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BiggerDominican Republic imports top 290,000 vehicles; Govt targets rising accidents
Santo Domingo.- The Dominican government will roll out a series of programs and measures aimed at reducing traffic accidents—particularly those involving motorcycles. The trigger: a sharp increase in motorcycle imports and their immediate impact on road fatalities.
José Ignacio Paliza, Minister of the Presidency, reported that in recent years the Dominican Republic has imported an average of 184,000 motorcycles per year. However, in 2024, that figure surged to more than 290,000 units, representing an increase of approximately 100,000 motorcycles above the usual average.
“This is largely due to the improved purchasing power and wage growth among Dominicans, which has increased access to financing and ownership of personal transport—specifically motorcycles,” Paliza explained.
This spike in motorcycle use has led to a corresponding rise in road accidents and fatalities, prompting the government to create a new traffic task force with the primary goal of reducing accidents on the nation’s roads.
Paliza announced that the government will implement traffic reorganization measures in major cities such as Santo Domingo and Santiago, based on studies conducted by both national and international firms.
Planned measures include:
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Reversing traffic flow on selected streets
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Prohibiting turns at specific intersections
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Staggering work hours in public and private institutions
“The goal is to improve the flow of traffic by addressing the underlying causes of congestion,” Paliza told the press.
The new measures will be officially announced in the coming days as part of a comprehensive national strategy for mobility and road safety. Paliza acknowledged that the steps will be “disruptive, as they change long-standing traffic habits,” but emphasized their necessity and long-term benefits.
“Ultimately, they will improve the daily commute experience for Dominicans—especially in our largest cities.”
Paliza addressed the issue on Friday during a press conference at the National Palace, following the 49th Council of Ministers, the second such session held so far in 2025.
President Luis Abinader and Vice President Raquel Peña led the cabinet meeting, during which the administration reviewed progress on its priority goals outlined in November 2024. Key areas of focus included economic growth, citizen security, health, tourism, and public services.
This is all good but that is not the problem with the Motorcycles. It is important that they absolutely know the rules of the road. Plus mandatory enforcement of traffic infractions and to require every motorcycle rider to have a helmet and a drivers licence.
Why not create a license dedicated for riding motorcycles on the street?
It already exists, but we all know most people riding don’t have a license. They should stop importing motorcycles and sort this mess. People riding motorcycles are the cause of at least 70% of traffic accidents in the DR.
There was a proposal a while back about building a motorcycle metro in the national district. This seems like an enticing idea to mitigate the traffic chaos often caused by motorcycles. Also, the government should really consider putting a halt to the importation of motorcycles for at least 3-5 yrs.
It should be written when a new or used vehicle is being purchased the buyer has to produce a valid driver’s license and proof of insurance coverage at minimum to the seller to support a transfer of possession. As part of the release of liability procedures in addition to required documents, the buyer’s license and his proof of insurance coverage must be submitted by the seller to the authorities and his own insurer. It would help ensure a paper/digital documented chain of ownership, proper assigned liability, and serve as a soft agenda to get all vehicles registered, number plated, and insured. Of course, this will not stop the carnage on the roads but may help reduce it.
No license, no proof of insurance… no sale = safer roads.
At some time in the future the government is going to be forced to take a very hard step to reduce the quotas of imported vehicles. This is for reasons of public safety. The country’s infrastructure has a lack of ability to support huge amounts of vehicles that bring all the types of unwanted trappings.