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RPF22

Sep 23, 2009, 2:22 PM

Post #1 of 6 (1394 views)

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Returning to U.S. without our car

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Hola a todos,

My girlfriend and I are in Mexico on tourist visas that don't expire for a while still. We're planning on flying home for about a month around the holidays. We drove down here, and are planning to leave our car in Vallarta; while we fly home for this short visit. Will there be a problem returning without our car? If so are there any ways around this? Thanks in advance.

-RPF

Rolly

Sep 23, 2009, 3:15 PM

Post #2 of 6 (1377 views)

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Re: [RPF22] Returning to U.S. without our car

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If I had a dollar for every time that questions has been asked here, I'd be rich instead of just good looking. Smile

When you check in at the airport, the government requires the clerk to take your tourist card (FMT), then you will depart, and your car will become illegal. However, your chances of getting caught are about zero. You'll get a new FMT when you return, but it won't be associated with your vehicle permit.

Nevertheless, to be somewhat safe I would do this: Make a copy of your current FMT and keep it and all your flight paperwork with you in the car in case anyone wants to check on your status.

This question has come up many times, but no one has ever reported getting into trouble over it. That doesn't mean it hasn't happened, just that I have never heard of it (and I have big ears).

Rolly Pirate

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

(This post was edited by Rolly on Sep 23, 2009, 3:18 PM)

Papirex

Sep 23, 2009, 5:51 PM

Post #3 of 6 (1344 views)

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Re: [RPF22] Returning to U.S. without our car

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Rolly is right, it is illegal for you to leave a temporarily imported car in the country if you are not present. Your chances of being caught are very low though. Whatever you do, make sure the car is locked in a very secure place and do not leave a set of keys for it with a trusted “friend” to start the car once in a while. If you are worried about the battery going dead, disconnect the battery. Believe it or not, after a few months the tiny trickle of power used by the clock in your cars radio will drain the battery, that's an old RV ers trick. It works.

More than one ex-pat has reported that after returning from a trip out of the country, they found out that their gardener or a friend had been driving their car illegally while they were gone. If a Mexican citizen is not related to you, it is illegal for them to drive your car if you are not present. If they are not named on your insurance policy no insurance is in force while they are driving the car. All licensed drivers are not automatically covered here. In case of an accident, you will be responsible for all damages.

If an unauthorized driver is caught driving your temporarily imported car it could mean big trouble for you. Up to and including confiscation of the car. That is not likely to happen, but it is a can of worms that you don't want to risk. Don't count on logic to get you off the hook, leaving the car here is a crime and you will be stuck. Don't just park the car, lock it up.

Rex

"The supreme happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved" - Victor Hugo

chinagringo

Sep 23, 2009, 6:03 PM

Post #4 of 6 (1340 views)

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Re: [Papirex] Returning to U.S. without our car

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Extremely good advice Rex! In our case, we left our "caretaker" with keys to start it periodically only to find out that "road trips" had been made. No incidents but we had a $600+ USD repair bill before we were able to drive it again!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

robt65

Sep 24, 2009, 10:40 AM

Post #5 of 6 (1245 views)

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Re: [RPF22] Returning to U.S. without our car

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I cross the border into Texas (Brownsville) and rent a secure parking area inside a locked security parking and storage company. It is not expensive and really . . . . . is cheap for the peace of mind I recieve. I have needed a boost one time and the caretaker had a booster battery.

Robert

chicois8

Sep 24, 2009, 6:24 PM

Post #6 of 6 (1216 views)

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Re: [RPF22] Returning to U.S. without our car

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One way folks get caught is when you first get your FMT while crossing the border it is stamped with various information within the stamp...date,border crossing, paid mark and a silhouette of a car( if you fly in there is a silhouette of a plane) if the airline employee sees it or cares he may turn you in,probably not but possible...