Bacalar Motorcyclists File Legal Appeals Against the “Vest Law”

In Bacalar, Quintana Roo, a group of motorcyclists has taken a stand against the so-called “Vest Law” by filing 40 legal appeals (amparos) in an effort to avoid complying with this new state regulation.

The “Vest Law,” passed by the State Congress, requires motorcycle riders to wear a reflective vest with their vehicle’s license plate number printed on both the front and back.

The law aims to improve road safety and make it easier to identify motorcyclists, especially in cases of accidents or criminal activity.

However, many motorcyclists have expressed opposition to the law, arguing that the measure is impractical, could compromise their personal safety, and restricts their right to move freely. As a result, they’ve turned to legal appeals—known in Mexico as “amparos”—to seek protection from a judge and avoid being forced to comply with a law they view as unjust.

In response to the situation, Astrid González Buenfil, the trustee (síndico) of Bacalar’s City Council, explained that the municipal government does not have the authority to change or block the enforcement of the law, as it is a state-level regulation enacted by the Congress of Quintana Roo and applies across all municipalities.

The official clarified that the City Council’s role is solely to inform and assist citizens, but it cannot decide whether the law should be enforced. For now, municipalities are awaiting the law’s implementation. Once it takes effect, authorities will be able to issue fines to those who do not comply.