Ticketing device as shown on TJ Noticias

Tijuana cops will carry an electronic device now, kinda like an iPad linked to the U.S. information archives for vehicles,” explained Pedro Vargas from Tijuana. “You will be able to pay on the spot with a credit or debit card and get a discount. But I don’t know how much less. They will crack down on the United States-plated cars (chocolates) driven by Mexican nationals and confiscate the vehicles if not legally imported to the country.”

Since September 7, a reported 23 million peso (about $1.02 million) technological upgrade implemented into the Tijuana police force’s traffic enforcement division went live.

“The city of Tijuana approved the acquisition of 100 electronic devices,” El Imparcial reported on September 26, “and modified the fines paid by the [violators].”

TJ Noticias then posted photos of the devices on their recently published “The new electronic infractions tabulator for Tijuana” article.

Tijuana dwellers lamented online about the 8,688 pesos ($388) speeding violation and the 7819 pesos ($349 US) fine for parking in a handicapped spot. Randy from Imperial Beach thought otherwise and said, “Artículo 107 is still a bargain compared to this side of this border” — referring to the driving while intoxicated infraction, which carries a 5,213-peso ($232) multa (fine).

“We all have to be vigilant and stick to the law,” Vargas continued.

List of new fines

Vargas is the founder of the upcoming February 10-11, 2021 [San Pedro Mártir Hill Climb[3] in Ensenada, the “longest uphill climb race in the world.” Many of Vargas’s racers trek in from all parts of the U.S. and travel through San Diego and Tijuana. Vargas can relate to the safety infractions’ fines, including a seatbelt and non-functional light/lamp violations that’ll cost 2606 pesos ($116) per citation. “Yep, no more paper pads for citations. The idea is to make it easier to pay your ticket and curb the mordida (bribe).”

The El Imparcial news report stated that Luis Antonio Quezada Salas, the councilor of Tijuana’s city hall, said, “one of the objectives of this measure is to charge Americans who violate the regulations within the city immediately.”

And for us drivers who opt out of paying the fine, we reportedly still have the option to plea in front of the judge.

“It is one thing when infringed on, and that is fine, but for them to set U.S. resident prices on us [locals], it is not worth it,” opined L. Piña. “The constitution says that no worker [of Mexican nationality] should pay more than one day of his salary for a fine, and the judge is obliged to lower the fine if it is proven that you are employed.”

“Regarding the 8,688 peso/$388 speeding ticket, that’s about a month’s worth salary for a minimum wager here,” Vargas added. “The Tijuana mayor is adamant about cleaning up the house.”

San Diegans driving and simultaneously texting or posting photos of their recent visit can be hit with a 3910-peso ($175) fine. Motorists cutting someone off in line before crossing back into San Diego can receive a 2606-peso ($116) fine.