LivingInPatagonia.com

Argentinian Police Stops

Written by Shanie 

When traveling in Argentina via roadways (car, bus, etc) it is a guarantee that at some point you will come across a police stop.

What are the police stops about, anyway?

That was a question that we asked our Argentinian friends when we first moved here.  The answer was always the same and a bit vague.

“Control.  ¡Ojo!”

Control.

What does that mean? 

Ojo is a common expression here that means keep your head up, pay attention. 

Okay, so I understand that one.

Put the two together and we came up with the following in reaction to police stops:

1. There usually is no particular reason for the stop and most of the time they don’t actually stop you.
2. Always show the utmost respect (ie: “Si, Señor…”, sunglasses up, music off, smiles, keep the dogs from barking).
3. Make sure that you pay your car tax.  The police will sometimes ask for your receipts showing that you payed your yearly tax.  We have heard of stories where people have been stopped for hours in the middle of nowhere because the didn’t pay it when they were supposed to.
4. Just because you see a orange pylon on the road (the usual sign that there is a stop coming up) doesn’t mean that there really is a stop.  They’re just checking to make sure you’re paying attention, I guess. 
5. Just because a police person is standing in the middle of the road, doesn’t mean you have to stop.  They will put their hand up to tell you.  There were a few times in the beginning of our Argentine life that I stopped without any sign from the police.  They were always a little shocked and bewildered that someone would stop without being asked to. 
6. Be glad that this is where they check for licences, insurance, etc.  Argentinians are not the best drivers out there and any control on this matter is much needed.
7. Also appreciate that this is the time that they stop you.  They don’t stop you for speeding.  There are no police hiding behind road sign and curves in the road, with their radars on, waiting to bust you for ten miles an hour over the speed limit.  In fact, it is not uncommon or considered an issue for people to pass police cars on the roadways (they tend to drive very, very slow).
8. Don’t look at it as a scary or intimidating thing.  In the hundreds or so times that we have been stopped or driven through a stop we have always been treated with respect.  They may look serious but they tend to be nice and helpful. 
9. It is just another example of the randomness of Argentina.  Tonight, for example, on the way home from town I drove through five police stops.  I was never stopped. 

In the beginning of living here I was initially quite intimidated by the police and police stops.  Now, I personally appreciate the stops.  It makes people think twice before drinking and driving and keeps people more on their toes.  I don’t have anything to hide and I like any chance I get to show my DNI.

Plus, it always makes me chuckle when I see the orange pylons.  They love their orange pylons.