The Senegalese government has decided to intensify its efforts to facilitate the registration of two-wheelers, by increasing the number of technical inspection sites for motorcycles in Dakar and by setting up traveling commissions in the different regions of the country. These measures aim to simplify the legalization of documents at police stations and gendarmerie brigades. In collaboration with the Ministry of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport (Mitta), the State wants, through dialogue, to ease tensions with two-wheeler drivers, commonly known as “Jakartamen”, frustrated by the process of registration.
According to our colleagues from the Le Quotidien website, Mitta organized explanatory meetings with motorcycle taxi representatives on January 5 and 6. These discussions made it possible to clarify the expectations present in the circular concerning the registration of two-wheelers, and to agree on a logistical system to ensure effective implementation. Among the measures announced, we note the increase in motorcycle technical inspection sites in Dakar, with the addition of the Senegal International Foreign Trade Center (CICES) to existing services.
Itinerant commissions will also be established in department capitals or certain municipalities, to overcome logistical obstacles linked to distance. The choice of localities will be left to the discretion of governors and prefects. The certification of documents at the level of police stations and brigades will be facilitated, and a system for transmitting files to the Regional Tax Service will be put in place.
According to Le Quotidien, this initiative is part of a standardization policy decided at a high-level meeting on December 27, 2024, in the presence of representatives of the ministries concerned. To provide a period of adaptation, the State grants a period of three months to drivers violating the registration plate obligation, running from December 13, 2024 to March 13, 2025. However, other obligations, such as wearing helmet, driving license and insurance remain applicable.
“Free” registration processes began on January 6 nationwide, although these early stages were marked by confusion and some protests.
Senegal
