Tijuana Know Your Rights Tourist Guide

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K n ow yo u r r i g h t s i n Ti j u a n a

No.1 Febrero 2003

Tijuana is one of the most important cities in the country, and by far the most

frequently crossed Mexican border. Among Tijuana's visitors are the large number

of California residents. The Baja California Secretary of Tourism estimates that

more than 4.2 million families from five California counties have visited Tijuana on at

least one occasion. We receive visitors from the rest of the world as well.

The presence of California residents and other U.S. citizens in Tijuana has

a long history and has influenced to a large extent the recreational, commercial, and

tourism options that exist in Tijuana. The relationship between the United States of

America and Mexico along the border is constant, ongoing and profound on both

sides.

THE CITY OF TIJUANA WELCOMES VISITORS AND EXPLAINS THE ROLE OF

THE MUNICIPAL JUDGE TO HELP VISITORS THAT ENCOUNTER LEGAL

SITUATIONS

The role of the Municipal Judge is based on constitutional articles 16, 21,

and 115; articles 44 and 45 of the Laws of the Municipal Regime of the State of Baja

California; and in the Code of Justice for the Municipality of Tijuana, Baja California.

Jesús González Reyes, Mayor of City of Tijuana, Dick Murphy, Mayor City of San DiegoTourist Councilman, Lic. José Agustín Santiago Arreola, Presidente de la Comision de Turismo y ComercioChief of Police of City of San Diego, David Bejarano, Detective, James F. Dickinson Binational Operations Sergeant, Juan R. González, Southern Investigations U.S Consul of Tijuana, Alfredo AnzaldúaChief of Protection Unit, Local Judge Coordinator, Lic. Juanita Rojas Luna, Public RelationS, Ing. William Yu International Affairs Lic. Paola Navarro, Public Saffety director, Martin Dominguez Rocha President of the Tijuana Convention and Visitor Bureau, Raquel StabinskyGraphic Desing and Photography, L.D.G. Sammy L. Durand

DIRECTORY

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C. JOSÉ AGUSTÍN SANTIAGO ARREOLACouncil Chairman of the Tourism

and Business Committee

Since the first day of my administration as City Council Chairman of

the Tourism and Business Committee of the Honorable XVII Tijuana City

Government, I have been working to promote the tourism sector, one of

the most important sectors of our economy. Conscious of problems

negatively affecting our development, I propose by way of a true

commitment, to achieve mechanisms that will day-by-day contribute to the formation of the new

Tijuana that we all desire.

This new Tijuana, requiring the commitment of all sectors of society, would guarantee a

climate of safety for our population and foster a spirit of confidence and respect towards our

visitors.

I invite you to get to know Tijuana, a city that welcomes you with open arms, a city that

day-by-day is transforming itself, a city that through this commitment is WORKING FOR YOU.

WE AWAIT YOUR ARRIVAL!

RAQUEL STABINSKY VELAZCO

President of the Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau

Dear Visitor,

On behalf of the Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, I give you all a warm

welcome to the most visited border city in the world.

We hope that your stay in our city will be a pleasant and memorable

experience. To achieve that, as in any other city in the world, it is necessary that visitors observe

our laws, and enjoy all the rights that Mexicans have.

The main purpose of the Convention and Visitors Bureau is to guide and in other ways

help visitors to the city. With this document we have tried to provide useful and practical

information that will facilitate a visitor's dealings with City authorities.

Again we express our gratitude for chosing the city of Tijuana as your tourist

destination, and we wish you a pleasant stay.

Welcome!!! 4

WHAT IS A MUNICIPAL JUDGE?

A Municipal Judge is an official of the municipal government with the

authority to apply sanctions (penalties) against persons who commit infractions and

misdemeanors and refer persons who commit major crimes or felonies to another

competent authority. The Municipal Judge can also resolve complaints about or

disagreements with sanctions dictated by other municipal authorities.

The Municipal Judge is independent from all police forces and is prepared and

trained to resolve cases in an objective, impartial, and independent manner.

Tijuana has 56 Municipal Judges in 17 different locations of the city. Nine of these

courts offer service 24 hours a day. Among these 24 hour courts is one next to the

San Ysidro/Tijuana border, making Tijuana the first Mexican city to offer a bilingual

municipal judge on the U.S./ Mexico border.

