Military and Police Checkpoints in Mexico: What You Need to Know
Traveling through Mexico, you will likely encounter military and police checkpoints, which can seem intimidating at first. However, understanding their purpose and how to handle these situations can make your experience smoother and less stressful.
Military Checkpoints
Military checkpoints are common, especially along highways. At these stops, young soldiers—often under 20 years old—dressed in full fatigues and carrying automatic rifles may stop your vehicle. While the sight of sandbag bunkers and armed guards might feel unsettling, it’s important to remember that these checkpoints are primarily in place to prevent the movement of illegal drugs and firearms.
At the checkpoint, soldiers will likely ask to speak with you. We recommend presenting your passport immediately. They may ask standard questions, such as:
- Where are you coming from?
- Where are you going?
- Do you have any drugs or firearms?
Even if you don’t speak much Spanish, it’s useful to prepare basic responses ahead of time. A phrase such as, “No tengo armas ni drogas” (“I have no guns or drugs”) can be helpful. The soldiers typically won’t speak much English, so a phrasebook or translation app may come in handy.
While it’s possible they will ask to search your vehicle, these searches are generally quick and conducted respectfully. Usually, one soldier will enter your vehicle and look around for a few minutes.
We’ve found that it helps to have a friendly demeanor—smiling and waving can go a long way. As a woman, I often take the lead in interacting with the soldiers because they tend to view women as less threatening. We’ve never encountered serious issues at these checkpoints and have never been asked for bribes. On one occasion, a soldier even politely asked if we had any extra salsa for their meal!
It’s not uncommon to encounter several military checkpoints on long drives—especially if you’re headed down to Baja California or across other regions. Treat these stops as a safety measure, and remember that the military is there to protect you by ensuring dangerous items don’t cross borders.
Agricultural Checkpoints
Aside from military checkpoints, you may also run into agricultural inspections. These are typically located at state borders, where officials check for prohibited fruits, vegetables, and meat products. For instance, on the way to Baja California Sur, you’ll find a vegetable checkpoint before reaching Guerrero Negro. Once you pass through this checkpoint, you’re free to stock up on fresh produce for the remainder of your journey.
Keep in mind that some states have restrictions on bringing in specific items like pork products, eggs, or certain fruits and vegetables. These checks are quick and aimed at protecting local agriculture, so it’s best to comply and avoid carrying prohibited items.
Police Checkpoints
When it comes to police interactions in Mexico, it’s essential to know your rights and understand local customs. Over 16 years of travel, we’ve been fined by the police three times. In each case, we had indeed committed an infraction.
In the past, Mexican police would confiscate your driver’s license and require you to go to the station to pay a fine. However, this practice has evolved, and now officers often try to resolve issues on the spot. While police corruption still exists, particularly in Mexico City, the situation has improved significantly in most areas.
For instance, about 14 years ago in Todos Santos, we accidentally ran a red light. The police officer who stopped us informed us of a fine of around $20 and explained that we would need to visit the police station to pay it. However, he said the station was closed and suggested that he could pay the fine on our behalf. In another case near Mexico City, we were pulled over for driving a rental car on a day when its license plate was restricted to cut down on air pollution. Although we didn’t know about this rule, the police officer demanded a bribe of $200 USD, eventually settling for $35.
While such encounters may still happen, many experienced travelers agree that police interactions have generally become more professional, particularly outside of Mexico City. Nonetheless, it’s always a good idea to be polite and cooperative during these stops.
Friendly Encounters with Police
Not all interactions with Mexican police are negative. Many officers are kind and helpful, especially when travelers find themselves in difficult situations. During a trip into Mexico’s interior, our RV broke down, and both municipal and federal police came to assist us. They helped with everything from keeping the kids entertained to ensuring our safety.
In one memorable instance, a rancher towed our RV to Leon with a police escort to ensure we reached our destination safely. Over the eight hours this ordeal took, none of the 20 people who helped us, including the police, asked for any form of payment. Their compassion left a lasting impression on us.
Tips for Dealing with Police
If you are stopped by the police in Mexico, remember to stay calm, friendly, and respectful. If you believe an officer is acting improperly, discreetly take note of their badge number and vehicle information. However, avoid escalating the situation—remaining polite will often lead to a smoother resolution.
In many areas, you’ll also find tourist police, who are specifically trained to assist travelers. These officers, often seen in places like Puerto Vallarta, are there to help you, so don’t hesitate to approach them if you have questions or need assistance.
In summary, whether you’re dealing with military checkpoints or police stops, the key is to remain respectful, cooperative, and prepared. Most travelers navigate these checkpoints without issue, and the officials you encounter are often there to ensure your safety and the security of the region.
