[FrankRN]

... and in my experience, the check points that exist now, at least in the area between Cancun, Valladolid, Tulum "triangle" are much less than we saw 10 or 15 years ago.

I remember when it was very common to see army soldiers patrolling the streets of PDC in large trucks and you'd nary ever see policia in town. These same soldiers would march up and down the beach area in groups of 3 or 4 in full uniform with rifles. There was even a small navy base (no boats ~ just personell) down near the pier. Of course now the policia are everywhere in PDC and you hardly ever see the military. But it was just the opposite not too long ago. I liked it better that way.

When you go to less populated areas of the Yucatan ... and probably all of Mexico ... this is still the case. For example, last time we were in Punta Allen there were certainly no policia ... but a fairly strong military presence (given the size of the population). Not at all what you are used to here int he US.

We have been stopped by these middle of the road checkpoints and never had a problem. As a matter of fact, it makes me feel a lot safer to know there is a military presence in areas where everyone knows there are no police patrols. We have never been unduly harrassed or detained. If you have nothing to hide, you have nothing to fear.