No.

1 Febrero 2003

K n o w y o u r r i g h t s i n Ti j u a n a

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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.
DIRECTORY
Jesús González Reyes, Mayor of City of Tijuana, Dick Murphy, Mayor City of San Diego
Tourist Councilman, Lic. José Agustín Santiago Arreola, Presidente de la Comision de Turismo y Comercio
Chief 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 Anzaldúa
Chief 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 Stabinsky
Graphic Desing and Photography, L.D.G. Sammy L. Durand
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C. JOSÉ AGUSTÍN SANTIAGO ARREOLA
Council 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!!!
 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN MINORS
WHAT IS A MUNICIPAL JUDGE? COMMIT AN INFRACTION?
Minors who violate municipal ordinances and are brought before a
A Municipal Judge is an official of the municipal government with the municipal judge, will be turned over to their parents if possible. If it is not possible to
authority to apply sanctions (penalties) against persons who commit infractions and turn the minor over to his/her parents, the minor will be sent to the Detention Facility
misdemeanors and refer persons who commit major crimes or felonies to another for Minors. Remember in Mexico you are considered an adult if you are 18 or over.
competent authority. The Municipal Judge can also resolve complaints about or
disagreements with sanctions dictated by other municipal authorities.
Juvenile Probation Center in Tijuana
The Municipal Judge is independent from all police forces and is prepared and
trained to resolve cases in an objective, impartial, and independent manner.
Vía Rápida Poniente s/n (without street number), Next
Tijuana has 56 Municipal Judges in 17 different locations of the city. Nine of these side the Tijuana Sport Center.
courts offer service 24 hours a day. Among these 24 hour courts is one next to the Tel: 622-0084 or 622-0694
San Ysidro/Tijuana border, making Tijuana the first Mexican city to offer a bilingual
municipal judge on the U.S./ Mexico border. Juvenile Probation Center in San Diego
2901 Meadowlark drive, San Diego CA.
WHAT CAN I DO IF I AM FACED WITH 92123, Tel: (858) 694-4600
A FINE I CONSIDER UNFAIR?
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 WHERE CAN I FIND A
municipal judge to review. To do this, immediately go to the nearest municipal MUNICIPAL JUDGE?
judge.
AT THE FOLLOWING CITY OFFICES:
WHAT CAN I DO IF A POLICE OFFICER
ASKS FOR MONEY? INTERNATIONAL BORDER OFFICE: On the Mexican side of the border, near the
SENTRI Lane. Open 24 hours a day.
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. 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: LA PRESA OFFICE
Aranjuez and Montes de Oca s/n,
INTERNATIONAL BORDER OFFICE: On the Mexican side of the border, near the Fracc. Villa Fontana, Open 24 hrs. Tel: 701-3541
SENTRI Lane. Open 24 hours a day.

COLONIA INDEPENDENCIA OFFICE

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

PLAYAS DE TIJUANA OFFICE Independencia. Monday through Thursday 8:30 am - 11:30 pm.

Av. Pedregal & del Agua s/n, Section Jardines, Playas de Tijuana. Open 24 hours a Friday and Saturday 9:00 am - 01:00 am.

day. Tel: 630-8346.

MARIANO-FLORIDO SUBSTATION OFFICE

MESA DE OTAY OFFICE Ruta Matamoros and Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Fracc. Mariano Matamoros

Blvd. Industrial s/n, Ciudad Industrial, Mesa de Otay (Next to the fire station) Open (Next to the DA's Office) Tel:629-8365.
24 hours a day. Tel: 647-2647. Monday through Saturday-10:00 am - 6:00 pm

MUNICIPAL DETENTION FACILITY (CITY JAIL) FOR PERSONS WHO COMMIT LOS PINOS SUBSTATION OFFICE
MINOR VIOLATIONS ("Vía Rápida" jail). Detentions for minor offenses and Old highway to Tecate s/n, next to the Abelardo L. Rodríguez dam
infractions, where the alleged perpetrator remains no longer than 36 hours. When Tel: 689-4825
the detainee can pay the corresponding fine, he/she will be released immediately Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 11:30 pm.
upon payment. Vía Rápida Poniente and Ave. de las Americas S/N Col. 20 de Friday & Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 am.
Noviembre. Open 24 hours a day. Tel: 622-1881, 82.

