Mexico and the $1000 Bribe | Archive 4

Police interaction at 10:00. After leaving camp Eric and the hidden beach I figured I would try and drive for a while without a phone, with limited Spanish and almost no other maps this would prove more difficult than anticipated. Well after driving all day for the first day, and not finding so great a spot without my trusty maps and apps, I head out to drive through Acapulco.
Upon driving in I saw human remains left in the middle of an intersection (looked cartel like) with multiple police and crime units documenting the scene, I didn't know what it was at first and took a quick glance, had to look forward, pretty disturbing. Shortly after I got pulled over by a beat up police car and some crooked cops, luckily I managed to get most of the encounter caught on camera (at least the audio). Once they noticed the dashcam they started playing hardball, telling me they would have to hold my license unless I went to an ATM and paid them right then and there. Luckily I talked my way out of it at a loss of $11 Canadian dollars, a pretty big discount from the nearly $1000 they tried to con out of me at first.
Mexico's pacific coast is some of the most beautiful country I have had the opportunity to see so far. Amazing spearfishing, gorgeous coastline, and marine life everywhere you look. Driving the famous route 200 is a great experience... Until you run into the few bad cops that sit around waiting for a vehicle with foreign plates to drive by.
Website/blog: go-alone.com
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[@mherrera60]

You are the luckiest guy on earth. In acapulco the Police and narcos are one and the same. The go to the station strategy was perfect. Trust me, 11 dlls was nothing to get out of the situation keeping your truck and everything inside. One more thing, I'm mexican, lived in México all my life, except 6 years spent in Michigan, my #1 golden rule, while traveling in México, is DO NOT DRIVE AT NIGHT, heed my words brother. May the Lord light your path. Saludos desde Tijuana, MX.

[@goaloneTV]

Hey thank you, and yes you're right I need to tighten up my driving at night rules. Been getting too comfortable

[@detacheddad3396]

My son and I are planning a trip to Baja and beyond so thanks for the tip

[@neophytestacker9471]

YES NEVER DRIVE AT NIGHT!!!!!!!!

[@annmargolis4392]

@@goaloneTVDo you have a website about the two of you?

[@artint.1519]

Good to know the night rule, thanks

[@spitfiresr]

Just pay the bribe brother and keep it moving. That could've been real dangerous, those cops are so corrupt. Thank God you didn't get out the car. I know we wanna fight the cops and stand our ground but it can be dangerous to not comply even if it doesn't feel like the right thing to do. I'm glad they didn't try and escalate it further.

[@Flugeldar]

In 2019 I have encountered a Police bribe on Highway 15D from Guadalajara to MXCD. Two swiss immatriculated cars. The police wrote a ticket (800 USD) for speeding (Highway top speed was 110 km/h, we drove 80 km/h). From the very first second it was clear that it is a bribe. We told them clearly that we go to the police station. After talking for half an hour and wasted their time, they let us go. Never ever pay a bribe. Do not even grab your wallet and have a look into it. Make them clear that you will not pay and that you are willing to call your embassy.

[@peperazzivision]

I have been in similar situations living in Mexico. What these police did is not uncommon. You have to be prepared for these situations. I’ve had them work out for the best most of the time. But I have had to pay a cop to move on with my life as well. Never been to jail. Unless you’re guilty of the charge, politely stand your ground. Even if you speak Spanish, don’t let the police know that. Act as if you have no idea why they stopped you and what they are trying to say to you. Make them bring an English speaking officer into the situation if they take it that far. The more you politely frustrate them, the more likely you are to get out of it completely or for very little money. Basically, when a law enforcement officer stops you in Mexico, you’re also in court. The officer might as well be the jury and judge. Say as little as possible. Avoid road travel in Mexican states with known rampant corruption and violence, like Guerrero, Michoacán, Tamaulipas etc. Travel only during the daytime. Stick to tollways vs free highways and roads. They’re a lot safer, free of local police like the rat police in this video. Overall, don’t be afraid to travel in Mexico. Just be smart about it. Like, you wouldn’t drive around the worst parts of the USA. Investigate your travel routes/destinations before traveling and you’ll most likely not have to experience traps like Max and I have. 🙏🏻✌🏻

[@dorotheepost]

Super helpful video! Thanks for sharing! And great truck btw, I'm just preparing my Land Cruiser Bj73 for a (very slow ;)) overlanding trip, so I'm happy to see you in your Prado!

[@cmoreoverland6739]

What a pain! You were right. Take me to the station. I need to go to the police station. Please, provide me a ticket and we go to the station to get a receipt. Sheesh. Super helpful vid. I have a couple of take-a-ways for my journey.

[@goaloneTV]

yeah they don't even try to pretend it's not a scam haha

[@MichaelAllen-td1uu]

When they ask for your license have some copies made and give them one.

[@odphineguy]

Just pay them. I’m Mexican and I refused to pay a “traffic ticket” once and demanded I was taken to the station. At the station they had a judge who was worse and threw me in jail overnight. My Jeep was impounded over the weekend as well. I wish I would of paid them the $50 bribe errrr fine they were asking.

