Colombia Will Require New Motorcycles To Have Antilock Brake Systems (ABS)

In many countries, motorcycles are primarily used for recreation. However, in Colombia they also serve as basic transportation for millions. Steep hills and mountains, rainy weather, and sometimes, unpaved roads create challenges for motorcyclists. With this in mind, the Minister of Transportation, Guillermo Francisco Reyes Gonzalez signed into law resolution 20223040062115 dated October 13, 2022, mandating new safety standards for motorcycles sold in the Andean nation.

After a period of time for importers and manufacturers to adjust, new motorcycles sold in Colombia must be equipped with anti-lock braking (ABS) systems certified by either the United Nations or the United States Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. Smaller vehicles may alternatively use combined braking systems (CBS) for a time.

Already found on cars, and some higher end motorcycles, antilock braking systems prevent a vehicle’s wheels from seizing up during braking, resulting in a loss of control. Combined braking systems distribute brake pressure to both wheels of a motorcycle, compensating for the bad habit of some riders to apply too much brake pressure to the front wheel, which can result in the motorcycle flipping, or too much pressure to the back wheel (often out of a fear of the motorcycle flipping), resulting in inadequate braking.

Beginning in October of 2025, new motorcycles greater than 50cc motor size, or producing at least 4 kilowatts of power, must feature either ABS or CBS. Motorcycles of at least 150cc or 11kilowatts sold in the country must be equipped with ABS. The regulation applies to both 2 and 3 wheeled vehicles.

Two years later, starting in 2027, all motorcycles 125cc or larger must be equipped with ABS and all motorcycles smaller must have either ABS or CBS.

There are some details and a few exceptions, such as for strictly off-road competition cycles, vehicles in transit or not for sale in Colombia. The entire decree can be read below (in Spanish).