When faced with a fine that you consider unfair, you can contest the fine by

filing an appeal (recurso de incomformidad), either orally or in writing, for a

municipal judge to review. To do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal

judge.

WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM FACED WITH A FINE I CONSIDER UNFAIR?

You should always politely insist on a written citation. Note: Offering

money to a police officer to avoid a ticket or other penalty is a crime in Mexico.

Likewise, it is against the law for a police officer to demand or ask for money.

WHAT CAN I DO IF A POLICE OFFICER ASKS FOR MONEY?

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MINORS COMMIT AN INFRACTION?

Minors who violate municipal ordinances and are brought before a

municipal judge, will be turned over to their parents if possible. If it is not possible to

turn the minor over to his/her parents, the minor will be sent to the Detention Facility

for Minors. Remember in Mexico you are considered an adult if you are 18 or over.

Vía Rápida Poniente s/n , Nextside the Tijuana Sport Center.Tel: 622-0084 or 622-0694

(without street number)

2901 Meadowlark drive, San Diego CA. 92123, Tel: (858) 694-4600

Juvenile Probation Center in San Diego

Juvenile Probation Center in Tijuana

WHERE CAN I FIND A MUNICIPAL JUDGE?

AT THE FOLLOWING CITY OFFICES:

INTERNATIONAL BORDER OFFICE: On the Mexican side of the border, near the

SENTRI Lane. Open 24 hours a day.

CENTRAL ZONE OFFICE

Avenida 5 de Mayo (G) & Avenida International s/n (without street number), Zona

Norte (North Zone) Open 24 hours a day. Tel: 685-3736.

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AT THE FOLLOWING CITY OFFICES:

INTERNATIONAL BORDER OFFICE: On the Mexican side of the border, near the

SENTRI Lane. Open 24 hours a day.

PLAYAS DE TIJUANA OFFICE

Av. Pedregal & del Agua s/n, Section Jardines, Playas de Tijuana. Open 24 hours a

day. Tel: 630-8346.

MESA DE OTAY OFFICE

Blvd. Industrial s/n, Ciudad Industrial, Mesa de Otay (Next to the fire station) Open

24 hours a day. Tel: 647-2647.

MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY (CITY JAIL) FOR PERSONS WHO COMMIT

MINOR VIOLATIONS ("Vía Rápida" jail). Detentions for minor offenses and

infractions, where the alleged perpetrator remains no longer than 36 hours. When

the detainee can pay the corresponding fine, he/she will be released immediately

upon payment. Vía Rápida Poniente and Ave. de las Americas S/N Col. 20 de

Noviembre. Open 24 hours a day. Tel: 622-1881, 82.

LA MESA OFFICE

Av. de los Charros & Allende s/n, in Fracc. (neighborhood) Moreno

La Mesa (at the rear of La Mesa State Prison). Open 24 hours a day. Tel: 621-6625

SAN ANTONIO DE LOS BUENOS OFFICE

Av. Miraflores s/n, Fracc. Rubí, approximately 300 meters from Calimax store

Fundadores Open 24 hrs. a day. Tel: 637-0956.

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LA PRESA OFFICE

Aranjuez and Montes de Oca s/n,

Fracc. Villa Fontana, Open 24 hrs. Tel: 701-3541

COLONIA INDEPENDENCIA OFFICE

Calle Abasolo #7560, between Galeana and Matamoros,Colonia (neighborhood)

Independencia. Monday through Thursday 8:30 am - 11:30 pm.

Friday and Saturday 9:00 am - 01:00 am.

MARIANO-FLORIDO SUBSTATION OFFICE

Ruta Matamoros and Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Fracc. Mariano Matamoros

(Next to the DA's Office) Tel:629-8365.

Monday through Saturday-10:00 am - 6:00 pm

LOS PINOS SUBSTATION OFFICE

Old highway to Tecate s/n, next to the Abelardo L. Rodríguez dam

Tel: 689-4825

Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 11:30 pm.

Friday & Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 am.

PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL PARK SUBSTATION OFFICE

Blvd. Pacifico s/n (between OXXO store, Banamex y Bancomer banks)

Tel: 622-8943

Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 11:30 pm. Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 am.

MIGUEL ALEMÁN SUBSTATION OFFICE

Río Eufrates and Amazonas s/n., Infonavit Capistrano Tel: 625-1996

Monday - Friday 4:00pm - 11:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm

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WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMONINFRACTIONS AND MISDEMEANORS COMMITTED BY VISITORS IN TIJUANA?

