OS
TG
AE
TI
ED
O
N
F
AS
C
F
A
O
LI
Y
F
T
O
I
R
C
N
E
IA
HTSS
EN
MA
PL
EI
RGI
V
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
3
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?
5
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.
6
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.
7
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
8
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
9
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
10
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?
11 12
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
! 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.
14
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:
13
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.
16
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.
15
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.
17
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:
18
20
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).
19
21