VMT El Salvador.
El Salvador’s transportation authorities warned this week that more than half of the country’s motorcyclists are operating without a valid driver’s license, raising concerns amid rising traffic deaths, in which motorcyclists account for nearly 40% of all fatalities.
Official data from the Ministry of Public Works and Transportation show that only 46.54% of Salvadoran motorcyclists held a valid or expired license as of October 2025, underscoring a longstanding compliance gap.
According to the ministry, 320,065 valid motorcycle licenses are registered nationwide, compared with a circulating fleet of 687,708 motorcycles.
Authorities said the figure could rise to 54.98% if expired licenses are counted, though these do not carry legal authorization to drive. Compliance remains substantially below expectations.
Separate statistics released by the National Road Safety Observatory reported that roughly 184,000 motorcyclists drive without a license, a lower estimate that officials attribute to outdated data in the observatory’s records.
Onasevi’s report noted that 667,657 motorcycles were in circulation as of October 2025, while only 483,538 drivers possessed the credentials legally required to operate them. Officials acknowledged discrepancies across institutional databases.
Transportation authorities stress that a driver’s license certifies a person’s competency to operate a motor vehicle. They argue the shortfall in licensing undermines national road safety efforts.
Under reforms to the Land Transportation, Transit, and Road Safety Law approved in late 2024, driving without a license is classified as a minor infraction and carries a $50 fine.
Public Works and Transportation Minister Romeo Rodríguez said motorcycles remain the most vulnerable vehicles on Salvadoran roads. He noted in a Thursday interview that nearly 40% of all traffic deaths involve motorcyclists or their passengers.
Motorcycle-related accidents have become a persistent and costly problem in El Salvador, where riders remain among the most vulnerable road users. Authorities warn the trend shows no sign of easing.
As of today, the country has recorded 1,056 traffic-related deaths. Of those fatalities, 432 involve motorcycles, representing 40.9% of all traffic deaths nationwide.
