I apologize if this has been discussed, but I just came back from RP yesterday and couldn't believe the jack-wagons manning the military checkpoint. Let me say that I have been coming down for 12+ years and have zero worry over corruption or any goofy preconceived ideas on Mexico.....I know EXACTLY what it's all about. Both entering and exiting I was (to be polite) berated for not speaking Spanish. Also, when they searched my car (which I am fine with) they were joking around and tossing crap wherever they wanted. They knew I didn't speak Spanish so they thought it was a joke.
I was polite, but if someone in the States acted like these kids were acting I would have had a different position. I'm not gonna get into an argument with a Mexican military "official", but I'm betting a lot of people won't be returning if they get treated like I did. Sad to see a bunch of 20-something "tools" treating their jobs like they are Barney Fife.
I should probably clarify my post/thread....it's not the Military checkpoint that could hurt Rocky Point, but rather the way they are treating people....BIG big difference. I have no problem with the check point at all.
They are young, they are conscripted (for the most part) they have zero knowledge of tourism....zero. Be patient they will learn this is the way they learn. As things move forward I believe that they will be trained better. Ojala!
I should probably clarify my post/thread....it's not the Military checkpoint that could hurt Rocky Point, but rather the way they are treating people....BIG big difference. I have no problem with the check point at all.
Agreed, I heard (hearsay) and my sources are pretty good that they just changed out the sold gers that were manning the check point, also said the line was over a mile long!
I'll be crossing in the morning with no meat, but my dog will be coming with, anyone know if their checking engine compartments, need to hide the dog food..LOL
Yes they recently changed the entire crew out there so they are all newbies prolly taking the new assignment seriously. They will mellow out before the next changeover.
I'd put it in smaller bags and tape the bags to my body. They never do a body search.
He'll even eat purina dog chow, not a high maintenance dog like scooter. where do they sell a small bag of that. I seen pedigree at the vets. I don't shop at sams quantities are a bit large, How you doing on wine?
Small bags at Santa Fe, Super Ley & the Bodega. Hey thanks for askin. Pick me up a 5L box of Merlot, prefer Vella brand but Franzia is OK. You don't have to tape that to your body or bury it in the cooler !!!
We have never had a problem. They have been polite and have never searched our car. We are down at least once month. We also give them water as we leave town
We went north this morning. At the check point they were very nice, although did ask us to open the trunk and it was checked briefly. Were going to CA and were told to go by way of Gila Bend as we could have a very long wait crossing the border at San Luis or Mexicali - ended up going through 4 US check points. All very nice but took time :)
Hello PP lovers. It is a sad situation now. Both countries have shifted heavily into drug trafficking prevention. Legality for Checkpoints inside USA are loosely based on supreme court ruling on Martinez-fuerte, border agent has a split second decision to order you to pull over for inspection once you make a complete stop at the stop sign. Most people just give up their right (4th) soon as they open the window and proceeds to talk to the agent. It is a trick that border patrol plays on people on giving up their amendment rights so that's why we have these checkpoints popping up like mushrooms after rain. As for the Mexico there is a law on freedom of travel, so these military checkpoints lack legitimacy, but just because of lack of rule of law in mexico these military checkpoints are everywhere, searching your car, braking stuff in your car, even planting drugs on you. There is a new story about this: EXCLUSIVE: AZ family says sister-in-law jailed in Mexico - CBS 5 - KPHO And this is from Sonora tourism webpage:
Rocky Point has exactly three roads into and out of town. There is a check point just outside of town on each of these roads helping to keep the riffraff away. Just think about the good that they are doing for our little city. So, next time you come through, instead of grumbling about the extra hassle, be grateful that they are doing their job keeping us all safe
And I would like to respond to that with this great quote: Those Who Sacrifice Liberty For Security Deserve Neither.(Benjamin F)
Please expand on what problems you have personally had with CBP.
