How do I look up my traffic fines in Mexicali?

On the City of Mexicali portal, mexicali.gob.mx/portalmexicali/infracciones-transito, enter the vehicle plate number and it shows the recorded violations. The lookup works by plate only (not by VIN). If you have questions about a balance, ask the Municipal Revenue Office at City Hall, (686) 558-1600.

How does the 50% prompt-payment discount work?

Article 151 of the Traffic Regulations gives a 50% discount if you pay within 15 days of the violation date, except for violations marked with an asterisk in the penalty table (among them using a phone while driving, not stopping at a stop sign, running a red light, speeding and drunk driving). Repeat offenders pay double and get no discount (art. 149).

Is there a discount on overdue fines at the end of 2026?

According to a local news report (Pregonero Baja, September 30, 2026), the City Council approved a 50% waiver on overdue traffic fines from October 1 to December 31, 2026. It does not apply to parking in a disabled space without a permit, street racing, burnouts or needless revving, reckless driving, drunk or drugged driving, using sirens on non-emergency vehicles, or leaving the scene of an accident, and it cannot be combined with the 50% prompt-payment discount. We found no official City announcement: confirm it with the Municipal Revenue Office at (686) 558-1600 before paying.

How much is a traffic fine in Mexicali?

Fines are set in UMA. Article 147 of the Regulations divides them into minor (1 to 5 UMA), medium (6 to 10) and serious (11 to 50), although the penalty table sets 80 to 100 UMA for drunk driving. With the 2026 UMA of $117.31: using a phone or running a red light, $703.86 to $1,173.10; not stopping at a stop sign, $469.24 to $586.55; speeding, $1,290.41 to $1,759.65; drunk driving, $9,384.80 to $11,731.00. The exact amount shows up when you look up your plate.

What is the UMA and how much is it in 2026?

The Unit of Measure and Update (UMA) is the reference value published by INEGI to calculate fines and other obligations. For 2026 it is $117.31 per day, in effect since February 1, 2026. It changes every February.

Do fines show up in the REPUVE?

No. Municipal fines are kept in the Municipal Traffic Records Registry, the offenders database of the Mexicali traffic authority (art. 60 septies of the Regulations), not in the REPUVE. The vehicle owner is jointly liable for violations committed with it (art. 150).

What do they withhold when I get a ticket, and how do I get it back?

As a payment guarantee, the officer withholds the vehicle registration card or, if you do not have it, your physical driver license, as long as they were issued in Baja California (art. 132). The ticket covers the missing document for 15 calendar days. You get it back when you pay the fine; the Regulations do not say at which window it is returned, so confirm with Municipal Public Safety, (686) 558-1200, before going.

What happens if I do not pay my fines?

If during a stop the officer sees you have unpaid fines, they may withhold one of your plates (art. 138 quáter) or take you and the vehicle before the civic judge (juez calificador) to pay what is pending (art. 135). In that case you have 24 hours to pay before the vehicle is sent to the impound lot (art. 136).

What if my vehicle has out-of-state or foreign plates?

If the vehicle is not registered in Baja California, the officer must take you and the vehicle before the civic judge to pay the fine, unless you have a valid physical Baja California driver license, which may be held as a guarantee (art. 134).

Can I dispute a fine?

Yes. Fines imposed by officers can be challenged with a recurso de inconformidad before the civic judge (art. 154). Deadlines and procedure follow the Bando de Policía y Buen Gobierno or the municipal administrative procedure regulations. You can also ask the officer to write your comments on the ticket and sign it (art. 132).

Where can I pay in person, and when?

At the Municipal Revenue Office (Recaudación de Rentas) in City Hall (Av. Independencia 998, Centro Cívico). City Hall is open Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:00pm and Saturdays 10:00am to 3:00pm; confirm cashier hours at (686) 558-1600 before going.

Can I pay from my phone?

The plate lookup works on your phone at any time. We could not verify online card payment because it only appears when there is a balance: if the portal does not offer to pay, pay at the Municipal Revenue Office.

Does a municipal fine stop me from renewing my vehicle registration?

The official requirements for the annual registration renewal (Baja California Finance Department listing) do not include being free of municipal fines. Still, an unpaid fine can get one of your plates withheld or get you taken before the civic judge during a stop, so it is worth paying it.

🚦 Pay Traffic Fines in Mexicali

Look up your fines by plate · 50% off if you pay within 15 days (except violations marked with an asterisk)

Data verified on October 21, 2026

LOOK UP

BY PLATE

15 DAYS

PROMPT PAY

50%

DISCOUNT

24/7

AVAILABLE

OFFICIAL

PORTAL

Look Up Fines

Official portal: mexicali.gob.mx/portalmexicali/infracciones-transito

Reported by local media: 50% off overdue fines until December 31, 2026

According to a local news report (Pregonero Baja, September 30, 2026), the Mexicali City Council approved, from October 1 to December 31, 2026, a 50% waiver on overdue traffic fines and an 80% waiver on 2018-2025 surcharges on municipal taxes and fees.

