Motorcyclists protest helmet and jacket law

MEASURES FORCING Panama motorcyclists to display plate numbers on their helmets and jackets are unconstitutional says their association.

The Panamanian Association of Motorcyclists said Tuesday, July 9, that the law is contrary to the right not to be discriminated against and to be treated equally before the law.

Their position was revealed by the after members staged mass motorcycle several protests throughout the country last weekend against the proposed law.
"The reasons for the law, namely road safety and crime control, are not valid," members of the group told La Prensa.
According to the APM, the use of numbered helmets and jackets does not guarantee greater road safety for motorists because "it does not attack the root of the road safety problems."
They also complained about the cost of purchasing new jackets and helmets.