Police - Driving - Howto

You leave the rental pick up area and make a right onto the Pan American Highway. You're excited, its been a long time in coming. The dream of this moment, and here you are in Nicaragua. Every where you look there are wondrous things; its hard paying attention.

You enter a three-way traffic circle looking for your sign. The first arrow points to town X and you need city Y, the next turn. Passing the first right, you get ready and then veer to make your turn. This is when you notice several men dressed in blue shirts with baseball hats, standing in the road. A motorcycle cop steps out, points at you and then at the curb. I don't know about you, the first words out of my mouth are “CRAP”.

What happens if you're stopped for a traffic infraction? How can you avoid problems when driving in Nicaragua and what can you do if you get into trouble.

Do I Rent?

Ask yourself this question, "Do I really need a Rental Car"? If the answer is "Yes", then the next question should be "Why"? Lets put convenience aside for the moment. Public transportation is both inexpensive and reliable. Bus transportation will get you anywhere in the country for practically nothing. Taxi cabs very affordable and readly available. It's amazing how far a taxi will take you for ten Cordoba in Nicaragua.

Renting a vehicle is more expensive and carries with it liability. With the additional collision insurance, you are still liable for 20% of the damages to your rental. Take the price of the average new vechical and you can see it gets expensive quick. Rentals shouldn't be left unattended during the day and never after dark. You need a place to keep your car or truck. This might be enough to encourage you to take public transportation if having a vechial is nothing more then luxury.

If this is your first time driving in Nicaragua, consider having someone with you who is familiar with the area or consider hiring a driver for the first couple of days. A professional driver can be hired for as little as 25.00 per day.

The Rental

When you arive at your car, Budget, Dollar, Toyota and others have agents who go through an important check list with you. They show you where everything is located, the spare, jack, fire extinguisher etc. This is done for two reasons: You know where to find these items, There is no denying the items existed prior to your departure.

Take time to make sure your vehicle is operational. Turn on the lights, get out and make sure they work. Where is the vehicle registration, is it current? Do the tires look properly inflated? Do you have missing reflectors? Note any damage, regardless of how minor on your sheet. Rental check out procedures, time for another Howto, but for now dont say I didnt warn you.

Don't assume just because you have rented a vehicle before, you understand how renting a vehicle works in other countries. Do take the time in getting to know how your vehicle operates.

Welcome to Nicaragua!

Accidents

If you remember only one thing from this howto it's this, there is no such thing as an accident. In all cases there is someone to blame for an "Accident" and lets hope its not you.

If you have an accident, under no circumstances move your vehicle. Wait until the Police arrive and give you the Okay. A person who moves a vehicle is guilty of causing the accident.

If anyone is seriously injured or killed, the drivers will be going to jail. Now would be a good time to get a good attorney.

“Nicaraguan law requires that a driver be taken into custody for being involved in an accident that caused serious injury or death, even if the driver is insured and appears not to have been at fault. The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as the result of a cash settlement).”

Make no mistake, Nicaraguan jails are not a good place for North Americans, no matter how short the stay. The United States Embassy will not be able to help you. Hopefully knowing this will be enough to keep you out of trouble.

The Easiest way to avoid being pulled over is to avoid attracting attention! If you are having a hard time understanding this simple rule, please reconsider driving.

WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT, it's easy to forget, put it on. In Nicaragua wearing a seat-belt is STRICKLY ENFORCED. While the fine is inexpensive for a tourist, remember the object is not being stopped. Once you are on the curb, the odds that you might get tickted for other things drasticly increases. How bad will you feel when getting arrested for not having your drivers licence and it all started because you didn't have your seat-belt on.

A driver once complained to the police saying, “Why is the fine 250 Cordoba and not 150?” The Policeman responded, “Your right, it is 150 Cordoba, and both of you are not wearing seat belts so the fine is 250 Cordoba!”

