Ban on two people riding on a motorcycle in Lima and Callao: when does it start and what are the penalties?

On Tuesday, October 21, current President José Jerí announced the start of a state of emergency in Lima and Callao, which will remain in effect for 30 days, with the aim of containing the increase in violent crime in both jurisdictions. This measure, made official by Supreme Decree No. 124-2025-PCM, establishes joint efforts between the National Police, the Armed Forces, and local governments to strengthen citizen security. In this context, Interior Minister Vicente Tiburcio indicated that motorcycles carrying two adults will be impounded in municipal depots, a measure that seeks to reduce crimes committed in this manner, such as robberies and extortion. In addition, fines and other penalties will be implemented starting November 17. Prohibition of two people on a motorcycle: fines and penalties. The restriction that only one person may ride on a motorcycle will be strictly enforced in Lima and Callao. However, the formal penalty of impounding the vehicle in municipal impound lots will take effect on November 17, as indicated in Andina by Colonel Rocío Mayhua, head of the Traffic and Road Safety Division of the National Police. He pointed out that during the first weeks of the recently declared state of emergency, the authorities will carry out preventive interventions, verifying that two adults are not riding on the same motorcycle and urging compliance with the rule. "The intervention is carried out, the respective verification is made, and adult passengers are asked to dismount. Tickets and transfers to the impound lot will be enforced starting November 17, along with penalties for not wearing a helmet and vest with a visible license plate," he said. Fines will be applied in accordance with Directorial Resolution No. 018 and Supreme Decree No. 006-2025-IN. Motorcyclists must wear orange vests. Starting November 17, all motorcyclists and their passengers will be required to wear distinctive vests with visible license plates, in addition to certified helmets, in Metropolitan Lima and Callao. This measure, issued by the Ministry of Transport and Communications (MTC), will only apply in areas declared to be in a state of emergency, with the aim of strengthening controls and combating crime in motorized transport. Failure to comply with the rule could result in fines of more than S 400. However, various motorcycle associations have expressed their outright rejection of this provision, describing it as ineffective, stigmatizing, and contrary to constitutional rights. They argue that during its previous implementation, the measure had no impact on reducing crime and, on the contrary, allowed criminals to use cloned vests. As an alternative, they propose implementing RFID chip plates for more effective technological monitoring and demand that the government open a dialogue with the sector. Additional state of emergency measures, in accordance with the provisions of Supreme Decree No. 124-2025-PCM, will include measures such as: Prohibition of two adults riding on a motorcycle, to prevent crimes such as contract killings or robberies. Massive identity control operations, both on public roads and in motor vehicles and homes. Permanent presence of combined forces (PNP, Armed Forces, and Serenazgo) in high-risk areas. Control in prisons, with limited visits and combating illegal telecommunications from prisons. There are also plans for increased surveillance in metro stations, public institutions, and strategic points in each district involved. Follow La República on WhatsApp! Join our channel from your cell phone and receive the most important news from Peru and the world in real time.