Absent of any suspicion US customs agent made me pull into secondary inspection and I had to sit on a chair that they ordered me to sit in the sun, while agent went trough my car pulling trimming, pulling on carpet, braking things just because its an old car and he felt that its not a big deal. Agents won't ask you how to open something, they just assume it opens this way, like they pulled on the back seat and broke the mounting pin. This happened few times, and in general agents were arrogant and not polite at all. As for the internal checkpoint I never had any problems except few times where I refused to answer any questions and questioned the legality of the checkpoint.
Problem is that they have a lot of leeway in what they can do. Might not be able to arrest you or charge you with some infraction, but they sure can give you a headache and be a royal pain in the a##. I just smile and act a little stupid or make a wisecrack to break the ice. Had no problem in the 4 times I've crossed in the past 3 years !!
I apologize if this has been discussed, but I just came back from RP yesterday and couldn't believe the jack-wagons manning the military checkpoint. Let me say that I have been coming down for 12+ years and have zero worry over corruption or any goofy preconceived ideas on Mexico.....I know EXACTLY what it's all about. Both entering and exiting I was (to be polite) berated for not speaking Spanish. Also, when they searched my car (which I am fine with) they were joking around and tossing crap wherever they wanted. They knew I didn't speak Spanish so they thought it was a joke.
I was polite, but if someone in the States acted like these kids were acting I would have had a different position. I'm not gonna get into an argument with a Mexican military "official", but I'm betting a lot of people won't be returning if they get treated like I did. Sad to see a bunch of 20-something "tools" treating their jobs like they are Barney Fife.
I find this hard to believe. They are not all kids but they are all very polite. Sometimes I speak in English just so they don't ask too many questions but I am glad they are there. Look at the crowds this weekend if you want proof. No attitude usually begets no attitude (vica versa)
My only issue with the checkpoint is the wait time. I have waited close to an hour several times. However they are always polite, just annoying. Yesterday going north, the military guy spent 5 minutes trying to chat up my sons 19 year old girlfriend, instead of just clearing traffic... Clearly trying to hit on her in broken English. No questions were asked related to our trip, what we were bring with us, etc. Just flirty chat type talk. After about 5 minutes, I finally just said, Well, nice talking to you, rolled up my windows and drove off...I don't mind being checked, as it is for everyone safety, but holding up a very long line just to flirt?
Never had any problem at the Mexican military check points, they have big guns and are very intimidating so I keep my mouth shut and do as they ask. They have gone all through the motor home checking cabinets, closets and the refrigerator and I've never given them any reason to jack me. Entering Mexico I've gotten the red light and searched and turned around because we didn't have registration to some quads, I was not happy but it was my fault and I didn't throw a bitch fest on them. When returning to the mother country I've had to go through secondary many times and sit outside on the concrete benches while CBP went through the motor home and as they exit holding my small forgotten contraband of food that we didn't finish, they remind me of the possible implications of returning and not declaring such items. I acknowledge with concern and they send me on my way, no big deal. I've seen others get jacked as they throw a bitch fest about their rights and I hope they enjoy what they've earned. Here's a training film on how to work with the law regardless of which side of the border you're on: Chris Rock - How not to get your ass kicked by the police! - YouTube
still...Some peasant with a machine gun or some redneck Deputy Sherriff in the states I hate the gotcha aspect of this thing.They look for crappy little reasons to either make you grovel,arrest you or get some cash ....The Caborca and RP police departments are in the process of cleaning up but there isn't a deep bench.I think a certain type of person becomes a lawman that really shouldn't even be allowed to be a damn dog catchers.If you dig deep enough I'm sure you will find murdered pets in their childhood backyards.
still...Some peasant with a machine gun or some redneck Deputy Sherriff in the states I hate the gotcha aspect of this thing.They look for crappy little reasons to either make you grovel,arrest you or get some cash ....The Caborca and RP police departments are in the process of cleaning up but there isn't a deep bench.I think a certain type of person becomes a lawman that really shouldn't even be allowed to be a damn dog catchers.If you dig deep enough I'm sure you will find murdered pets in their childhood backyards.
