our Canadian officials in depth. I know in Canada we have strict emission rules, etc., so I would want to know I had all the angles thoroughly researched, particularly since, as I said, I have never ever seen a Mexican-plated car in Canada or in our travels in the northern US which makes me wonder if there are things I don´t know but should.

I know that, for us, we will always try to keep a Canadian-plated car in Canada if we plan to stay for extended periods. It´s not that expensive to keep a car insured against theft and damage in Canada (during the periods we wouldn´t be driving it), and as for storage, we have extensive family in Canada so I´m sure we could find someone to store it for us if we didn´t have anywhere else. If we only plan to stay for short periods in Canada, I believe I would prefer to rent a car while there rather than try to bring Mexican-plated car through two borders and back, but I´m not sure. Good luck in your own research.

N2Futur

Nov 4, 2011, 2:24 PM

Post #16 of 21 (817 views)

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Re: [careyeroslib] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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I drove a Canadian friend's Mexican (Jalisco) plated car all the way to Salt Spring Island, BC last year (May) and then drove her back to Melaque last November. We sure got some strange looks and a lot of waves and thumbs up from Mexican's, driving through the US. We ended up chatting with a Mexican family at a rest stop in Oregon. They thought it was pretty cool that 2 NOB women would drive from Mexico all the way up to Canada.

Elke
___________________________
"When choosing between two evils, I always like to pick the one I never tried before." - Mae West

chinagringo

Nov 4, 2011, 3:14 PM

Post #17 of 21 (803 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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If one thinks that Mexican police target US plated vehicles for attention, then see what happens in certain states NOB when one is driving a Mexican plated vehicle with a Mexican DL! Certain states are very lax while others are quite strict about local registration and local DL within a certain period of time.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

RickS

Nov 4, 2011, 5:14 PM

Post #18 of 21 (775 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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OK, Mr. Naive here....

Just what would a 'quite strict local registration and DL ' look like? Specifically away from the border?

chinagringo

Nov 4, 2011, 5:56 PM

Post #19 of 21 (766 views)

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Re: [RickS] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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Rick:

At least from my experience, certain states have either a "15 day rule" or a "30 day rule" for registering ones vehicle or obtaining a DL. With the backlash against "illegals", some states are more diligent than others.

I am not sure of the current conditions in your State of Colorado but if I remember correctly, back in the 70's they were real hardcore about having a Sate issued DL and plates. In fact. many of my "sales rep friends" with a heavy foot got themselves in trouble with the State. There was a retailer in New Mexico who had an abnormal number of sales reps using his address for not only a DL but also NM plates.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

yodave

Nov 4, 2011, 6:45 PM

Post #20 of 21 (751 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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And if one has legal residence in both Mexico and, say, New York and the car is principally garaged in Mexico AND one has both the NYS license and the Mexican driver's license, AND proper and legal insurance for liability in the state-you're telling me they may say one has to register their Mexican car in that state if they are there for X # of days????

Also, how do they know how long you have been in the state?

Not to mention the fact that I am obviously not an illegal. I'm a bit confused by the post to be honest.

I plan on garaging the Mexican car when in NY anyway....

Gracias and buen fin de semana.

Sculptari

Nov 5, 2011, 6:29 AM

Post #21 of 21 (710 views)

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Re: [yodave] Any restrictions on driving Mexican Plated Car in US

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It is not a well known fact, but there are many very wealthy Mexican families living in Vancouver, Victoria and the Okanogan areas of British Columbia. Mostly from Mexico City and Guadalajara. Many have condos there, and kids in college/university etc. They often drive, I assume through the U.S.A.. My most memorable sighting was coming in downtown Vancouver over the Granville bridge, I was following a brand new yellow and chrome Hummer with Jalisco plates. In the back seat were young kids, each having their own handheld video recorders, filming out the windows.

The younger Mexicans seem to enjoy the cosmopolitan nature, the safety, and are easily accepted by Canadians. The older ones seem to enjoy the peace, and clean/green environment - but eventually need a fix of Mexican NOISE, hustle and bustle.