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Guatemala: vests with bike registration on? Insurance? Guatemala: vests with bike registration on? Insurance?
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  #1  
Old 7 Jan 2010
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Guatemala: vests with bike registration on? Insurance?
About to enter Guatemala and understand they passed a law in April 2009 saying all motorcyclists must wear a vest with the bike reg. number on it and the number also on your helmet. Does anybody know if this is enforced? Has anybody had problems?

Also are there any compulsory minimum insurance requirements for Guatemala? Thanks for any advice on this.
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  #2  
Old 7 Jan 2010
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Hello, from what I have read tourists are exempt from wearing the registration vests and only a couple of travelers have been stopped for not wearing them.
Dont have a answer about the insurance.. sorry.
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  #3  
Old 7 Jan 2010
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hi,

vest thing might very well be the same as in Colombia: for residents only.

cheers,
sanderd
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  #4  
Old 8 Jan 2010
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Get (and wear) a numbered vest if riding in or near Guatemala City, not otherwise. Even locals don´t bother in most areas.

Can´t say I know what the law actually says--just how it works on the ground.

Mark
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  #5  
Old 27 Jan 2010
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number vests
I am currently in antigua Guatemela.It appears more people dont wear them than do.It looks as if anything goes;ie no tail light ,familys of 4 on a 125 honda.The police seem very reasonable here.
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  #6  
Old 28 Jan 2010
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As far as I remember, from what I was told at the Guatemalan border, last July, vests were to be worn by residents only, as mentioned before, and also insurance was not compulsory, so I did`t bother with any of those two things and I didn`t get stopped at any point. If your are really worried about the vest you could get a cheap one and, I guess, you could use it in Colombia if heading south.
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  #7  
Old 5 Feb 2010
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Vests in Guatemala
I just returned from riding Guatemala on Wed Feb 4. I too saw the vests in Guatemala City. That is the only place they are required. You will have no problems with the police.

Guatemala City is not biker friendly for visitors. The city is set up in zones and it is difficult to find your way around. I spent 3 days in Zone 4 (down town) getting the BMW serviced in Dec 2008. It is a good dealership. But getting in and out was spooky. The people are great and they will give directions.

Check out my blog Sampson South Bound for more details.

I bought insurance in the USA. But no one ever asked for it. It is cheap if you want it. As far as I know it is not required. If you need real information call or contact Dave Drudge or Emma at CATours in Antigua. catours.co.uk

I was up in Quiche and had no security problems. But locals tell me Guatemala City is now dangerous because of gangs. I went to dinner with a local friend in Zone 1, and had no fear.

Hope you have a good trip.

Fritz
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  #8  
Old 8 Feb 2010
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Location: antigua,guatemala
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Vests are NOT required for tourists and neither is insurance .
BMW has a second shop in Zone 10 on Boulevard Los Proceres ; this is a much nicer neighborhood , it is in walking distance from the hotel area and it is really easy to get there on the bike . Tel (502) 2384-8060
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  #9  
Old 21 Feb 2010
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Paul Furlong
Vests are supposedly the law here in Costa Rica but, like Guatemala, no one asks. Been doing Central America Touring... blog. eyeneo.com Check it out.
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