[@jatorresrv]

Haven drove to Panama; Mexico is NOT the only country where the police are corrupt. And I am fluent in Spanish. Most recently Oct 2022, I drove to Guatemala after crossing Mexico illegally. Despite sharing at five different police stops, the police were NOT concerned that I was in Mexico illegally as they wanted payment for their own bribes, which did NOT include the illegal entry. When I travel through Central America and get pulled over, I do NOT surrender my driver's license but instead, give them a photocopy. It pisses them off, and I make it a point to tell them that the photocopy contains the same info my license has and when they ask to see the original I keep it at a distance they can NOT grab it. That pissed them off even more, and they eventually gave up on wasting time and effort with me when they could spend it elsewhere. You have a long trip ahead of you. Be safe.

[@goaloneTV]

Yes I've heard it gets worse south, but we'll see how it goes for me!

[@blakesleyk.7166]

Note to self. Thanks for photocopy & out of reach advice!

[@rojobeltran815]

Great advice. They took my dl while in Michoacán once. Never again handing my dl

[@MrOrchin33]

Great video man. Stay safe. Regards from Northern Ireland ✌

[@adamkuhndesign]

That really sucks. Stressful. I'm headed through that part of Mexico in the next couple weeks, I'll be sure to avoid that area.

[@goaloneTV]

Ah makes for a good story, I was waiting for it to happen anyways. Next time paying nothing though

[@camposvazquez]

Travel in a convoy..and during the day... Always travel in groups.. keep your dash cam recording... If there are passengers .. get the cell phones recording... If you didn't break any laws polite..form and persistent... It can make a $500 bribe drop to $50... Been there done that

[@Ryanrobi]

I drove from NY all the way to Torreon MX in 2022 (he was moving there and had been living there part time for 6 years) we had help from a local Mexican getting across the border so it went well but after he was in a situation like this where the cops pulled him over and said he was drunk driving and needed to pay them like 15k peso to let him go. He said you need to prove I am over limit with a blow test or else I will park gere and sleep it off. They are not really esed to forieners pushing back (and he speaks fluent spanish) after about 15 min back and forth the cops just let him go. Thats not an area where cops are really in with Noarcos and gangs but some areas I think your better to just pay and do what they ask.

[@johnfitzgerald5158]

Like you, i got worked over in Cozumel on my honeymoon. They got me at a bad time, cash wise, as well. I had my last $20 on me and accidentally took an illegal u-turn at a 4 way intersection where the cross island road starts. That road is one-way coming out of San Miguel, but 2-way heading in the other direction to cross the island. It is easy to get confused. However, the one Petro station is on the city side, and I needed to fill up with my last $20. Well, apparently, a local cop sits right there waiting for this very thing to happen. Unfortunately, he walked up after the attendant started pumping gas. He pulled the same hold your license crap and wanted $60 US right then and there, or else I can get my license back at the station tomorrow. I'm like, I only have $20, but i need it to pay for gas. Even showed him my empty wallet. He started playing a mock game of walking away with my license. He ended up accepting the $20, but then I was stuck with the gas attendant without money to pay him. It was also Sunday, so the bank across the street was closed. I had to give the attendant my diving watch as collateral whilst i seek out an open ATM at the main square. All of this was a real hassle and nerve-wracking, but I got my watch back when i paid the attendant. I was much more on my toes about the police after this. The one thing I knew was that I would never see that license again if he walked away. It is quite an effective scheme they have going there. Makes one think twice about traveling to Mexico.

[@sarinotsorry2478]

Definitely work on your Spanish. I’m traveling from Los Ángeles, Ca and camping all along Baja California. I’m a single female and terrified of the drive but I know it will be well worth it. I’m comfortable with my Spanish and am dual but I’m driving in my little Corolla doing tent camping along Baja. Just worry about being alone and having a run in like this😅.

[@jazzkuria]

😅😅boy,i love your courage. Whenver you come to kenya,please id love to accomodate you with my family..im so thrilled i found ur channel. Im addicted.great great episode once more

[@goaloneTV]

We will take you up on it once we're in Kenya! Might be sooner that you think ;)

[@jazzkuria]

Welcome

[@johngoodman1540]

Any of the tourist poles in Mexico will have a lot of hungry people looking for an easy score, so lesson learned, as you said. As an old Baja hound with extensive travels all over Mexico, by map only, I got a real chuckle out of your comment of "I'm going to try to get by without my phone, which will be really hard...". And that's not me making fun of you, quite the contrary. It just shows how our society is progressing. But if you're going to travel anywhere, it NEVER hurts to have a decent map along. All my kids know how to use them.

[@ajstar89]

I had this happen to me twice in my last trip. I feel bad for the Mexican people. If your police can accept money and be bribed… you have no laws. It’s unacceptable that with todays technology that they can’t write a ticket and people pay online. The Mexican people deserve better from their government. 😢

[@koyak1]

Hello, my name is Octavio, I am Mexican and I am ashamed of my country that you meet people like those police officers. How bad they make Mexico for being so corrupt. I am sorry for my part. I also like to travel but in Mexico I think about it a lot, not to mention meet people like that. I'm sorry, keep going and congratulations..

