A family in Tlacote el Bajo, Querétaro, experienced a tense moment on June 17, 2025, after being chased and attacked by alleged bumper-to-bumper drivers, according to a video posted on social media. The clip shows a yellow Volkswagen Beetle driving slowly, presumably to induce a crash.
Upon identifying the maneuver, the family members kept their distance. The driver of the Beetle got out of his vehicle and tried to block them. Turning to avoid the threat, the family accelerated, but the attacker hit the passenger window, causing material damage to the door and glass. Despite the verbal aggression reported by local media, the family managed to escape.
How do bumper-to-bumper drivers operate?
In this form of extortion, bumper-to-bumper drivers clone license plates or choose uninsured cars, cause minor collisions, and then demand money after threatening to kill them. According to the Mexico City SSC, these gangs operate in low-traffic areas, especially between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m. and after 10:00 p.m.
In June 2022, the Mexico City Congress amended the Penal Code to criminalize extortion stemming from traffic collisions, adding Section IV to Article 236. In October 2024, they requested a report from the SSC on operations against this crime.
At the federal level
In April 2025, the Chamber of Deputies introduced an initiative to include Article 390 Ter in the Federal Penal Code and Article 69 Bis in the General Mobility Law. The proposed penalties range from 4 to 8 years in prison and fines of 500 to 1,000 UMAs (56,570 to 113,140 pesos).
Authorities’ Recommendations
Authorities and specialists from the SSC-CDMX and Querétaro departments recommend:
Do not stop after a minor collision without assessing the situation.
Avoid confrontations.
Call 911 and your insurance company.
Stop only in public and crowded areas.
Document the damage.
Do not hand over money under pressure.
Source: proceso
