### Increasing “Chocolate” Cars and Foreign Vehicle Entry Lead to Tijuana Traffic Congestion
The expansion of the regularization process for “chocolate” cars (unregistered vehicles), in addition to the influx of vehicles from tourists coming from Southern California and inadequate road infrastructure, has significantly contributed to the traffic congestion in Tijuana. Gina Arana, President of the Urban Mobility Commission, highlighted that the growing population has exacerbated traffic issues in the city.
“The current vehicular load comprises not only the vehicles owned by Tijuana residents but also additional cars brought in by over 140,000 U.S. residents who moved to Tijuana post-pandemic, and the ongoing issue with irregular vehicles,” said Arana.
She explained that this situation heavily impacts residents who need to travel from distant locations to the city center, taking up to forty minutes caught in traffic. The federal decree to regularize foreign-origin vehicles, initially aimed at legitimizing existing cars in the city, has turned into a seemingly permanent program, leading to more vehicles on the roads.
### Secondary Article: Updates on Foreign Vehicle Regulation and Traffic Impact
#### Final Week for Foreign Vehicle Regularization
As the deadline for legalizing foreign vehicles in Tijuana approaches on September 30, residents are rushing to comply with the regulation. This initiative has aimed to provide a legal framework for vehicles already operating in the city without proper registration.
#### Baja California’s Revenue from “Chocolate” Cars
Baja California stands as the third state in Mexico with the highest revenue collection from the regularization of “chocolate” cars. However, it ranks fourth in terms of road paving and infrastructure development, highlighting the need for improvements to accommodate the increasing number of vehicles.
#### Traffic at San Ysidro Border Crossing Normalized
Efforts to streamline border crossing processes have been successful, with the Department of the Interior requesting the National Migration Institute (INM) to expedite logistics and open additional lines for pedestrian entry into Tijuana from San Ysidro.
#### Patrols Against Illegal Sale of Medical Passes Continue
Authorities continue to crack down on the illegal sale of medical passes, which are being sold for over $150. Those caught selling these passes are removed from the authorized registry but face no other penalties.
#### Tijuana’s Economic Impact from DNR Implementation
The potential application of the Digital Nomad Residence (DNR) program might affect Tijuana’s economy, according to the President of Canaco Tijuana. There have been requests for the governor to take necessary steps to speed up the border crossing process between San Ysidro and Tijuana.
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