A Baja California Sur state legislator has introduced a bill that would make operating unlicensed public transportation a criminal offense. Omar Torres Orozco presented the proposal to the BCS state Congress on April 21, seeking to reclassify irregular transit services from an administrative violation to a crime under state law.
The bill targets drivers and operators who provide public transportation services without the required government permits. Under current BCS regulations, running an unlicensed taxi, shuttle, or bus service can result in administrative fines. Torres Orozco’s proposal would escalate those consequences to criminal charges, meaning violators could face prosecution and potential jail time rather than just a monetary penalty.
What the Bill Would Change
Baja California Sur’s existing Ley de Tránsito Terrestre (Land Transit Law) governs vehicle and pedestrian traffic across the state and its municipalities. The law gives the state government authority to regulate transit on roads and highways. Torres Orozco’s bill would add a new criminal classification within this legal framework, specifically targeting those who operate passenger services without concessions or permits issued by state authorities.
The move follows a broader pattern in the BCS legislature of proposing criminal penalties for violations that were previously handled through fines. In 2025, state Representative Erick Agúndez of the Green Ecologist Party introduced a separate bill to criminalize illegal dumping, a proposal that also sought to upgrade an administrative infraction to a criminal offense.
Impact on Transit in BCS
Informal transit services operate throughout Baja California Sur, particularly in areas where licensed options are limited. In cities like La Paz, Cabo San Lucas, and San José del Cabo, unlicensed taxis and private shuttle operators fill gaps left by the formal transit system. Some of these services are used regularly by residents and visitors alike, especially for airport transfers and intercity routes.
If passed, the law could reduce the number of informal operators willing to take the risk of criminal prosecution. It could also push more drivers to seek proper licensing. The bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote in the state Congress, and it remains unclear whether it has enough support to pass.
The full proposal was first reported by Noticias La Paz.