Riviera Maya, Q.R. — UPDATED: The first shipment of what will be mandatory reflective vests for motorcyclists have arrived in Quintana Roo. The new vests, which will be supplied by the state free of charge, will be stamped with the motorcycle’s license plate number.
A safety certified helmet, which will also be mandatory, will also bear the same license plate sticker for both driver and passenger. The new mandatory rules are derived from a recently approved reform to the state’s Mobility Law.
José de la Peña Ruiz de Chávez, Coordinator of the Governor’s Office, reported that the state will spend around 42.1 million pesos on the new state-issued vests.
The reformed decree, which was published in the state’s official periodico July 24, will come into effect September 22, 2024. Since its publication, motorcyclists around the state have protested what has been called the Vest Law.
The state’s Mobility Law was reformed since, according to authorities, approximately 80 percent of Quintana Roo crime is committed using a motorcycle. Ruiz de Chávez says that with the use of stamped vests and helmets, motorcycle crimes, including theft, will be reduced.
The first shipment of reflective vests are currently at the offices of the Ministry of Finance and Planning (Sefiplan) in Chetumal.
UPDATE: (August 13, 2024) There are now reports that the vests will be provided by the state for the remainder of this year then be for purchase as a “kit” starting the New Year. The kit, which will be sold to motorcyclists by Imoveqroo (Instituto de Movilidad del estado de Quintana Roo), will include a helmet, a reflective vest and the license plate stickers for both pieces. The kit will cost around 2,000 pesos.
There is no information on possible costs for those who already have a vest and/or helmet and need only stickers. The state has also not yet provided an official definition of the type of motorcycles (scooters, all terrain vehicles) that will be included in the new law.
