**Tecate Opens New Module for “Chocolate” Car Regularization**
Tecate is set to reopen its module for the regularization of foreign vehicles, commonly referred to as “chocolate” cars, as announced by Carlos Nafarrate Orozco, the subcollector of rents in Tecate for Baja California’s government. This initiative is in response to residents from areas such as El Hongo and La Rumorosa, who have reported difficulties in reaching the IMOS Tijuana location due to the age and condition of their vehicles.
The module, which will be located at the State Revenue Collection Office on Mission de Santa Rosalía Avenue in El Descanso, aims to facilitate the regularization process for Tecate residents who will need to present identification demonstrating their residency in Tecate.
Nafarrate Orozco explained that to initiate the process, interested parties must schedule an appointment through the Baja California government website and make a payment at a bank, preferably BBVA or HSBC for automatic processing. Required documents include the vehicle, a driver’s license, identification, proof of residence, and a filled-out declaration of truth. After submission, the vehicle documentation is processed at IMOS Tijuana and returned within a week, with license plates and circulation permits issued in about a month.
As of September 30, Baja California has obtained over 950 million pesos from the regularization process and successfully registered almost 400,000 vehicles, demonstrating the significance of this initiative in the region.
**Secondary Article: Vehicle Import Decree Renewed Amidst Calls for Improvement**
The renewal of the decree to allow the import of used cars has provided some relief to vehicle owners and importers, but there are still calls for improved processing conditions. Canaco, the business chamber in Baja California, has highlighted the need for streamlined regulations and better facilitation to avoid delays and complications in the regularization process.
The delay in publishing the decree has pushed many car owners towards informal markets, a move driven by the need to evade cumbersome procedures and costs. In San Diego, over a thousand vehicles have been detained due to the unclear import status, signaling the need for more efficient regulations to prevent such bottlenecks.
Local authorities remain optimistic that with continued cooperation and feedback, the regularization process can be refined to better serve both domestic and cross-border vehicle owners.
Additionally, local inspections of manufacturing facilities have increased following an incident at Prime Wheel, with efforts led by the Ministry of Labor and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development. Meanwhile, local educational institutions like the 18 de Marzo primary in Otay have seen protests from parents demanding a return to in-person classes after a three-week hiatus.
With these developments, communities across Baja California are witnessing significant regulatory and local engagement shifts, aiming for a more efficient administrative and operational environment.