Driving in Mexico - Part Three

David is feeling fairly confident about driving in Mexico, but, as with most first-time visitors, he's nervous about encountering policemen. Most policemen are honest, of course, but there are always a few who give the rest a bad name.  And, of course, all the guidebooks talk about bribes (mordidas - literally “little death”) that sometimes have to be paid to policemen who stop drivers on trumped up charges. Although the government has largely curtailed this practice, a policeman may still try to extort money from you. I told David to remember these points to avoid having to pay mordida.

When a policeman stops you, even though you’ve broken no law, he may ask for your driver’s license. A favorite way of getting mordida is to say he will keep your license until you pay for the “ticket” right then and there. If he asks to see your license, show it to him, but do not let him take it. If he does so anyway, get out your notepad and ask for his name and badge number. (Su nombre, por favor? Su numero?) Then get out of your car to walk around and get his license plate number.

This will almost always stop any further action on the policeman’s part, and he will return your license and tell you to go on. The reason is because the policeman knows he is doing something illegal (keeping your license) on trumped up charges, and he realizes you’re savvy enough to report him. He would rather let you drive on than lose his job.