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Santo Domingo Este Mayor Warns Reckless Motorcyclists of Arrest
Santo Domingo Este Mayor Dío Astacio warned that riders caught performing dangerous motorcycle stunts, including riding on one wheel or staging illegal races, will be detained and turned over to the appropriate authorities as the Dominican Republic prepares to enforce stricter criminal penalties.
SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — Santo Domingo Este Mayor Dío Astacio has issued a warning to motorcyclists who engage in dangerous maneuvers on public roads, stating that anyone caught performing stunts such as riding on one wheel, commonly known locally as “calibrar,” will be detained and referred to the competent authorities for legal action.
Astacio emphasized that the overwhelming majority of motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens who use their vehicles responsibly for work and daily transportation. However, he said a small minority continues to ignore traffic laws by organizing illegal street races, performing dangerous tricks and driving recklessly, putting both themselves and the public at risk.
Mayor Cites Tougher Criminal Penalties
According to the mayor, the country’s new Penal Code establishes harsher consequences when reckless motorcycle driving results in injuries or fatalities. He noted that riders whose actions cause bodily injuries could face prison sentences of two to three years, in addition to fines equivalent to between nine and 15 public-sector minimum wages.
Astacio added that more severe penalties apply when reckless driving causes permanent disability or mutilation, with prison terms ranging from five to 10 years and fines of 10 to 20 public-sector minimum wages. In cases where one or more people die as a result of such conduct, he said offenders could face sentences of 10 to 20 years in prison, along with substantially higher financial penalties. The Dominican Republic’s revised Penal Code is scheduled to take effect in early August following recent legislative debate and government-backed amendments.
Message Shared on Social Media
The mayor delivered the warning through a video posted on his official Instagram account, reinforcing his administration’s position against reckless motorcycle driving and urging riders to respect traffic regulations to protect their own lives as well as those of pedestrians and other motorists.
The statement comes amid growing public attention to road safety and the implementation of updated criminal legislation intended to strengthen penalties for conduct that results in serious harm or loss of life.
