Dominican Republic motorbike taxi crisis sparks safety and corruption concerns

Motorbike taxi (motoconcho) operators in the Dominican Republic are repeatedly violating traffic laws, causing accidents, deaths and costly insurance claims. They occupy public and private spaces, carry weapons, and have assaulted police officers, prompting fears for public safety.

The Ministry of Interior and police have announced crackdowns in the capital, but officials criticize the Institute of Land Transport for ineffective oversight and alleged corruption. Meetings with motoconcho federations are seen as political patronage, while the lack of helmet identification and plate registration hampers enforcement. The situation is described as a pervasive problem that fuels violence, financial losses and public mistrust.