Xiomara Castro Announces a Ban on Riding Motorcycles Without Safety Equipment.
The government will allocate funds to equip low-income motorcyclists. The measure will be regulated within 72 hours.
Honduran President Xiomara Castro announced this Monday, May 5, a ban on motorcycles without the legally required safety equipment, in response to the alarming increase in traffic accidents in the country.
“The number of serious motorcycle accidents has increased. The circulation of motorcycles that do not have the accessories and safety equipment required by law, which are essential to preventing accidents, is prohibited,” the Honduran president wrote on X.
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Traffic accidents are the second leading cause of violent death in Honduras, surpassed only by homicides.
According to data from the National Autonomous University of Honduras (OV-UNAH) Observatory, traffic accident deaths increased by approximately 1,710 in 2024, equivalent to an average of five deaths per day.
Although there was a 10% decrease compared to 2023, traffic accidents remain one of the leading causes of violent death in the country.
Castro also announced that 50 million lempiras will be allocated , through the Permanent Contingency Commission (Copeco) and in coordination with the Ministry of Security , to support low-income individuals who use motorcycles as a means of transportation.
“To facilitate compliance with this provision, 50 million lempiras will be immediately allocated, through COPECO and in coordination with the Ministry of Security, to support low-income individuals who use motorcycles as a means of transportation in the acquisition and installation of these implements,” he posted on the social network.
“This provision will be regulated by the Ministry of Security and COPECO within 72 hours,” the Honduran president stated.
How many deaths from accidents are reported this year?
According to data from the Online Police System (Sepol), between January 1 and May 5, 2025, 605 people lost their lives in traffic accidents. Of these, 525 were men and 80 were women.
As of May 1, Sepol has recorded 5,471 traffic accidents in Honduras.
Where do most accidents occur?
The departments most affected by road accidents are Cortés, Comayagua, Francisco Morazán, Choluteca, Yoro, Colón, Atlántida and Olancho , according to the same report.
The mandatory use of helmets, reflective vests, and other accessories could be new requirements for driving, as part of the government’s strategy to reduce the number of fatalities and improve road safety in the country.
What are the mandatory safety equipment?
According to the Traffic Law and its regulations , motorcyclists must carry the following safety equipment:
- Certified protective helmet (for driver and passenger)
- Reflective vest or clothing with reflective elements (especially at night)
- Protective glasses (if the helmet does not have a visor)
- Boots or closed shoes
- Protective gloves (recommended, but not always required)
- Plates visible and in place
- Lights and signals in good condition .
According to recent data from the Central Bank of Honduras (BCH) and the Property Institute (IP), the national vehicle fleet exceeded 3 million 359 thousand units by the end of 2024 .
