By
Jeremy Duda
Arizona Daily Wildcat
Certain rules different, more stringent than in America
Former UA police chief Douglas Paxton used to make periodic trips to Nogales, Mexico, to rescue students who were stuck in jail.
That was about 25 years ago. Students who are arrested south of the border these days aren't likely to see such luck.
With Spring Break beginning this weekend, many UA students are lured to Mexico by less stringent drinking laws than those in the U.S. - laws which allow alcohol to be purchased by anyone 18 or over.
Amid all the fun and drinking, though, students should be careful not to run afoul of the law while partying in Mexico, said UAPD Officer Paul Reinhardt.
"Going there and having a good time is all right, but use common sense," he said.
Reinhardt, a 29-year veteran of the UAPD, has given presentations to students for the past two years on how to stay within the boundaries of the law while visiting America's neighbor to the south.
He advises students to avoid behavior that would result in an arrest in America. Students should stay away from fights and leave any weapons or drugs - except prescription drugs in the original container - at home.
"One round of ammunition can get you in a lot of trouble," he said.
A weapon doesn't have to be a gun either. Knives and even pepper spray can land someone in trouble if found by police, which students are often surprised to learn, Reinhardt said.
Drinking in public is also illegal in most places in Mexico - with beach towns like Rocky Point as exceptions - and drunken driving is strictly prohibited.
All traffic laws should be obeyed, and insurance should be purchased to cover any automotive mishaps. Most American policies don't cover the holder while in other countries, and Mexican insurance can be purchased at the border or in Tucson from companies like Sanborn's, 105 W. Grant Rd.
"If you're going to drive, you pretty much have to have Mexican insurance. You may as well get it in Tucson before you go," said Susan Ferrell, adviser for ASUA legal services.
Disobeying laws in Mexico can result in penalties from $50 traffic tickets to jail time, depending on the severity of the crime.
Business freshman Josh Niles has had several close calls with police in Mexico. A Tucson native who visits Mexico frequently, he has almost been arrested in Rocky Point twice - once for recklessly driving an ATV through town, and once for fighting.
"We got in a fight, but then everyone came together and said, 'Do we really want to go to jail?'" Niles said.
Niles, his three friends and the three people they were fighting gave the police officer who responded to the altercation $100 to let them go. The incident with the ATV cost Niles $18.
"Keep an extra 20-spot on you. That'll keep you out of jail," he said.
Neither Reinhardt or Ferrell advocate bribing police, though, since bribery is illegal in Mexico just as it is here.
"There are some times when bribes can solve a problem, but it is still a crime, and the risk is great," Ferrell said.
Reinhardt advises anyone who is arrested in Mexico to contact the nearest American consulate or have someone else do it if a phone is unavailable.
Upon returning to the United States, students should not bring back anything that is illegal in this country, Reinhardt said. This includes items that are legally sold in Mexico, such as fireworks and switchblades.
Do not attempt to cross the border while intoxicated if under 21 years of age, Reinhardt added. Although the drinking age in Mexico is 18, an intoxicated person who is under 21 can be arrested once they have crossed back into America.
A limit of one liter of alcohol can be legally brought into this country from Mexico by someone who is of age, and the limit for cigarettes is one carton, Reinhardt said.
Ferrell said it may be easy for young tourists to leave their decorum in America.
"I think a lot of college students go down there and think of it as a big playground," she said.
Aside from obeying the law, Reinhardt stressed respect for local culture and customs as an important part of staying out of trouble in Mexico.
"The people of Mexico are very warm, friendly and generous, but they are very proud. Don't belittle or make fun of their culture or traditions," he said.
