Chapala traffic department (SVT) chief Alberto Alvarez Ahumada has responded to complaints from several expats who informed this newspaper of harassment and attempted shakedowns by traffic cops who threatened to confiscate their foreign-plated cars, even though all requisite paperwork was in order.
One long-time resident said he was suckered into paying a 1,000-peso pay-off to settle the matter. A woman driver stubbornly held her ground and was finally let go with ticket in hand after her husband arrived to enter the fray. Both individuals say they are hesitant to denounce the officers involved.
“I can’t take action against misconduct unless the offended party comes to me to file a written complaint,” Alvarez responded. “Please trust in me.”
His advice for handling these situations: If you show proper papers, the officer has no grounds to take away the car. As long as you don’t cave to hints for an on-the-spot mordida (bribe), eventually he’ll have to back down. And by the way, in cases of legitimate confiscation, the owner usually has the right to drive the vehicle to the impoundment lot, provided both car and driver are in adequate condition.
To further set the record straight, Alvarez listed the documents requested during routine traffic stops. All motorists must carry an original, up-to-date driver’s permit issued anywhere in Mexico or abroad. Copies are not acceptable. For foreign-plated vehicles, the driver has to show the importation permit issued at the border and a current immigration document. While technically the law specifies that originals be shown, he acknowledges that complete notarized copies will suffice. Simple photocopies are not legitimate substitutes.