Can't say I disagree with this. There's more domestic violence in marriages with policemen. It's all a power thing. Just because they can. Not sure if they start out like that or it's a transformation over time.
I find this hard to believe. They are not all kids but they are all very polite. Sometimes I speak in English just so they don't ask too many questions but I am glad they are there. Look at the crowds this weekend if you want proof. No attitude usually begets no attitude (vica versa)0
Sorry if you think I am lying for some reason. Not sure if you think I am somehow trying to ruin Rocky Point by lying to all of you. I have been coming down to RP for a long time, have a place down here, and have been through the check point many many times. Can you please explain what you think I am trying to accomplish? Do you honestly think I just made this up? As for attitude, I'm a 43 year old professional who isn't out giving people attitude. I had no beer, no group of partiers, no mouthing off...I was a guy trying to come and go to RP, with an almost completely empty vehicle (I had some paperwork in my passenger seat and a hard hat, work vest and work gloves in the back seat as I forgot to pull them out before I left). I rolled down all 4 windows in my truck and was very polite.
I was told both coming and going that "This is Mexico, learn to speak Spanish." Then BOTH times the rest of the conversation took place in Spanish. I know some Spanish but not enough that I am going to get into a conversation with them (I understand more than I can speak). The few things I did have were tossed around the truck while the 2 guys were holding them up and laughing, then tossing them to another part of the car. This was at 9:30 Friday morning and then again at 2:30 in the afternoon.
This isn't my first rodeo my friend....I know the drill.
MNK - Please feel free to filter some of the "bleeding heart" comments on this forum. Although I haven't experienced what you describe at the Rocky Point checkpoint, I certainly have at other Mexican checkpoints, particularly while traveling Baja. At one, a young soldier literally kicked the door of my Tahoe shut, leaving a dent and a bootmark in it. I immediately asked to see the officer in charge and showed him what the soldier had done. He apologized and said he would deal with it, that it was uncalled for.
As someone mentioned, most these Army guys are young conscripts. Very little training and no manners to speak of. If you feel you have been mistreated, do not be afraid to ask for the officer in charge of the detachment. In most cases, the officers are better educated and can speak English and they don't like hearing about their troops acting out on civilians - Mexican or Gringo.
I think i'd rather have a redneck Sheriff mess with me rather than some 110 pound mexican army kid that can barely lift his G3 to point it at someone because it weighs more than him. Also next time you run through pay attention to their trigger discipline lol.
The Mexican soldiers who man the checkpoints in northern mexico are usually from southern mexico. Because of this the northerners call them "guachos", it is Spanish term for south American cowboys and is used as derogatory term for Mexican soldiers from the south. The north Mexicans are being sent to south to take care of the checkpoints there, they are moved to totally different location that their home place to combat corruption. I have never had any problems with military checkpoints and the reason is I respond quickly to their questions: "que se dedica, de donde viene, a donde va". I look right in the eye with a confident look and respond quickly in Spanish. Regardless of all of this, I still think it is a travesty that people are subjected to any checkpoint in modern free country. Mexican government uses Cuba as a bad example but I don't see much difference.
The Mexican soldiers who man the checkpoints in northern mexico are usually from southern mexico. Because of this the northerners call them "guachos", it is Spanish term for south American cowboys and is used as derogatory term for Mexican soldiers from the south. The north Mexicans are being sent to south to take care of the checkpoints there, they are moved to totally different location that their home place to combat corruption. I have never had any problems with military checkpoints and the reason is I respond quickly to their questions: "que se dedica, de donde viene, a donde va". I look right in the eye with a confident look and respond quickly in Spanish. Regardless of all of this, I still think it is a travesty that people are subjected to any checkpoint in modern free country. Mexican government uses Cuba as a bad example but I don't see much difference.
