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sms

Nov 14, 2003, 7:26 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1116 views)

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Do the "Federales" accept "la mordida"?

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About three or four times I had to deal with city traffic police for minor infractions. Each time I offered to "pay the fine on the spot," a suggestion always met by a big smile and the customary reply "but I do not have a receipt to give you," which was then invariably followed by my "no hay problema, muchas gracias," etc, etc.

I read somewhere, however, that if you get stopped by the Policia Federal de Caminos (for example, for speeding), one should fully cooperate and not even try anything that resembles the conversation above, unless you want to spend some time in jail.

If anyone has any insights regarding when it is OK to "pay on the spot with no receipt," and when it's not, I would love to hear it!

Thanks!

Rolly

Nov 14, 2003, 7:40 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1107 views)

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Re: [sms] Do the "Federales" accept "la mordida"?

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I have no personal experience, thank goodness; but my Mexican friends have warned me not to offer a bribe to the Federales. They are a good bit more professional that most local cops.

Rolly Pirate

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RickM

Nov 15, 2003, 11:01 AM

Post #3 of 6 (1049 views)

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Re: [sms] Do the "Federales" accept "la mordida"?

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anyone have a mordida infraction that did not involve a car?

esperanza

Nov 15, 2003, 11:20 AM

Post #4 of 6 (1047 views)

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Re: [RickM] Do the "Federales" accept "la mordida"?

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I think I understand what you mean, but really~there is no such thing as a 'mordida infraction'. There are occasional times when the police try to shake you down for an imaginary offense (and yes, frequently automotive). That's happened to me twice in 25 years, once recently in Nuevo Laredo and once about 8 years ago in Guadalajara. There are other times when you've really broken a traffic law and you're stopped for it; sometimes you can take care of the problem right then and there by "paying the fine".

An infraction that doesn't involve a car...there is so much potential for this. I've been involved in a situation where the building inspector, upon inspecting a problem with a building, 'suggested' that the official notice to fix it or pay a fine might be delayed by...*ahem*...*ahem*. I've known folks who have paid a little something under the table to expedite paperwork for immigration and permits of one kind or another. The opportunity for these kinds of mordida are almost endless. President Fox has attempted to achieve transparencia en gobierno (transparency in government) and put an end to the mordida (and in some instances it's worked pretty well). In other instances, la vida sigue igual (life goes on the same).

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David Eidell

Nov 17, 2003, 2:58 PM

Post #5 of 6 (952 views)

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"Senor We Have Stopped Nobody All Day And We Are Thirsty"

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This was such good theatre, that I laughed and forked over twenty pesos for the effort. place: South of Ciudad Obregon on Mex 15 libre. The cop stood back, snapped to attention, rendered a crisp salute and quipped: "Senor you are a caballero".

Carron

Nov 17, 2003, 3:22 PM

Post #6 of 6 (943 views)

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Re: [sms] Do the "Federales" accept "la mordida"?

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Mexicans are polite in a way many norteamericanos are not. Perhaps "flexible" or "problem-solvers" would be a better description. I would never hesitate to at least ask a federal if I could pay the fine on the spot. That is not offering a mordida. It is simply asking if there is an expedient way to solve the problem. I am never too proud to throw myself upon the mercy of a Mexican official. The best way to get past a problem is to ask for help. Usually the solution is immediate and mutually beneficial. And, no, you won't be thrown into jail for attempting to "bribe" an official if you ask politely for help. It is usually given and the cost, if any, is minimal.