Renewing Temporary Vehicle Import Permit at Belize Border

[Libby]

I'm wondering if anyone has experience with renewing the temporary vehicle import permit for their foreign car at the Belize border. We've heard a rumor that you can do it at one of the offices on the Mexican side. Can anyone verify this?

We've done it before at Puerto Morelos, but they no longer do it there. I believe you can still do it at Puerto Juarez in Cancun. But we were thinking about making a trip down south anyhow.

FYI, my understanding is that you do not need to renew your permit as long as you stay in Quintana Roo or another border state. But we are planning a trip to the Yucatan in September, so we need to get this taken care of.

Gracias.

[jamnkats]

I'm pretty sure you guys have FM3's don't you? If so, google Article 106 and print that off for any policia who don't already know it. As long as your TIP is registered with your FM3 you don't legally need to renew it - it is good as long as your FM3 is.

Otherwise, people in PaaMul (even the owner) do this frequently. You don't need to leave Mexico - you can stay in the "DMZ" and take care of the tramite there. Be forewarned that the aduana at that border is very accostomed to receiving "incentives" to do their jobs. Your choice what you want to do about that.

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by jamnkats

I'm pretty sure you guys have FM3's don't you? If so, google Article 106 and print that off for any policia who don't already know it. As long as your TIP is registered with your FM3 you don't legally need to renew it - it is good as long as your FM3 is.

Otherwise, people in PaaMul (even the owner) do this frequently. You don't need to leave Mexico - you can stay in the "DMZ" and take care of the tramite there. Be forewarned that the aduana at that border is very accostomed to receiving "incentives" to do their jobs. Your choice what you want to do about that.

What is the "DMZ"?
English, girl...English!

[Opatije]

DMZ = Demilitarized Zone

[Libby]

Originally Posted by jamnkats

I'm pretty sure you guys have FM3's don't you? If so, google Article 106 and print that off for any policia who don't already know it. As long as your TIP is registered with your FM3 you don't legally need to renew it - it is good as long as your FM3 is.

Otherwise, people in PaaMul (even the owner) do this frequently. You don't need to leave Mexico - you can stay in the "DMZ" and take care of the tramite there. Be forewarned that the aduana at that border is very accostomed to receiving "incentives" to do their jobs. Your choice what you want to do about that.

Thanks, Kathy! Yes, we do have FM-3s, but I thought that was only valid in the border states. Any idea where I can find Article 106? Is it available online somewhere? Or do I need to ask my lawyer for it. Miles gracias!

[Opatije]

Originally Posted by Libby

Thanks, Kathy! Yes, we do have FM-3s, but I thought that was only valid in the border states. Any idea where I can find Article 106? Is it available online somewhere? Or do I need to ask my lawyer for it. Miles gracias!

Here it is: http://www.diputados.gob.mx/LeyesBiblio/pdf/12.pdf

In Español...

Jack

[Libby]

Thanks for the link, Jack! That's a great source!

It does say that the temporary import of a vehicle is good as long as the importer's migratory status is valid. I was getting hung up on some of the wording. "Para retornar al extranjero en el mismo estado" and "siempre que retornen al extranjero en el mismo estado" Finally, I realized they meant the same state of condition, not the same state of Mexico. Sheesh! Thanks so much for the info!

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Opatije

DMZ = Demilitarized Zone

yeah...figured that but....huh?

[Libby]

Demilitarized zone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Makes sense, I guess. I didn't realize it was a DMZ down there either.

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Libby

Demilitarized zone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Makes sense, I guess. I didn't realize it was a DMZ down there either.

yes...i know what DMZ is
...but a DMZ between Mexico and Belize?
I don't think so...
...unless she's talking about the Free Trade Zone which is not in Mexico

[Solomon]

I can only speculate on this sort of thing because doing something like that would be against the law, but I would speculate that it can be done at the little guard shack on the right hand side of the road BEFORE you leave Mexico for less than $200US.

But, that said, I have heard from various people that the permit is not needed if you are here on an FM3. May or may not be true, I don't have experience with this, my car has Q.Roo plates.

Another rumor I heard floating around is that if you talk to the people at el Capitan del Puerto in Puerto Morelos or Cancun where the cars are imported you might be able to have your car enter the country there. Again, don't have experience with this one.

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Solomon

I can only speculate on this sort of thing because doing something like that would be against the law, but I would speculate that it can be done at the little guard shack on the right hand side of the road BEFORE you leave Mexico for less than $200US.

But, that said, I have heard from various people that the permit is not needed if you are here on an FM3. May or may not be true, I don't have experience with this, my car has Q.Roo plates.

Another rumor I heard floating around is that if you talk to the people at el Capitan del Puerto in Puerto Morelos or Cancun where the cars are imported you might be able to have your car enter the country there. Again, don't have experience with this one.

Why would it be illegal? We've renewed our car permit before at Puerto Morelos, but they don't import cars there anymore. Unless they started up again? And I know you can do it in Cancun in Puerto Juarez. We're perfectly willing to go there, but would like to try the "guard shack" that you mention before you leave Mexico. They actually have several offices there, but I'm not sure what all they do. Thanks for your input, Solomon.

[Solomon]

When using that method you are officially entering and exiting the country, without the hassle of entering or exiting the country, it will get you a new permit. That is why it might not be so legal.

[jamnkats]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

yes...i know what DMZ is
...but a DMZ between Mexico and Belize?
I don't think so...
...unless she's talking about the Free Trade Zone which is not in Mexico

FREE TRADE!! That's what I meant. Oh, my mind is a sieve. I figured someone would know what I was talking about though. But not little Ricky...Oh that LUCY!

[Libby]

Originally Posted by Solomon

When using that method you are officially entering and exiting the country, without the hassle of entering or exiting the country, it will get you a new permit. That is why it might not be so legal.

Yeah, okay, I see what you're saying.

We've decided not to renew the permit. We're going to print out Article 106 and show that in case anyone questions us. Someone told me, off the forum, that her husband was once stopped in Quintana Roo and was told that his permit was no longer valid because it had expired. He whipped out his copy of the law, and then the cop moved onto other "violations".

[jamnkats]

The transitos in the Estado de Mexico and those in DF are also known for hassling people with "expired" permits, but it is only a temporary inconvenience. There has been discussion (on the Merida forum) that your insurance might not like expired permits (if they even know about them). ING has already responded that they have no problem with "expired" permits. So, just one more data point to ponder.