Driving Colorado to Potrero Chico?

I didn't mean to start a pissing contest like 99% of all the other posts here on the MP. THe mesage is simple. Mexico is the way it is and we are not going to change it. I heard people say the exact same thing Tim is saying over 10 years ago. Guess what, it hasn't changed.

The scenario is... you're not a veteran driver in Mexico... it's your 1st or 2nd trip to... you do or don't speak any Spanish... guys with guns that are not in official looking vehicles pull you over and have your ID and papers in their hand.... and if you give them ( OK let's say 5 dollars if that makes you feel better) they give you all your stuff back and your on your way.

For the people that just want to get there and not try to change the
way a country operates, take this advise. If you want to save the corrupt ways of Mexico and "make a difference" DO what Tim does. Look at the guys holding guns (they love to show them) and say take me to your leader.

My apologies if I painted a scary scenario, that wasn't my intention. I have been in a vehicle that was pulled over in Mexico 4 times, in about 40 days of driving.
One of the times driving to EPC I missed the exit for Hidalgo which is easy to do, wound up in the outskirts of Monterey in industrial nowhere. We made a U turn at 1 or 2 in the morning and were instantly pulled over by two guys in an old Toyota. The first thing they did was grab our ID's and paperwork. We sat there not being able to effectively communicate for about 1/2 an hour before we figured out what they really needed... $20 bucks... done. Id's back in our hands and we were off. I wasn't painting a scary scenario, this is what happens. I'm trying to inform others who asked for this kind of information that don't have your experience (Tim) that this is how it works.

I'm not try to one up you guys or win this... pissing contest. I hardly ever post for this very reason. You people with nothing better to do (Tim) Get a life! I shared with others my own personal experiences so they can benefit from this information. I won't be responding to anymore of this.

Happy holidays everybody. Climb in EPC it's a lot of fun and despite all this B.S. driving there isn't that bad.

"Aint no god in Mexico, Aint no way to understand, When your down in Matamoros being busted by the man!" Waylon Jennings
I have had so much wild shxx happen while traveling Mexican highways!
Most of it turned out to be good in the end. But some was not all that good!Let's see, this reminds me of a story or two.

This is a cool link to see what the traffic looks like at the Laredo crossings. cityoflaredo.com/bridgesys/…

My advice of 15+ years of driving to Potrero/Mex...don't be a tool and everything will be fine. Tim is right on in his postings BTW.
I like to travel down late at night....like 2am, it's so much easier getting registered etc.
Note if you go down during the Holidays crossing in either direction will suck big time no matter what time, but again late night crossings will be less hassel/traffic.

I see, Bennie. You got pulled over and it was sufficiently intimidating that you just wanted it to end. We have been in that sort of situation as well, but with Spanish speaking riders. Usually, with a little terse argument you can get them to back down. They have no legitimate reason to stop you and know it. These aren't highway bandits, just underpaid officials. Bandits just point their guns and you and pull you out of the car. Officials ask for papers and just sit around if you can't communicate sometimes. Other times, like with an army check point, there are too many other marks to panhandle in line, so they wave you on. Sounds like your guys wanted money to go get drunk. It's spooky, I know.

Cross at the Columbia Solidarity Bridge which is about 15 mins out of the way from Lareado, but well worth it. Most times there were no cars in front of us. No Lines, No hassles, etc.!

An international driver's license is useful for handing over in lieu of your real driver's license. I never hand out my real driver's license in other countries unless i absolutely have to - I also make color copies of my real driver's license on heavy card stock and laminate them. I hand those over so its no loss if it disappears.

I second the notion that you should avoid paying bribes in Mexico. Mexico has changed considerably in the last 10 years - bribes are unusual and generally only around the borders, there is no trash along the roads anymore, etc. With even very very basic Spanish you should be able to stand your ground.

If you ever head further south into Central America, 80% of bribes go away if you ask for an official receipt - a factura. I paid at first because i was intimidated, but after a half dozen crossings I argued every bullshit bribe and got past all of them except at the nicaragua honduras border where it seemed to be unavoidable.