Signs

Street signs can be confusing, unfamiliar or worse yet -- missing. A one-way street doesn't change, regardless of a sign's status. Keep on the lookout for things that dont seem to make sense. If you see parked cars on both sides of the street, facing one direction for example, it might be a clue this is a one-way. Stop at intersections with out sign unless you're positive who has right of way. The police will still ticket you even if there isn't a sign. Worse still is loosing your life because of a 30.00 piece of metal. Have a good time in Nicaragua but please don't forget common sense.

Get Out Of Jail Free

In an effort to stop corruption, police officers often receive assignments in areas remote to their homes. It's not uncommon to see Police hitchhiking in groups. This is because police are not paid well and they are trying to save bus fare. Avoid being stopped for traffic violations by carrying a pickup bed full of Policemen! If you pull to the side and give them a ride, the Police will get in the bed of your truck. When they are ready to get out, either because you have left the highway too soon or passing the direction they need, they will tap (Bang) on the roof to let you know.

Traffic Stops

Remain calm, the majority of stops are routeen. If you did something wrong it will most likely end with a citation.

Most police officers are on foot, with this in mind you might be tempted to ignore an order to pull over. Do Not make this mistake. It's common for a supervisor to have an automatic weapon. With an AK-47, a car is not nessesary to catch you.

The police look for convenient and safe locations to setup a check point. On the Pan American you will find Police, especially at night, at either end of town. Often these stops are located next to a police station. In addition to obvious violations, drivers are randomly checked for identification and registration. Don't forget your drivers license at the hotel! Make sure you know the location of your vehicle's registration (No its not on the back bumper).

The Police retain your licence when they issue a ticket. The fine is paid at any Banpro Bank locations through a deposit in the National Police Dept's account. The bank will know the account number, it's also on the ticket. With luck the police will still be around after you pay. Show them a receipt and they may return your license. If not, you will have to visit the police station on the next full business day.

In some cases the Police will get in your vehicle and order you to drive to the Police station. This usually happens if your paperwork is not in order, they need clarification about something or you lost your mind and manners. It's important your drivers licence always accompany you and all paperwork is available. Always remain calm, smile and follow all of the officers instructions.

In some cases, Police officers will be looking for a donation in lue of a traffic citation. It's up to you how this game is played, in other words, you're on your own. On one hand, you are contributing to the problem in giving into such temptation, on the other it's a lot easier then trying to pay your fine and track down your drivers licence. Something to consider is this, it's a crime to offer a bribe to an officer. Things can go wrong quick if you or the officer is being targeted as part a corruption drag net. These sting operations are becoming more common.

Traffice Laws & Fines

See an early posting by FYL with a pretty good English translation. http://www.nicaliving.com/node/423

TRAPS

Police around the world often engage in creative tacticts used to catch unsuspecting traffic violators, Nicaragua's National Police are no exception.

Here I'm going to post a few locations where I have seen, on different occasions, what I will call "Enforcement Traps".

Some places where I have seen enforcement traps or received a ticket are:

Esteli - The South end of town has a police station and regular check point. Police are usualy stationed at the Texeco station to the North end of town as well.

Esteli – The circle around the park. It was night and I didn't see them until I turned the corner and Wham! No Seat belts.

Esteli - North end of town, coming back from Somoto. Under inflated tires (Even though the windshield was badly cracked on a friends truck.) This was all about seeing a Gringo in the passenger seat and nothing to do with the tires.

Rotunda between Managua and Tipitapa – They wait just beyond the Rotunda, just out of the drivers sight. They watch to see that you are in the proper lane when exiting for the Pan American North. Often people make the mistake of being in the Tipitapa Tipitapa lane and continue following it around and then exiting for the Pan American North.

Hills just South of Sebaco – One hill has a no passing zone that extends not only up the hill but down as well. They watch from the next hill to see if you pass anyone. You get pulled over at the top of the following hill.

If you have been pulled over, have seen or know of other enforcement traps, please add them in the comments section. Also please make mention of any corrections or additions!