Loitering on street, which causes a public nuisance.

Using costume or disguises which cause a public naisance.

Creating excessive noise with cars, motorcycles, or musical equipment.

Satisfying physiological needs (excreting or urinating) on the street.

Introducing or drinking intoxicating beverage in public or privateplaces without authorization.

Drinking alcoholic beverage in a vehicle while on a public street or road.

$ 211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30295 29.95

126 to 295 12.60 to 29.50

421 to 1,265 42.10 to 126.50

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

421 to 1,265 42.10 to 126.50

126 to 295 12.60 to 29.50

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

These fines can only be paid at special cashier offices that are open 24 hours a day

at:

OFICINA DE TRANSITO MUNICIPAL (MAIN POLICE STATION)

Calle (Street) 8va corner of Av. Constitución, Zona Centro (Central Zone)

Tel: 685-6557

ESTANCIA MUNICIPAL PARA INFRACTORES (CITY JAIL)

("Vía Rápida" jail). Vía Rápida Poniente (Rapid Way West) and Ave. de las

Americas S/N Col. 20 de Noviembre Tel: 622-1881, 82

INFRACTIONS

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Crimes relating to drugs, alcohol or prostitution.

WHAT ARE THE TRAFFIC

VIOLATIONS MOST COMMONLY COMMITTED

BY VISITORS TO TIJUANA?

INFRACTIONS

Not obeying a traffic signal while driving.

632 to 1,265 63.20 to 126.50

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

464 to 632 46.40 to 63.20

464 to 632 46.40 to 63.20

* Based on the exchange rate of November 21, 2002.

Parking on a red curb 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10127

Note: It is not against the law to drive a U.S rented vehicle in Mexico. To avoid

other problems, however, foreign visitors must make sure that the lease agreement

has a clause allowing travel into Mexico.

You can pay Tijuana traffic fines in the US with a check or money order made

out to: H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana 416 W. San Ysidro Blvd., Suite L., #725, San

Ysidro, CA 92143.

Tto 12.70

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registration has expired

Exceeding the speed limit. The speed limit in the the city is 40 km(25mi.) per hour, unless a traffic sing indicates another speed limit.

Driving on the fast lane.

occurs, the Deputy DA will take a report and initiate an

investigation to locate your vehicle. Do not file a report in México,

if the vehicle was stolen in the United States.

If your vehicle is recovered, you can go to the Municipal Judge to resolve

your case, without having to pay towing, storage, or a fine.

If you are a California resident and your vehicle is stolen while visiting

Mexico, you may file a courtesy report with the California Highway Patrol upon

returning to the U.S. The requirements for filing a report are to:

1) Be resident of California, USA.

2) Vehicle registered in California at the time of theft.

3) Provide a copy of the Mexican stolen vehicle report.

Note: For more information call the California Highway Patrol, Border Division,

Mexico Liason Unit at (858) 637-7158.

Infraction Fine in Pesos

Fine in Dollars

The listed fines apply if a certified doctor determines any intoxication or the person to be under the influence of any controlled substance that may impair his/her ability to drive.

! Carrying firearms or bringing firearms into Mexico is a serious

crime. (Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives)

! Possession of any knife or other (non-firearm) weapon,

such as a razor, metal knuckles, dagger, ice-pick, etc., is a crime in Mexico.

(Article 245 of the Penal Code and Penal Procedures of the State of Baja

California).

! Possession or consuming street drugs, no matter how small

the quantity, is a crime.

! Marking or spraying graffiti is considered damage to property and

is against the law and carries a penalty.

Firearms:

Other Weapons:

Illicit Drugs:

Graffiti:

If you commit an infraction while driving, and an officer detects alcohol on

your breath, you must be brought before a Municipal Judge. At that point, you will

have the right to make a phone call. You will then be brought to a doctor who will

examine you to determine if you are intoxicated (i.e., under the influence of

alcohol). If so found, you will be turned over to a Deputy State District Attorney (DA)

and your car will be towed to an impound yard. If you simply have alcohol on your

breath, but the doctor determines that you are not intoxicated, you will be fined.

When you pay your fine you will be able to recover your vehicle.

