Reynaldo Martinez Villanueva was named last week to take charge of the SVT traffic department headquarters at lakeside, replacing Juan Carlos Borrayo Ramirez after a seven-month turn at the helm.
As a 20-year SVT veteran, Martinez brings ample local experience to his post, having previously served officer and command duties in Chapala, Jocotepec, Ixtlahuacan de los Membrillos and other communities in the region.
The new commandant arrived just days after Borrayo was interviewed by the Reporter to explain documentation that motorists driving foreign-plated vehicles may be required to show to traffic police. On the whole, Martinez confirmed the information published in our January 14 edition, expressing a more flexible posture on the need for drivers to carry originals of some paperwork. As an extra measure, the Reporter also obtained corroboration on requisite documentation from Martin Prieto Zuñiga, Director of the SVT department of attention to municipalities.
Document list
To recapitulate: The first thing a Transito agent will ask for when stopping you for any traffic violation is a valid driver’s permit. It doesn’t matter where it was issued, as long as it is an up-to-date original. Martinez stresses that a duplicate made by the permit holder is considered to be a forgery, and presenting it as the real thing constitutes a serious criminal offense.
The driver will also be asked for documentation on the vehicle. In accordance with Jalisco traffic laws, the officer should verify that those bearing plates from abroad are legally on the road with exhibition of the temporary importation permit issued by the federal customs agency Aduana and, as a general rule, the driver’s current immigration document.
Unlike Borrayo, the new commandant accepts the posture of lakeside area lawyers who have advised their clients that copies duly certified by a notary are as valid as the originals. He acknowledges that it is wise to keep originals stored in a safe place at home as a precaution against possible loss or theft. The owner would need the original import permit to recuperate a vehicle that has been impounded for any reason.
While SVT agents may hold your documents momentarily while registering data on a traffic ticket, they are not authorized keep them in their possession afterwards. The only exceptions to that rule apply to drivers of public transportation vehicles or instances when the motorist hands over a license that appears to be a forgery.
According to Chapala-based legal advisor Spencer McMullen, federal highway patrolmen may retain licenses from the drivers of private vehicles when issuing tickets for moving violations committed within their jurisdiction. In such cases, the license may be retrieved upon payment of the corresponding fine.
Dealing with traffic cops
Martinez suggests that attitude is a big factor in the outcome of dealings between motorists and traffic police. Officers are obligated to follow certain procedures and treat all motorists courteously. However, he admits that drivers who get testy or show disrespect to the agent may get tougher treatment than those who keep their cool. “It’s only human nature to feel irritated when you get pulled over. But when you get caught for a driving offense it’s best to calmly accept the folio (citation) and then pay the corresponding fine.”
The SVT has a recourse system for drivers who believe they have been unjustly slapped with tickets, as well as a format for registering complaints against officers whose behavior appears to be out of line.
Backup tool
Foreign motorists may encounter troubles with traffic cops and highway patrolmen who are unfamiliar with provisions of Mexico’s Customs Law that tie the validity of the vehicle import permit with the owner’s current immigration papers. Misunderstandings of the law have sometimes led to threats of vehicle seizure.
To help expats avoid such hassles, for a modest fee of 250 pesos McMullen will facilitate procurement of an official letter from Aduana that verifies the concurrent extension of the both permits. He will also throw in a highlighted copy of official guidelines for customs officials that can aid in fully explaining the matter to traffic officers.
The notification to Aduana needed to obtain the letter is also recommended to guarantee a refund of the cash bond paid to Aduana at the border for vehicles that remain in Mexico after the expiration date of the original import permit.
For full details, visit McMullen’s Chapala office at Calle Hidalgo 230, or call 765-7553. Hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
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