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BiggerINTRANT bans import of uncertified motorcycle helmets
Santo Domingo.- For the first time in eight years, the Dominican Republic has launched a comprehensive regulatory initiative focused exclusively on the responsible use of motorcycles. The effort brings together government agencies, private sector leaders, motorcycle taxi associations, digital platforms, and international organizations to implement key reforms starting in 2025.
A new roadmap outlines six major actions: regulating the import and sale of certified helmets; requiring a motorcycle license (category 01) based on theoretical, practical, and medical exams; enforcing a “one bike, one helmet” policy; monitoring helmet use for passengers; engaging digital platforms to educate drivers and track incidents; and offering continuing education for motorcycle taxi drivers.
These reforms align with Decree 656-24, which prioritizes road safety as a national concern, and with the National Pact for Road Safety, aiming to reduce traffic deaths by 50% by 2030. Currently, motorcycles are involved in 65% of traffic fatalities in the country.
The initiative is supported by key officials including Transportation Cabinet President José Ignacio Paliza, Attorney General Jenny Berenice Reynoso, and representatives from Uber, InDrive, PedidosYa, and other stakeholders. Together, they aim to build a long-term, collaborative framework to improve road safety and reduce motorcycle-related fatalities.
They should limit the # of motorcycles and cars in the country. The drivers don’t follow the rules, and it’s pure chaos trying to get around. Limit the licences, and I’d go as far as banning motorcycles in the cities.
It does not matter. There are over 3,000,000 motos in the country. Many moto operators do not wear helmets. So, banning uncertified helmets from imports is not going to dent the rule breaking attitudes of the moto operators.