One of these days one of those wachito's is going to kick your "Bad Ass".
I encourage those of you who have had unplesant first hand experiences with the staff at the military stop to contact Sonora Tourisim and to relate you experiences in a matter of fact constructive way. I had the occasion to speak with the director several years back about a problem I had with the staff at Almejas Aduana stop and he was incensed about their behavior and wanted names, etc. Please do it and do it in the spirit of being helpful to him to do his job without a lot of complaining. If you are into name calling forget it. I wrote describing second hand some of the experiences I have heard about and think some first hand accounts would be good. While aknowledging they have an important job to do, and not objecting to the stop in and of itself, I suggested some training might be appropriate given the large tourist traffic at this location. Find a "contact us" e-mail link here:Sonora Turismo
Yesterday we traveled the Coastal Highway for the first time coming home. We ended up behind one the the military trucks for some miles - gave a feeling of security rather then anything else. Somehow DH was so busy following them that we entered the exit area of the military checkpoint - rather then taking the dirt path through the Agi check point.
One of the guys came towards us, holding up oncoming traffic as he motioned us to stop. At that point we weren't sure what we had done as we were on the right side of the highway. He smiled and asked if we spoke Spanish. When DH said he spoke a little the guard, smiling, went into rapid fire Spanish. Fortunately his hand motions were enough to have us realize we had missed our 'dirt lane' and he wanted us to turn around, go back beyond the pylons onto the dirt section. We thanked him, did as asked and he smiled and waved as he then released the oncoming traffic.
It was our mistake and they were all perfectly nice and helpful. Have to admit we never worry about the check points as all we have seen is them doing their job. As long as they keep the bad guys, drugs and weapons out of Penasco (Sonora in this case) we'll be happy to see them. When we had left Penasco the week before, headed for Lukeville, the guard did check the trunk - tapping on the walls of the trunk, etc. He was polite but being conscientious. We smiled, thanked him and he smiled as he finally waved us on.
Yesterday we traveled the Coastal Highway for the first time coming home. We ended up behind one the the military trucks for some miles - gave a feeling of security rather then anything else. Somehow DH was so busy following them that we entered the exit area of the military checkpoint - rather then taking the dirt path through the Agi check point.
One of the guys came towards us, holding up oncoming traffic as he motioned us to stop. At that point we weren't sure what we had done as we were on the right side of the highway. He smiled and asked if we spoke Spanish. When DH said he spoke a little the guard, smiling, went into rapid fire Spanish. Fortunately his hand motions were enough to have us realize we had missed our 'dirt lane' and he wanted us to turn around, go back beyond the pylons onto the dirt section. We thanked him, did as asked and he smiled and waved as he then released the oncoming traffic.
It was our mistake and they were all perfectly nice and helpful. Have to admit we never worry about the check points as all we have seen is them doing their job. As long as they keep the bad guys, drugs and weapons out of Penasco (Sonora in this case) we'll be happy to see them. When we had left Penasco the week before, headed for Lukeville, the guard did check the trunk - tapping on the walls of the trunk, etc. He was polite but being conscientious. We smiled, thanked him and he smiled as he finally waved us on.
You would be naive to believe that bad guys weapons and drugs are being kept out of Sonora or even Penasco for that matter.
You would be naive to believe that bad guys weapons and drugs are being kept out of Sonora or even Penasco for that matter.
You are correct, we would be naive if we thought all drugs and weapons were kept out - especially the bad guys. But, like the police patrolling a neighborhood in the US, every little bit helps. At least one could hope that it would. I dislike it when a cop stops me for speeding - but I do appreciate them when I have a problem and they stop to help.
That intersection is a death trap. People I know go through there several times a day and report that the big rigs virtually never stop at that intersection. It is a prevalent Mexican driving habit, if they can get in front of you they have the right of way irrespective of your speed and location. Sort of like playing chicken. Hard to understand why the local enforcement can pick on fat old bald guys like GV and me, well not really it's called mordita but I never pay.