You should immediately contact the nearest Deputy State District Attorney

and present documents showing that you are the owner of the vehicle. Once that

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CRIMES COMMITTED IN TIJUANA?

WHAT HAPPENS IF AM CAUGHT DRIVING WITH ALCOHOL ON MY BREATH?

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY VEHICLE IS STOLEN IN MEXICO?

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WHAT LEGAL ASSISTANCE CAN I OBTAIN IN TIJUANA?

! Baja California Secretary of Tourism provides tourist information.

At the booth at Plaza Viva Tijuana, Zona Centro (downtown), Tel: 973-

0424 & 973-0430. General Offices on Paseo de los Héroes, No. 10289,

4th floor, Zona Río (River Area), Tel: 634-6330, 634-3085 & 634-6873.

! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau (COTUCO), Information

Booth, International Border s/n (no street number), San Ysidro Port-of-

Entry, Tel: 683-1405.

! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, Information Booth

Revolución. Av. Revolución, s/n, entre calle 3ra and 4ta, Tel: 685-2210.

! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, Information Booth, Andador

Turístico. Línea Internacional Puerta México, Tel: 683-4987.

! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, General Offices: Paseo de

los Héroes 9365 - 201 Zona Rio. Tel: 684-0537 or 684-0538. E- mail

[email protected].

! Office of Municipal Judges, Avenida Independencia & Paseo

Centenario, City Hall (Palacio Municipal), 1st Floor,. Lic. Juanita Rojas

Luna. Tel: 683-4261 Fax 683-4262. E-mail, [email protected]

! City of Tijuana International Affairs Office, Avenida Independencia y

Paseo Centenario City Hall. 2nd Floor. Lic. Paola Navarro Martínez.

Tel: 683-4000. E-mail: [email protected].

! Office of Internal Affairs . Complaint Department. Avenida

Independencia and Paseo Centenario. 3ro floor. C.P. Martín

D o m í n g u e z C h i u . T e l : 6 8 8 - 2 8 1 0 . E - m a i l :

[email protected] To file your complaint use:

www.sindicatura.gob.mx/quejas.

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WHERE CAN I GET HELP IF I AM THE VICTIM OF A CRIME?

You can go to the State District Attorney's Office located at Calle

Constitución & Calle 8va, Central Zone, next to the fire station. Tel: 638-5209 or

638-9184.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF IM INVOLVED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ?

! (emergency number) to notify the municipal

police. Ask that a police officer and an accident investigator (perito)

respond to the scene to take a report.

! Do not move the vehicles involved in the accident.

! Follow the accident investigator to the corresponding police station.

! At the police station, you will have the right to ask for an attorney.

! You have the right to call your auto insurance company representative to

discuss the accident with the accident investigator. The Municipal judge,

will determine who was at fault.

! If someone is injured in the accident, no matter how slight, the party at fault

must appear at the State DA's Office.

! If no one is injured, the parties to the accident can go before a municipal

judge to make an agreement concerning payment for the repairs. This will

avoid going to the State DA's Office. To avoid serious problems,

it is very important that you obtain Mexican auto insurance while driving in

Mexico.

Dial the number 066

Note:

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Consulate of Honduras, Av. Revolución # 1651, Zona Centro,

between 8th. & 9th. streets. Tel: 688-3862. Open Monday -

Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Consulate of Finland, Av. Revolución Edif. Revolución #

1650-M 2nd. floor, Zona Centro, Tel: 685-6330. Open

Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Consulate of France, Av. Revolución # 1651 3rd. floor, Zona

Centro, Tel:681-3133. Open Monday - Friday, from 10:00 am

to 4:00 pm.

Consulate of Gambia, calle Ignacio Comonfort # 9351, Edif.

Gilt 9th floor, Zona Río, Tel: 684-9868 or 9869. Open Monday

- Friday, from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Consulate of Great Britain, Blvd. Salinas # 1500, Fracc.

Aviación, Tel: 686-5320.

Consulate of Italy, calle Santa Maria # 155, Col. Gabilondo,

Tel: 688-2663.

Consulate of Japan, calle Saturnino Herrán # 3 suite 101,

Zona Río, Tel: 634-2401, Open Monday - Friday, from 9:00

am to 4:00 pm.

Consulate of Norway, Calle "E" # 4, Fracc. Rubio,

Tel: 689-1208.

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Consulate of United States, Av. Tapachula # 96 Col.