[@goaloneTV]

It's not your fault! We had great interactions with the locals and enjoyed our time in Mexico! Thanks for watching Octavio!

[@prmoo8883]

flores: so you are going to oaxaca, right? max: maybe, but no rush .... flores: .... uh max: ... ha !

[@shaunmoller2997]

Glad you ok

[@prmoo8883]

yes max! avoid acapulco and drink the coconut !

[@iirohakkarainen2564]

You handled the stop really well! I will be following your journey for sure. Can you make a tour video of your truck? Would be interesting to see the setup.. Best regards Finnish guy in Puerto Escondido ;)

[@goaloneTV]

Hey thanks man! The first video on the channel called "Preparing for the Pan-American" has a tour of the truck about half way in!

[@505fastlife6]

In mexico the police are judge and jury bro. Just pay the little $10 dollars. Your lucky they didnt take you to jail and keep everything in your truck.

[@carlosortega3634]

Nice cruiser, I live in Japan, lmk if you are ever in need of parts for your vehicle

[@jManraM]

Thank God u didn’t run into bad cops that also work for cartels

[@grahames9228]

There are bad apples in every barrel. I guess tourists are easy pickings in some area's.

[@GeretSmith]

Lmao the tickets they are charging you isn't even what those cops make in a whole month lmao

[@goaloneTV]

yeah they start pretty high lol

[@drepagaming]

In hindsight, this is why its recommended to never drive through Acapulco.

[@mex5341]

they do have this option to take your license or plates until you pay a fine at closest police station . It works when your car plates are from another state or country

[@TABTheAdventureBound]

Damn your spanish wasnt bad at all my guy, especially under pressure

[@goaloneTV]

Surprisingly gotten way better now ha, kind of forced to learn

[@chucktaylor4958]

Orange-knee Tarantula

[@blakesleyk.7166]

Tho I subscribed bc of your off roading, after those dang “policia’s” was glad you went to public camp for the night. Well played. Be safe.

[@tobeout5757]

Painful & hate to watch. Was dreaming to follow your route after retirement.

[@goaloneTV]

It's not too bad! Just the odd one off bad moment but the trip is amazing so far

[@hernancontrerasromero3044]

Que vergüenza y qué coraje que la policía sea así tan muerta de hambre y corrupta

[@injectortrouble]

Fun content great angle and audio of the whole ordeal. Hey make lemonade out of lemons and make a KZbin video of a sucky situation. I’m doing a similar thing on my channel trying to repair a broken Yanmar marine diesel engine in Brooklyn NY. Cheers man

[@goaloneTV]

Yeah exactly what I thought, got a video out of it haha

[@davesbainrps6909]

My brother got picked on by the police in Mexico

[@RonGrogan-r1m]

I cannot believe that you chose to challenge those police. They could have stripped your vehicle claiming to be looking for drugs, they could have taken you to jail where you would have just disappeared, so much they could have done. You proved your point but your morally high ground could have cost you dearly. I spent 3 years in Panama where the police were corrupt as well. I am glad you won but that was not smart. I unsucribed from your channel before I even finished watching this.

[@crossone81]

Una disculpa por estos corruptos policías. Siempre andan cazando turistas y billetes americanos. Ojalá no te hubieras movido de dónde estaban los ciudadanos que querían ayudarte. La gente de México tenemos que lidiar con esosuertos de hambre que se denigran por unos pesos... Sigue con tu viaje y disfruta nuestra bonita gente y playas... Espero que no se vuelva a repetir..... Y si te topas con esos otra vez... Aplica la de me acaban de tumbar unos policías atrás!! Muchas veces se la creen... 😂😂😂😂

[@goaloneTV]

Haha it's alright, the locals also told me not to leave, but that "supervisor" just wanted to move out of their sight when he got me to pay my $10 bribe. At that point it was worth it just so I could go...

[@mr_esondidas631]

work on you spanish brother

[@Amarillobymorning777]

amlo administración corrupción

[@alalesc3796]

actually you did commit an infraction so I guess it wasn't that bad, but don't ever give them money if you know how to defend yourself you don't have to give them nothing. when they ask you for your driver's license don't give it to them, just show it, ask for their names and badge numbers and if they say you have to pay this ticket take it and leave.

[@goaloneTV]

Which infraction was that?

[@AngryChair1983]

Did you actually watch the video? Never committed an infraction. They shook him down for money. Next time do the smart thing, watch the video and pay attention to what is going on.

[@HebertoCrawford-ou4xo]

That is so 👎

[@cocoscabana]

The real challenge is to become fluent asap... and darlin.. National Geographic waterproof maps....

[@camposvazquez]

It's better to download maps offline.. Latin America is constantly changing their logistical infrastructure.. hard maps won't be updated or current...

[@Nperez1986]

Least you could have done...try to use Google translate. I've gotten around in other lands with Google translate, sure it's not 100% but it worked. I don't work or sponsor anything google

[@conchscooter]

His phone is broken.

[@conchscooter]

.