who can crack this conundrum? (part II) Mexico
Dear Friends
It would appear that I have been slightly ambitious about worrying over getting my bike into the States and should have set my concerns on Mexico.
For those unfamiliar with my situation. I am a Brit, travelling with a Colorado plated bike that I bought in Chile off another Brit in April and am using a power of attorney (from Chile) to cross borders. The bike is still in his name and after a year the tags have expired.
Today I excitedly rode up to the Mexican border at Tapachula - my very last central American border crossing. Left Guatamala without a hitch and got my passport stamped for Mexico.
I then pulled the bike up outside the Aduana - at which point a snotty woman insisted i drive past the inspection point - I explained I hadnt obtained my papers yet but she insisted (she had a gun and i usually listen to such people). She demanded to see my registration papers (something I have never been asked) to which I claimed I did not have - this turned into an argument to which I finally caved and showed her the previous owners old registration papers.
I then sat outside the Aduana office (was not allowed in) for about an hour. She finally returned with a big smile on her face saying there was good news and bad news. The bad news being that I would not be allowed to get a second permission (this being the second time the bike has passed through Mexico) with expired registration.
I asked what the good news was - she explained she had convinced her supervisor not to impound the bike then and there - claiming that as the bike was on mexican soil without the necessary paperwork they were completely in their right to do so - i promptly stopped arguing at this point.
She explained I would be allowed to enter if I have up to date registration and then (in a very stern voice) insisted the bike would be taken from me if I entered without renewing the registration - i assume this is to warn me from simply trying my luck at another frontera.
So I am now back in Guatamala. I have spent the entire day searching forums and NOWHERE can I find that registration papers are essential for entering Mexico. Only that Registration papers OR title documents are needed to enter. (NB - she had no problems with me entering with the POA). Have I just been incredibly unlucky? Shoudl I already be on my way to try entering at another border? I must insist she was very seriosu when she told me the bike would be taken if i entered or tried to enter the bike with out of date registration - have other fronteras been told of my presense?
I have already been online to see if I/or the previous owner can renew the registration but as it expired over two months ago this is not possible.
With regards to forging documents remember this is the second time this bike will be entering Mexico and they will have records of the previous entry.
If am welcome to any ideas but im sternly against illegal options. I would sooner try and enter with out of date registration papers than with forged documents. The prior leading to the bike being impounded, the latter potentially lfeading to a criminal ofense.
Hope you can help.
Duncan
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