It does not apply to: parking in a disabled space without a permit, street racing, burnouts or needless revving, reckless or dangerous driving, drunk or drugged driving, using sirens on non-emergency vehicles and leaving the scene of an accident. It cannot be combined with the 50% prompt-payment discount.

We found no official City announcement: confirm it with the Municipal Revenue Office at (686) 558-1600 before paying.

How Do You Want to Pay Your Fines?

Online

Municipal Portal

⏰ 24/7⚡ Lookup by plate

See recorded violations
No lines
Works on your phone
Online payment: not verified

Public Safety

Municipal Traffic

⏰ Hours not published⚡ (686) 558-1200

Withheld documents
Civic judge
Clarifications
Confirm before going

Revenue Office

City Hall

⏰ Mon-Fri 8-3, Sat 10-3⚡ (686) 558-1600

Pay at the cashier
Other city procedures
Cash or card
Confirm cashier hours

💡 Which Option Is Best for Me?

✅ USE THE ONLINE LOOKUP IF:

• You want to know if your vehicle has fines
• You want to see the amount before going to pay
• You prefer to check at any hour
• You only need your plate number

✅ GO IN PERSON IF:

• Your registration card or license was withheld
• You need a clarification about the balance
• You want to dispute it before the civic judge
• You prefer to pay at a cashier

💰 50% Prompt-Payment Discount

50% DISCOUNT

Permanent prompt-payment discount

Article 151 of the Mexicali Municipal Traffic Regulations: in effect all year

⏰ WHEN DOES IT APPLY?

• If you pay within 15 days of the violation
• NOT for violations marked with an asterisk (*) in the penalty table: phone use, stop sign, red light, speeding, drunk driving, among others
• NOT for repeat offenders: they pay double (art. 149)

✅ HOW TO GET IT?

• Check your ticket and look up the amount by plate
• Pay before the 15 days are up
• If unsure whether it applies, ask the Municipal Revenue Office

💡 Example: A $1,000 fine = $500 with the prompt-payment discount

2026 UMA · CURRENT REGULATIONS

🧮 How Fines Are Calculated in 2026

Mexicali traffic fines are set in UMA (Unit of Measure and Update). For 2026 the daily UMA is $117.31 (in effect since February 1, 2026, per INEGI). The Regulations give a range per violation: minor 1 to 5 UMA, medium 6 to 10, serious from 11.

Parking in a prohibited place or situation (art. 140 sec. I)
Range
6 to 10 UMA
In pesos 2026
$703.86 - $1,173.10
50% prompt-payment discount?
Yes: $351.93 - $586.55
Not yielding to pedestrians when turning (art. 67 sec. I)
Range
4 to 5 UMA
In pesos 2026
$469.24 - $586.55
50% prompt-payment discount?
Yes: $234.62 - $293.28
Parking in a disabled space without a permit (art. 114 sec. XX)
Range
15 to 35 UMA
In pesos 2026
$1,759.65 - $4,105.85
50% prompt-payment discount?
Yes: $879.83 - $2,052.93
Not stopping at a stop sign (*art. 63 sec. II)
Range
4 to 5 UMA
In pesos 2026
$469.24 - $586.55
50% prompt-payment discount?
No (asterisk)
Running a red light (*art. 67 sec. IV)
Range
6 to 10 UMA
In pesos 2026
$703.86 - $1,173.10
50% prompt-payment discount?
No (asterisk)
Driving while using a hand-held phone (*art. 54 sec. XX)
Range
6 to 10 UMA
In pesos 2026
$703.86 - $1,173.10
50% prompt-payment discount?
No (asterisk)
Speeding or exceeding the posted limit (*art. 74)
Range
11 to 15 UMA
In pesos 2026
$1,290.41 - $1,759.65
50% prompt-payment discount?
No (asterisk)
Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs (*art. 54 sec. XVII)
Range
80 to 100 UMA
In pesos 2026
$9,384.80 - $11,731.00
50% prompt-payment discount?
No (asterisk)

Violation (article)	Range	In pesos 2026	50% prompt pay?
Parking in a prohibited place or situation (art. 140 sec. I)	6 to 10 UMA	$703.86 - $1,173.10	Yes: $351.93 - $586.55
Not yielding to pedestrians when turning (art. 67 sec. I)	4 to 5 UMA	$469.24 - $586.55	Yes: $234.62 - $293.28
Parking in a disabled space without a permit (art. 114 sec. XX)	15 to 35 UMA	$1,759.65 - $4,105.85	Yes: $879.83 - $2,052.93
Not stopping at a stop sign (*art. 63 sec. II)	4 to 5 UMA	$469.24 - $586.55	No (asterisk)
Running a red light (*art. 67 sec. IV)	6 to 10 UMA	$703.86 - $1,173.10	No (asterisk)
Driving while using a hand-held phone (*art. 54 sec. XX)	6 to 10 UMA	$703.86 - $1,173.10	No (asterisk)
Speeding or exceeding the posted limit (*art. 74)	11 to 15 UMA	$1,290.41 - $1,759.65	No (asterisk)
Driving drunk or under the influence of drugs (*art. 54 sec. XVII)	80 to 100 UMA	$9,384.80 - $11,731.00	No (asterisk)

What is the UMA?

