A Baja California lawmaker is pushing for traffic officers to clearly explain the legal basis for any ticket they issue, arguing that drivers deserve more transparency when they are fined.
State Rep. Araceli Geraldo introduced a resolution this week calling on municipal governments across the state to require traffic officers to show and explain the specific regulation being enforced at the time a citation is issued.
Under the proposal, officers would need to identify the exact article and subsection allegedly violated, as well as explain how the amount of the fine was calculated.
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Geraldo said the measure is intended to strengthen transparency and due process, ensuring drivers understand why they are being penalized and how much they are required to pay.
She noted that one of the most frequent complaints from residents is the lack of clarity surrounding traffic tickets. Many drivers, she said, report not being told which specific rule they broke or how authorities determined the cost of the fine, fueling mistrust and perceptions of arbitrary enforcement.
Greater transparency, Geraldo argued, would not only protect motorists’ rights but also reinforce the legitimacy of traffic enforcement by allowing the public to verify that citations are issued in accordance with the law.
Requiring officers to reference the applicable regulation at the scene, she said, could help prevent abuses of authority, improve accountability and reduce discretion in how fines are applied.
If adopted, the resolution would urge cities throughout Baja California to implement the policy through their local police departments.