PACIFIC INDUSTRIAL PARK SUBSTATION OFFICE

LA MESA OFFICE Blvd. Pacifico s/n (between OXXO store, Banamex y Bancomer banks)
Av. de los Charros & Allende s/n, in Fracc. (neighborhood) Moreno Tel: 622-8943
La Mesa (at the rear of La Mesa State Prison). Open 24 hours a day. Tel: 621-6625 Monday - Thursday 8:30 am - 11:30 pm. Friday - Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 am.

SAN ANTONIO DE LOS BUENOS OFFICE MIGUEL ALEMÁN SUBSTATION OFFICE

Av. Miraflores s/n, Fracc. Rubí, approximately 300 meters from Calimax store Río Eufrates and Amazonas s/n., Infonavit Capistrano Tel: 625-1996
Fundadores Open 24 hrs. a day. Tel: 637-0956. Monday - Friday 4:00pm - 11:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
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WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON WHAT ARE THE TRAFFIC
INFRACTIONS AND MISDEMEANORS
COMMITTED BY VISITORS IN TIJUANA? VIOLATIONS MOST COMMONLY COMMITTED
INFRACTIONS BY VISITORS TO TIJUANA?
INFRACTIONS

$ 211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

295 29.95 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. 632 to 1,265 63.20 to 126.50
Not obeying a traffic signal while driving. 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10
126 to 295 12.60 to 29.50
253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10
Loitering on street, which causes a public nuisance. 421 to 1,265 42.10 to 126.50 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10
Using costume or disguises which cause a public naisance. 211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10
Creating excessive noise with cars, motorcycles, 211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30 464 to 632 46.40 to 63.20
or musical equipment.

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30

253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10
421 to 1,265 42.10 to 126.50 registration has expired
Crimes relating to drugs, alcohol or prostitution.

Satisfying physiological needs (excreting or urinating) on the street. 126 to 295 12.60 to 29.50 464 to 632 46.40 to 63.20
Introducing or drinking intoxicating beverage in public or private
places without authorization. 211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30 Driving on the fast lane. 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

211 to 843 21.10 to 84.30 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10

Drinking alcoholic beverage in a vehicle while on a public street or road.
Parking on a red curb 253 to 421 25.30 to 42.10
127 Tto 12.70
* Based on the exchange rate of November 21, 2002.

These fines can only be paid at special cashier offices that are open 24 hours a day Note: It is not against the law to drive a U.S rented vehicle in Mexico. To avoid
at: other problems, however, foreign visitors must make sure that the lease agreement
OFICINA DE TRANSITO MUNICIPAL (MAIN POLICE STATION) has a clause allowing travel into Mexico.
Calle (Street) 8va corner of Av. Constitución, Zona Centro (Central Zone) You can pay Tijuana traffic fines in the US with a check or money order made
Tel: 685-6557 out to: H. Ayuntamiento de Tijuana 416 W. San Ysidro Blvd., Suite L., #725, San
ESTANCIA MUNICIPAL PARA INFRACTORES (CITY JAIL) Ysidro, CA 92143.
("Vía Rápida" jail). Vía Rápida Poniente (Rapid Way West) and Ave. de las
Americas S/N Col. 20 de Noviembre Tel: 622-1881, 82

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 WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON
CRIMES COMMITTED IN TIJUANA?
! Firearms: Carrying firearms or bringing firearms into Mexico is a serious
crime. (Federal Law on Firearms and Explosives)
! Other Weapons: 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).
! Illicit Drugs: Possession or consuming street drugs, no matter how small
the quantity, is a crime.
! Graffiti: Marking or spraying graffiti is considered damage to property and
is against the law and carries a penalty.
WHAT HAPPENS IF AM CAUGHT DRIVING
WITH ALCOHOL ON MY BREATH?
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.

If you commit an infraction while driving, and an officer detects alcohol on Note: For more information call the California Highway Patrol, Border Division,
your breath, you must be brought before a Municipal Judge. At that point, you will Mexico Liason Unit at (858) 637-7158.
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 Fine in Fine in
breath, but the doctor determines that you are not intoxicated, you will be fined.
Infraction Pesos Dollars
When you pay your fine you will be able to recover your vehicle.
The listed fines apply if a certified doctor
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF MY VEHICLE determines any intoxication or
the person to be under the influence
IS STOLEN IN MEXICO? of any controlled substance that may
impair his/her ability to drive.
You should immediately contact the nearest Deputy State District Attorney
and present documents showing that you are the owner of the vehicle. Once that