The Unit of Measure and Update is the reference value published by INEGI since 2016 to calculate fines and other obligations. The new value takes effect every February 1.

Important

The amounts are ranges from the penalty table of the Regulations. Anything without a specific penalty is charged at 1 UMA (art. 148). The exact amount of your fine appears when you look up your plate on the official portal.

View Official Traffic Regulations

📋 Types of Traffic Violations

Parking

•Parking in a prohibited area
•Not respecting disabled parking spaces
•Blocking driveway entrances
•Double parking
•Parking in loading and unloading zones

Signage

•Running traffic lights
•Failing to come to a full stop
•Ignoring traffic signs
•Driving the wrong way
•Failing to yield

Speed

•Speeding
•Driving too slowly
•Not respecting limits in school zones
•Vehicle racing
•Reckless driving

Documentation

•Not carrying a valid license
•Driving without vehicle registration
•Unreadable or altered plates
•Expired documents
•Not carrying an insurance policy

🚙 Where Are Your Fines Recorded?

In the Mexicali Municipal Traffic Records Registry (art. 60 septies of the Regulations), not in the REPUVE.

What does it mean for you?

The portal lookup is by plate: you see what is recorded for that vehicle
The owner is jointly liable for violations committed with the vehicle (art. 150)
With pending fines, a plate can be withheld during a stop (art. 138 quáter)
Municipal fines do not appear in the REPUVE, which is a federal vehicle registry

Practical tips

→Before buying a used car with Mexicali plates, look up its fines by plate
→Before selling, pay all outstanding fines
→If you sell, keep your fine payment receipts
→Check periodically with your plate number, even if you don't recall being ticketed

🏛️ Offices for In-Person Payment

MUNICIPAL REVENUE OFFICE

(City Hall - Treasury)

Av. Independencia 998, Centro Cívico, C.P. 21000

(686) 558-1600

City Hall: Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm, Sat 10:00am-3:00pm (confirm cashier hours)

Services: Payment of fines and other city procedures

MUNICIPAL PUBLIC SAFETY

(Traffic reports to it)

Calz. Héctor Terán Terán at Anáhuac

(686) 558-1200

Hours not published: call before going

Services: Ask here about withheld documents, the civic judge and clarifications

📋 What to Bring to Pay in Person?

📄 BASIC DOCUMENTS

• Violation ticket (if you have it)
• Vehicle plate number
• Valid official ID
• Cash or card

🆔 IF A DOCUMENT WAS WITHHELD

• They withhold the registration card or, if you do not have it, your physical BC license (art. 132)
• The ticket covers it for 15 calendar days
• You get it back when you pay the fine
• Ask where it is returned at (686) 558-1200 before going

⚖️ Consequences and Benefits

What Can Happen if You Do Not Pay

🚫 UNDER THE REGULATIONS:

• A plate can be withheld during a stop (art. 138 quáter)
• You and the vehicle can be taken before the civic judge (art. 135)
• You get 24 hours to pay before the vehicle goes to the impound lot (art. 136)
• Repeat offenders pay double with no discount (art. 149)

ADDITIONAL RISK:

Driving with expired documents can generate more fines and withholding of the vehicle during traffic operations.

Benefits of Being Up to Date

✅ YOU WILL BE ABLE TO:

• Get the 50% off if you pay within 15 days
• Avoid having a plate withheld
• Avoid the impound lot
• Drive with peace of mind

MAIN ADVANTAGE:

You avoid future problems and keep your vehicle in order for any eventuality.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Traffic Fines

📞 Official Contact and Resources

Municipal Portal

🌐 mexicali.gob.mx/portalmexicali/infracciones-transito

🔍 Lookup by plate number

⏰ Available 24/7

Go to Portal

Citizen Services

📞 City Hall switchboard: (686) 558-1600

📞 Municipal Public Safety: (686) 558-1200

📞 Citizen Services: 072

🚨 Emergencies: 911

🕐 City Hall: Mon-Fri 8:00am-3:00pm, Sat 10:00am-3:00pm

Legal Framework

📜 Municipal Traffic Regulations

📅 Published: Dec 14, 2001 · last amended: Mar 7, 2025

🏛️ City Council of Mexicali

View Regulations (PDF)

💡 Tips for Responsible Drivers

✅ PREVENTION:

• Respect all traffic signs
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Don't use your phone while driving
• Keep a safe distance

📄 DOCUMENTATION:

• Always carry a valid license
• Up-to-date vehicle registration
• Valid insurance policy
• Readable and properly mounted plates

💰 SAVINGS:

• Pay within 15 days
• Use the 50% discount when it applies
• Look up your plate now and then
• Keep your payment receipts