MarieElaine Posted November 10, 2017 Share Posted November 10, 2017 I too was in a bus going to David when an officer got on and looked at everyone. I thought maybe they were looking for someone specific as I did not know Varela was coming to town. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marcelyn Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 Traveling thru the Caldera checkpoint last Friday we noticed six officers stopping cars in all lanes (both directions) checking for proper vehicle paperwork, especially drivers license and current insurance. Seven cars were pulled off the roadway where one female was crying, two other people talking on cell phones. Not a happy scene. There probably are many reasons for it, but this time the police were not their usual friendly personalities. Could be related to the recent assassination of two officers on guard duty. We later were told by a knowledgeable gringo that one owner (another gringo) didn’t have his cedula and no current car insurance paperwork, but he did have his driver license. His vehicle was seized. He paid a $750 fine to get back his car. He had the required documents, but just not on his person or in the vehicle at the time he was stopped. The lesson to take away from this experience is to be absolutely certain that you have all required documentation in your car while driving. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Woolford Posted November 16, 2017 Author Share Posted November 16, 2017 (edited) Cedula wouldn't have helped. License, Insurance, copy of Title and Revisado, last Plate receipt. Also accident report forms and a copy of the Transit Regulations. Some of these folks are simply scofflaws, I saw three different trailers pulled over there last week with no Plate whatsoever on them. $750 sounds very high. It's usually about $350 for the fine and towing. Edited November 16, 2017 by Keith Woolford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penny Posted November 16, 2017 Share Posted November 16, 2017 1 hour ago, Keith Woolford said: $750 sounds very high. It's usually about $350 for the fine and towing. There are 3 charges: 1) fine for not complying with the law, 2) towing to David, and 3) storage charges for the impound lot. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pantah Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 Wasn't the checkpoint put in to deter violent crime? It seems one of the main beneficiaries are the towing companies and their friends. Looks like "mission creep" to me. BTW I don't drive to David, so no risk to me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bud Posted November 17, 2017 Share Posted November 17, 2017 20 hours ago, Keith Woolford said: Cedula wouldn't have helped. It was my understanding from the conversation regarding the gringo vehicle towing experience was that the cédula (absence of any identity document) was a big deal during the interchange with the officers, but not related to his vehicle. It was a big deal about his legal status as to his presence in the country. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Woolford Posted November 18, 2017 Author Share Posted November 18, 2017 (edited) On 11/16/2017 at 9:36 AM, Marcelyn said: Traveling thru the Caldera checkpoint last Friday we noticed six officers stopping cars in all lanes (both directions) checking for proper vehicle paperwork, especially drivers license and current insurance. Seven cars were pulled off the roadway where one female was crying, two other people talking on cell phones. Not a happy scene. There probably are many reasons for it, but this time the police were not their usual friendly personalities. Could be related to the recent assassination of two officers on guard duty. We later were told by a knowledgeable gringo that one owner (another gringo) didn’t have his cedula and no current car insurance paperwork, but he did have his driver license. His vehicle was seized. He paid a $750 fine to get back his car. He had the required documents, but just not on his person or in the vehicle at the time he was stopped. The lesson to take away from this experience is to be absolutely certain that you have all required documentation in your car while driving. The new policy of the National Police since the murder of the two officers in Chilibre is to have a minimum of 4 officers at any checkpoint. Those officers are there for security reasons. Transit Police or ATTT Inspectors often stage there too, as they’re on a national campaign to try and slow down the mayhem on the highways. They continue to advise on all forms of media that there is a crackdown and drivers need to have their documents in order and their Plates up to date or the car will be towed and the expired Plates will be sent to the municipality of registration. Edited November 19, 2017 by Keith Woolford Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnF13 Posted November 18, 2017 Share Posted November 18, 2017 There was a stop on the Potrerillos road a couple of days ago - just up from the Terpel station at Dolega. Six or seven ATTT guys checking licences, plates and insurance. Several cars on tow trucks. Friendly enough, but these guys are not messing around, so be prepared. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keith Woolford Posted November 19, 2017 Author Share Posted November 19, 2017 Police are often equipped with portable breathalyzers as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pantah Posted November 19, 2017 Share Posted November 19, 2017 1 hour ago, Keith Woolford said: Police are often equipped with portable breathalyzers as well. Heads up: you can be a sober diabetic and fail the breathalyzer test. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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