Motorists in Chihuahua, Mexico, will soon face changes to the Mobility Law, aiming to improve road safety and promote sustainable mobility. The proposed changes include the mandatory use of rods labeled with the motorcycle plate number, made with a special gum issued by the authorities for free. This labeling system aims to create a form of regularized identification for all motorcyclists, helping the road system and allowing authorities to quickly identify drivers in case of an accident or infraction.
In addition to the labeling system, motorcyclists will be required to meet the standards of the Official Mexican Standards (NOM) to ensure protection in case of an incident. Distributors and manufacturers will have to adjust to these standards and only provide helmets that meet the requirements. Motorcyclists will also need to obtain mandatory certification for their motorcycles.
These changes will affect motorcyclists in several ways. While the measures aim to regulate and improve road safety, they may seem little encouraging, as motorcyclists will need to adjust to new requirements and administrative steps. The regulation of mandatory equipment will increase, covering uniformity in the use of appropriate helmets and the adhesion of the official gum. In the long term, it is expected to reduce serious accidents and facilitate work in emergency situations. However, motorcyclists could see an increase in initial costs if certified helmets represent a surcharge compared to non-standard helmets.
The changes also imply greater supervision by the authorities to ensure compliance with the requirements, which could lead to more frequent operations to supervise the use of regulatory and gummed helmets. Those who do not comply with the guidelines will be susceptible to sanctions. Through the reform of the constitutional article, it is sought to guarantee the right to mobility in conditions of security, accessibility, efficiency, sustainability, and quality, benefiting vulnerable groups and promoting collective and zero-emission transport.
In the long term, legislative efforts may prioritize collective and non-motorized mobility, such as public transport or the use of bicycles. Although this does not eliminate the use of motorcycles, it could involve lower incentives, such as circulation restrictions in certain areas in favor of sustainable transport. Motorcyclists could notice greater regulatory pressure in terms of mobility and sustainability, especially if it appeals to the reduction of private vehicular traffic.
Overall, the new proposal has a dual approach: promoting the safety of motorcyclists through mandatory certified helmets with registration gum and inserting into a broader framework of mobility reform, emphasizing sustainability, safety, and accessibility. For motorists, this will mean a greater commitment to strict regulations on their protective gear, more controls by the authorities, and a possible change in mobility policies that could prioritize non-motorized systems. Although these measures may seem restrictive, they also seek to reduce accidents and improve road safety.