The Dominican Republic has witnessed a substantial increase in motor vehicles over recent years, with a notable 6% rise from 2021 to 2022, reaching a total of 5,463,996 registrations. Among these, a staggering 3,063,704 are motorcycles, constituting 56.1% of the total, showcasing an uptick of almost 200,000 motorcycles compared to the end of 2021.
In 2022, 9,981 new motorcycles were recorded in the files of the tax authority, reflecting a 5.60% increase in acquisitions of this vehicle type compared to 2021.
In the annual period from 2001 to 2021, the highest number of motorcycles with documentation registered with the General Directorate of Internal Taxes (DGII) corresponds to a manufacturing year total of 59.8%, followed by 37.2% with dates prior to 2000. It is noteworthy that motorcycles manufactured in 2023 account for a mere 0.2%, and those from 2022 make up 2.8%.
As per the regulatory body, the province with the highest number of motorcycle registrations is the Distrito Nacional, with 429,540 units, followed by Santo Domingo with 420,334 units, La Vega with 234,601 units, Santiago with 196,780 units, and San Cristóbal with 189,170 units. Other provinces, such as Duarte, La Altagracia, La Romana, Montecristi, Puerto Plata, and San Pedro de Macorís, also contribute significantly to the rising trend.
It is worth noting that provinces with fewer motorcycle registrations in the country include Pedernales with 4,916, Independencia with 7,713, and Elías Piña with 9,818. Of the total number of motorcycles calculated at the end of 2022, 66.6% (2,041,722) are attributed to individuals, while 33.3% belong to companies or legal entities.
However, the gender distribution in ownership of this vehicle type remains skewed, with men being the predominant owners of motorcycles, constituting 81.4% of the total volume of registrations, amounting to 1,663,732 units. In contrast, women represent 17.83%, with a registration volume of 364,203 units.
General Overview
As of December 31, 2022, the stock of vehicles registered with the DGII amounted to 5,463,996 units. These figures are alarming, indicating an increase of approximately 311,548 more vehicles compared to the previous year.
The Dominican Republic has experienced a remarkable surge in its motor vehicle landscape, especially in the motorcycle segment, reflecting changing trends in transportation preferences and highlighting the need for continued attention to traffic management and safety measures. The data suggests a dynamic automotive market, signaling opportunities and challenges for both authorities and industry stakeholders. The steady growth in vehicle registrations underscores the importance of effective infrastructure development, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable mobility solutions to address the evolving needs of the Dominican Republic’s growing population.