Hipódromo, CP 22420, Tel. 622-7400. Open Monday -

Friday, from 8:00 am. to 4:00 pm. After 5:00p.m and on

weekends, U.S. number is (619) 692-2154, for

emergencies only.

Consulate of Mexico Office at the San Ysidro Port-of-

Entry, California. Tel: (619) 231-3847.

Consulate of Germany, (calle) Cantera # 400 building

304, Terrazas de Mendoza, Playas de Tijuana, Tel: 680-

2512.

Consulate of Austria, Blvd. Agua Caliente #10535-804,

Condominio Gallego, Tel: 686-3625, Open Monday -

Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Consulate of Canada, calle Germán Gedovius #10411-

101, Zona Río, Tel: 684-0461, Open Monday - Friday,

from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Consulate of the Peoples Repuplic of China, Av. San

Luís Potosí # 147 Fracc. Chapultepec, Tel: 621-9759.

Consulate of Korea, Av. H # 940 between 3ra. And 4ta.

Street, Zona Centro, Tel: 622-0129.

Consulate of Spain, Av. De los Olivos, # 3401, Fracc.

Cubillas, Tel: 686-5780.

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Consulate of Sweden, Av. Revolución # 608-8,

Zona Centro, Tel: 685-4501.

Consulate of Israel, street (Calle) 1ra. # 1620, Zona Centro.

Tel: 685-5000. Open Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00

pm.

Consulate of Belgium, Av. Independencia esq. Paseo del

Centenario # 1350, Zona Río, Tel. 683-4037

Consulate of Denmark, street (calle) Virgilio Uribe # 496,

Teniente Azueta, Ensenada, B.C. Tel. 01 (646) 176-6035.

It is unlawful to introduce into Mexico the following listed items:

1) Firearms, cartridges, bullet clips, explosives, chemical substances associated

with weapons, ammunition, and other weapons. (Unauthorized buying and selling

such items in Mexico is a federal crime which carry severe penalties. 2) All

substances, products, goods and items regulated by Mexican trade laws.

3) Narcotics and other street drugs. 4) Items that might carry diseases or harmful

biological vectors, such as:

- Soil

- hay or cattle feed

- straw or artifacts made with straw

- home made foods

- fresh, dried, frozen, or canned meat. Also, meat products, such as cold cuts, or

smoked, salted, or preserved meats, coming from unauthorized countries.

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1) Archeological jewels or gems or historical objects.

2) Wild flora or fauna.

3) All substances, products, goods, and items regulated by Mexican trade laws.

It is unlawful to remove the following listed items from Mexico:

1) Fruits and vegetables that are not on the "permitted list."

2) Pork meat (except canned pork meat).

3) Poultry (except cooked poultry is permitted).

4) More than one liter of an alcoholic beverage per person.

5) More than $10,000 (without declaring the amount to US Customs)

Additional suggestions:

Every international visitor should bring a current passport.

To purchase medicines in Mexico, you need a prescription from a Mexican doctor.

(Note: In case of doubt, contact the Pharmacy Association at 685-0021 or 685-0046.)

To purchase medicines from pet and animal supply houses, such as anabolic

steroids and anesthetics, you need a prescription from a veterinarian. Without a

prescription, you are committing a crime.

Mexican laws apply equally to foreigners and Mexicans. Use common

sense and respect the law.

It is unlawful to introduce the following listed items into the us:

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One of the goals of is to monitor local public officials and

the services they provide. Our Internal Affairs Office, is ready to assist you.

If you have a complaint against a city official, you can contact the City of

Tijuana Internal Affairs at 688-2810, 24 hours a day. You can also register your

complaint, in person at City Hall, or via the Internet at the following address:

www.sindicatura.gob.mx/complaints

The form on the next page is provided by the for use

by any Mexican Citizen or foreign visitor to file complaints against mexican police

officers or any other local public official.

Note: Any information provided will be part of the investigation and will help

resolve the complaint, which may result in disciplining the officer or the public

official. If possible, please provide the officer's name, police unit number and a

physical description. If you are not familiar with the City, describe businesses,

stores, or nearby buildings, where the event took place. If you were injured, you

should obtain a medical report from the State District Attorney's Office. Don't

forget to write down the date and time of the incident. You can file your complaint.

Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs office

The city of Tijuana has established an office of Internal Affairs (Sindicatura).

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