Many residents of San Diego county might already be aware that Tijuana is often referred to as the world's most visited border town. But did you know that Tijuanas history dates from around 1830 when it was better known as a large cattle ranch named Rancho de Tia Juana. Tijuana came into its own around 1920, after Prohibition came into affect, when the locals opened a magnificent casino and numerous bars and nightclubs. That is when tourists began to grow it into what it is today.
If you are going to drink in Mexico the best suggestion is to have a designated driver, take a cab, or use the trolley. If you choose one of these methods then you will not have a chance of being arrested for Drunk Driving or DUI at the border.
If, however, you find yourself in a situation where you have been drinking and you are driving across the border back into the United States please be aware of several things. The border checkpoint station (where the INS worker stands) is actually not the border.
The International Border with Mexico is approximately 200-300 feet before the building. As a result often times you will see uniformed police walking through the rows of cars pointing out car to be detained. How can they do this? The officer will usually find someone he considers to be young (under 21) and then when you are talking to the border agent he will automatically detect the odor of alcohol and since a person can not be driving under the influence this gives him some cause to make further investigation.
Canada
There are zero Drunk Driving arrests in San Diego at the Canadian border - duh! we all know that. However, did you know that a DUI conviction makes it illegal for anyone to cross the border into Canada for any reason, unless you obtain a permit from Canada? The permit, called a Permit of Criminal Rehabilitation, can not be applied for until 60 months after all of the conditions of the latest sentence have been satisfied. Which could mean 60 months from the last day of your probationary term or if you were given a 45 day sentence then 60 months after the 45 days have passed. However, if you are driving they MAY not ask if you have a criminal record or check your name against their database. If you are planning to travel to Canada then contact the Canadian Consulate and ask if they can help.