It is time for some good news on the border isn’t it? Well, here you go. The Friday border hours for Rocky Point will be expanded at the Lukeville, Arizona Port of Entry.
Jorge Pivac, the mayor of Puerto Peñasco / Rocky Point Mexico shared the news with a public announcement posted on his Facebook page.
Lukeville Open Fridays Until 10:00 p.m.
The welcomed change will begin on March 1, 2024. Coincidentally, the first day of March also happens to be the first Friday of the month this year. Currently, Friday border hours for Rocky Point are the same as every day of the week. The Lukeville Port of Entry with Sonoyta, Sonora, is open daily from 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
The Friday change to new Friday Border Hours for Rocky Point are like taking a step back…but in the right direction for legal citizens. This is because before the Covid-19 pandemic, the daily border hours were from 6:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight) between Lukeville and Sonoyta.
Convenient but Cautious Driving
The new extra 2 Friday border hours for Rocky Point are great news for those who must leave the U.S. later in the day. It could be because of work, school, or unforeseen events. While morning and dinner time hours are usually the busiest on Fridays, taking advantage of the late-night hours is a different ride.
Most of the nightly trip through Arizona and Sonoyta is driving in the dark. And I do mean, dark. There are streetlights in the small towns for added visibility. However, out on the highway, it is your headlights, and if you are lucky, a little help from the moon and stars.
You cannot be distracted during these dark drives through the desert because occasionally there are animals who don’t wear lighting. They could be dogs or coyotes. Or they could be much bigger. One trip a few years back, I was driving solo and made it to the border around midnight. A bit later, I came upon a herd of cattle hanging out in the middle of the road in the nowhere area between Sonoyta and Puerto Peñasco. Thank goodness, I saw the lights of plenty sets of eyes in time to stop safely. It is funny now.
But in that moment, I felt scared and lucky…and all there is of both.
Watch Out for Cars with No Lights
One other point of caution about driving late thanks to the new Friday Border Hours for Rocky Point. On the way to or from Puerto Peñasco, it is more likely you will be surprised by humans than animals. The cars you see with no license plates during the day often transform into riskier business when traveling in Sonora after dark. This is because of the possibility of sharing the road with cars and trucks that are missing headlights, taillights, brake lights, and even all of the above. For your safety (and theirs), you must remain fully aware of the possibility other vehicles could be on the road…and near you.
Thanks to CBP Lukeville (again)
In closing, it is right and deserving to again thank The U.S. Customs and Border Protection team at the Lukeville Port of Entry. Under the leadership of Port Director, Peter Bachelier, this group is open to helping. They have been good to Rocky Point, Sonoyta, and the legal citizens who pass through here. The male and female officers at CBP Lukeville must perform a variety of daily duties. And seemingly, it is usually under an array of difficult circumstances. It is a challenging mission that takes resilient professionals.
If you are taking advantage of the expanded new Friday border hours, be sure to say thank you if you can. Meantime, drive safely because the awesome and friendly Sonoran Sun Resort security staff will keep the lights on to welcome you.