Baja Opens Registration for “Chocolate” Cars Imported from Europe and America

Dec 03, 2023 11:32 PM EST

BLACK CARS — (Photo : PEXELS/ Torsten Dettlaff)

Baja California has recently started the registration process for "Chocolate" cars, a term coined for Asian and European-made vehicles that were previously unregistered and illegal in the region. This move legitimizes vehicles, preventing fines and repossession and bringing much-needed control to the South of the border.

Chocolate Cars: Registered

Starting last week, the residents of Baja California have reason to rejoice as they can finally begin the registration process for their beloved imported cars from Europe and America, often affectionately referred to as "chocolate" cars. These vehicles had long lingered in the legal gray area due to their owners failing to register them and pay import fees when they first brought them to Baja.

According to Fox, news registration began last week. The consequences for driving an unregistered "chocolate" car were severe, including hefty fines and the looming threat of repossession. However, last year, the Mexican government extended an olive branch, introducing an amnesty program to help drivers legalize their unregistered imported cars.

Initially, the program's scope was limited to American and Canadian-made cars, but the good news for European and Asian car owners has arrived. Brands such as Volkswagen, Mercedes, Porsche, Toyota, Honda, Acura, and others can now join the registration process, ensuring that their cherished vehicles become fully compliant with Mexican laws.

According to estimates from the Baja California Secretary of Finance, approximately 50,000 of these "chocolate" cars can be found in Tijuana alone. To qualify for the program, cars must have VIN numbers that begin with a letter. The cost for registering each vehicle is just 500 pesos, equivalent to about $28, making it an affordable opportunity to ensure compliance with local regulations.

For those looking to embark on the registration journey, additional information can be found on the State of Baja California website. The registration process has already seen significant engagement, with 124,442 cars registered in the city of Tijuana through November 23, and many more throughout the entire Baja California region.

The deadline for registering all "chocolate" cars has been extended until December 31, offering car owners ample time to bring their vehicles out of the legal shadows and into full compliance. The term "chocolate" itself derives from the Spanish word "chueco," meaning crooked, reflecting the previous legal status of these cars. Now, with the registration program in full swing, Baja California residents can enjoy peace of mind while driving their cherished European and American imports on the region's picturesque roads.

Governor Leads Registration Initiative

Governor Marina del Pilar ávila Olmeda of Baja California has unveiled a significant milestone in the effort to regularize "chocolate" (illegal) cars. The first vehicle with foreign license plates has successfully undergone the registration process, thanks to a recent decree aimed at addressing this issue.

San Diego reported that in Mexicali, José Daniel, the owner of a 2012 Honda Accord, took advantage of the Regularization of Used Foreign Vehicles Program. The process was streamlined, taking place at the Public Vehicle Registry (REPUVE) module, located at the Civic Center in Baja California's capital.

Notably, owners no longer need third-party assistance, as they can now directly approach the state government and schedule appointments through the REPUVE website. This development marks a significant step towards bringing "chocolate" cars into legal compliance in the region.