QCOSTARIA — Costa Rica is experiencing turbulent times. The wave of violence generated by the war between drug trafficking gangs has deeply affected public peace, affecting not only the perception of security but also the country’s image as a tourist paradise, a destination for foreign investment, and an ideal home for foreign retirees.
Amid this climate, a controversial legislative proposal seeks to restrict the transportation of two people on the same motorcycle in violent areas as a measure to curb contract killings.
But is this measure an effective solution or simply a foolish idea?
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A phenomenon that explodes on two wheels
In 2021, the Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ) recorded 43 homicides perpetrated from motorcycles, while in 2024 the number soared to 208, representing almost 25% of all murders in the country.
“This increase is abrupt and worrying. When such dramatic changes occur, society must respond. Otherwise, the numbers will continue to rise,” warned Randall Zúñiga, director of the OIJ, one of the voices most insistent on the need for concrete measures.
The bill to prohibit two people on a motorcycle has already been approved by the Legislative Assembly and is moving through its final phase of the plenary session.
The restriction would apply only during certain hours and in certain areas considered dangerous; these would be determined by the police and the Ministerio de Obras Públicas y Transportes (MOPT).
A measure or nonsense?
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Not everyone is convinced of the proposal’s effectiveness; even President Rodrigo Chaves harshly dismissed it.
“As if two criminal gentlemen carrying an AK-47 would be afraid of a trafficker. Honestly, it’s nonsense I don’t understand,” Chaves previously stated, demanding the validation of other, more substantive regulations, such as several changes to pretrial detention.
From a more technical perspective, criminologist and consultant Tania Molina acknowledged that the phenomenon of contract killings deserves attention, but questioned the effectiveness of measures like this, while advocating for addressing the causes of homicidal violence and not just applying repressive strategies that are unsustainable in the long run.
Lawyer and former presidential candidate, Otto Guevara, was blunt. “Hits (murders) are also committed in vehicles. What are they going to say? That the vehicle can only have one occupant? All this is absurd.”
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For Guevara, the bill is not only disproportionate, but also directly affects thousands of Costa Ricans who depend on motorcycles to work, transport their families, or deliveries.
Beyond the legislative debate, the real backdrop is the country’s current situation of violence.
In 2024, Costa Rica entered the top 10 countries (8th place) with the highest homicide rate in Latin America, according to the InSight Crime report.
Furthermore, in April 2025, insecurity was identified as the main citizen concern with 43.7% of mentions, according to the CIEP-UCR, while 77% of Costa Ricans do not believe the government will be able to solve the problem.
The proposal to ban two passengers on motorcycles has brought to light a worrying aspect of organized crime: the strategic use of these vehicles to commit murders.
ABC of the motorcycle controversy
To combat contract killings, a bill is being discussed that would prohibit two people from riding on a motorcycle in violent areas. These are the key points:
- The restriction would apply only in areas with high levels of violence, according to police criteria.
- Specific times during which the ban will apply.
- The law would be valid for one year, extendable for another year.
Exceptions:
- Commuting with physical or digital employment records.
- Motorcycles with a displacement greater than 500 cc.
- Companions with disabilities or children over 5 years old.
- The Ministry of Public Security (MSP) and the Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT) will define zones and times.
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