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 WHAT LEGAL ASSISTANCE
WHERE CAN I GET HELP IF I AM CAN I OBTAIN IN TIJUANA?
THE VICTIM OF A CRIME?
! Baja California Secretary of Tourism provides tourist information.
You can go to the State District Attorney's Office located at Calle At the booth at Plaza Viva Tijuana, Zona Centro (downtown), Tel: 973-
Constitución & Calle 8va, Central Zone, next to the fire station. Tel: 638-5209 or 0424 & 973-0430. General Offices on Paseo de los Héroes, No. 10289,
638-9184. 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-
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF IM INVOLVED Entry, Tel: 683-1405.
IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT ?
! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, Information Booth
Revolución. Av. Revolución, s/n, entre calle 3ra and 4ta, Tel: 685-2210.
! Dial the number 066 (emergency number) to notify the municipal
! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, Information Booth, Andador
police. Ask that a police officer and an accident investigator (perito)
Turístico. Línea Internacional Puerta México, Tel: 683-4987.
respond to the scene to take a report.
! Tijuana Convention and Visitors Bureau, General Offices: Paseo de
! Do not move the vehicles involved in the accident.
los Héroes 9365 - 201 Zona Rio. Tel: 684-0537 or 684-0538. E- mail
! Follow the accident investigator to the corresponding police station.
tijuanaocv@tijuanaonline.org.
! At the police station, you will have the right to ask for an attorney.
! Office of Municipal Judges, Avenida Independencia & Paseo
! You have the right to call your auto insurance company representative to
Centenario, City Hall (Palacio Municipal), 1st Floor,. Lic. Juanita Rojas
discuss the accident with the accident investigator. The Municipal judge,
Luna. Tel: 683-4261 Fax 683-4262. E-mail, jmrojas@tijuana.gob.mx
will determine who was at fault.
! City of Tijuana International Affairs Office, Avenida Independencia y
! If someone is injured in the accident, no matter how slight, the party at fault
Paseo Centenario City Hall. 2nd Floor. Lic. Paola Navarro Martínez.
must appear at the State DA's Office.
Tel: 683-4000. E-mail: pnavarro@tijuana.gob.mx.
! If no one is injured, the parties to the accident can go before a municipal
! Office of Internal Affairs . Complaint Department. Avenida
judge to make an agreement concerning payment for the repairs. This will
Independencia and Paseo Centenario. 3ro floor. C.P. Martín
avoid going to the State DA's Office. Note: To avoid serious problems,
Domínguez Chiu. Te l : 688-2810. E-mail:
it is very important that you obtain Mexican auto insurance while driving in
obdulianavarro@sindicatura.gob.mx To file your complaint use:
Mexico.
www.sindicatura.gob.mx/quejas.

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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 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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 It is unlawful to remove the following
Consulate of Sweden, Av. Revolución # 608-8,
listed items from Mexico:
Zona Centro, Tel: 685-4501.

Consulate of Israel, street (Calle) 1ra. # 1620, Zona Centro. 1) Archeological jewels or gems or historical objects.

Tel: 685-5000. Open Monday - Friday, from 9:00 am to 6:00 2) Wild flora or fauna.

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

Consulate of Belgium, Av. Independencia esq. Paseo del

It is unlawful to introduce the
following listed items into the us:
Centenario # 1350, Zona Río, Tel. 683-4037
1) Fruits and vegetables that are not on the "permitted list."
Consulate of Denmark, street (calle) Virgilio Uribe # 496, 2) Pork meat (except canned pork meat).
Teniente Azueta, Ensenada, B.C. Tel. 01 (646) 176-6035. 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)
It is unlawful to introduce into Mexico the following
listed items:
Additional suggestions:
1) Firearms, cartridges, bullet clips, explosives, chemical substances associated
Every international visitor should bring a current passport.
with weapons, ammunition, and other weapons. (Unauthorized buying and selling
To purchase medicines in Mexico, you need a prescription from a Mexican doctor.
such items in Mexico is a federal crime which carry severe penalties. 2) All
(Note: In case of doubt, contact the Pharmacy Association at 685-0021 or 685-0046.)
substances, products, goods and items regulated by Mexican trade laws.
To purchase medicines from pet and animal supply houses, such as anabolic
3) Narcotics and other street drugs. 4) Items that might carry diseases or harmful
steroids and anesthetics, you need a prescription from a veterinarian. Without a
biological vectors, such as:
prescription, you are committing a crime.
- Soil
Mexican laws apply equally to foreigners and Mexicans. Use common
- hay or cattle feed
sense and respect the law.
- 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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 The city of Tijuana has established an office of Internal Affairs (Sindicatura).

One of the goals of Internal Affairs 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 Internal Affairs office 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.

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