Bob, part of it is people like me that head South sort of get hypmotized by the road.I cannot quite explain it but you v off to the right and sort of think everone is following you...the next sound you hear is being toned by another driver that did not take the Caborca exit
That is the way we come back from Playa Encanto. They made changes over the years. A flashing light going West before you get to the intersection ( ran over by many). New signs ( no body pays attention to them). Concrete speed bumps
( broke apart). Yellow road bumps maybe 4" tall ( people go to the other lane to miss them). Two ALTO signs now
(forgetaboutthat). Like Roberto said "that intersection is a death trap"
No mater what you do you have slow down way before and look in all directions when you approach that area. If they want to pass you let them have at it. It's to bad people don't know about that area how bad it can be.
I go through with groups all the time, I turn my flashers on and slow to a crawl - my customers don't understand why but I tell them that I am keeping them alive. Drive careful out there.
I had no idea how dangerous that is, thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to slow down next time. Is this issue that people (like that semi in the photo) are cutting into the main road heading into and out of town? That's the new turn off for Sandy Beach and the Coastal Highway, right?
I had no idea how dangerous that is, thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to slow down next time. Is this issue that people (like that semi in the photo) are cutting into the main road heading into and out of town? That's the new turn off for Sandy Beach and the Coastal Highway, right?
yes but mostly the people leaving the port are driving like idiots
ben21;77715 That's the new turn off for Sandy Beach and the Coastal Highway said:
No, it is an intersection on the highway from Sonoita on the edge of Penasco. It connects to Caborca and the Mayan Palace one way and to Laguna Shores, Laguna del Mar, and the coastal highway to California the other way. It is an odd intersection set up so if you are on the highway and want to turn across the opposing traffic lane, you exit on a loop which circles back to form a 90 degree connecction to the highway that you just pulled off of. The design appears to be an attempt to prevent traffic slow downs and rear enders when drivers have to cross opposing traffic lane to exit the highway. An alternative would be a long turning lane. The problem appears to be that traffic entering onto the Sonoita highway or crossing does not stop, like they think it's a traffic circle or something that does not require a stop, this despite the signs.
I had no idea how dangerous that is, thanks for the warning. I'll be sure to slow down next time. Is this issue that people (like that semi in the photo) are cutting into the main road heading into and out of town? That's the new turn off for Sandy Beach and the Coastal Highway, right?
Well, thinking about it, it could be a shortcut to Sandy Beach when coming from Sonoyta, what with the new connection from SB to the coastal highway which intersect the road to Laguna Del Mar. It would avoid going into Penasco and offer a shorter route.
It is an odd intersection set up so if you are on the highway and want to turn across the opposing traffic lane, you exit on a loop which circles back to form a 90 degree connecction to the highway that you just pulled off of. The design appears to be an attempt to prevent traffic slow downs and rear enders when drivers have to cross opposing traffic lane to exit the highway. An alternative would be a long turning lane.
First check points US and Mexican. I have never had a problem on the Mexican side. Yes been stopped and question. Smile and don't admit any spanish. Do as ask without question. This usually gets a smile from the officer Most times, I get the question asking if our dog bites and we smile and say no.
Then the USA side. Going in I usually answer all of the normal questions before being ask and this gets a nice smile and a have a good time.
Then there is the return side. I usually answer all the questions before being ask without any facial expression from the officer. They do their duty with no expression. I have to guess they all hate their job. One time when pulled into the inspection area we were told to go into the office waiting room and stay there. I ask if I could go outside and wait and was told to stay there or be taken into a holding cell. They found nothing and may be 45 min later sent on our way with no comment about our inconvenience.
You can tell where I feel more safe and it sure is not the USA. What a shame this government has become.
I can not wait to get back down there 6 weeks to go.