Bogota will impose special motorcycle restrictions for Halloween 2026 after enforcement operations during last year’s holiday produced 1,711 traffic citations and 963 impounded motorcycles. Authorities aim to curb dangerous riding and traffic disruption associated with the so-called “terror caravans” during one of the capital’s busiest holiday weekends.
The restrictions run from Oct. 29 through the early hours of Nov. 3. They limit motorcycle travel with passengers across the city at night and prohibit motorcycle circulation on 19 major roads during specified overnight hours. The administration of Mayor Carlos Fernando Galan will deploy about 1,000 traffic police officers and civilian traffic agents, supported by 21 mobile checkpoints.
Motorcycles play a central role in Bogota’s daily transport. Commuters, delivery workers and other riders depend on them for regular travel. Colombia had around 13.5 million registered motorcycles by the end of 2025, representing 63% of its registered vehicle fleet. Bogota’s 2019 mobility survey recorded about 62 motorcycles per 1,000 residents, although the actual number in the capital may be higher because some riders register their vehicles in neighboring municipalities.
What are the ‘terror caravans’?
Known in Spanish as rodadas del terror, these gatherings bring groups of motorcyclists onto city streets around Halloween. Participants often wear costumes and coordinate rides through social media.
Some events are recreational. Authorities, however, have raised concerns about rides that involve reckless driving, excessive noise, road blockages and disregard for traffic regulations.
“Terror caravan” is a popular label, not a separate legal category. The risks depend on participants’ behavior rather than on costumes or group rides alone. Large groups can disrupt traffic, limit other road users’ ability to maneuver, and create dangerous situations when riders speed or perform stunts.
Bogota’s concern forms part of a broader road-safety problem during Halloween. Between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m. during the 2025 holiday weekend, road deaths fell from four in 2024 to one. The number of people injured declined by 51%, according to the city’s Mobility Department. These figures cover all road incidents during those hours, not only those involving motorcycle caravans.
What restrictions apply during Halloween 2026?
The special measures apply on the nights of Oct. 29, 30 and 31, and Nov. 1 and 2, continuing into the early hours of Nov. 3.
Motorcycles carrying a passenger may not travel on any Bogota road from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. A separate restriction prohibits general motorcycle circulation from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. on 19 major corridors, including the Autopista Norte, Autopista Sur, Avenida Boyaca, Avenida Ciudad de Cali, Avenida de las Americas, Calle 26, Calle 80 and Carrera Septima.
Violating the restrictions carries a fine of 633,200 Colombian pesos (about US$159), and the motorcycle can be impounded. The penalty applies to riders who travel with a passenger during the restricted hours or use one of the 19 roads where motorcycle circulation is prohibited. The restrictions do not apply to specified exempt groups, including properly identified delivery workers and certain security, emergency and public-service personnel.
— Alcaldía de Bogotá (@Bogota) October 27, 2026
¡Atención, motociclistas! Del 29 de octubre al 3 de noviembre habrá restricciones de circulación en Bogotá para proteger la vida, fortalecer la seguridad vial y preservar el orden público durante Halloween. Consulta los detalles y planea tus recorridos. https://t.co/jjnGk0oAtz
The city will enforce the measures through mobile checkpoints and traffic personnel. Authorities aim to reduce road deaths, discourage dangerous driving and preserve public order during a period of increased nighttime activity.
How can residents stay safe?
Residents should check the restrictions before traveling at night and plan alternative routes around affected roads. Drivers who encounter a large group of motorcyclists should maintain a safe distance and avoid sudden maneuvers or attempts to force their way through the group.
Motorcyclists should wear approved helmets, obey speed limits, avoid alcohol before riding and refrain from stunts that put other road users at risk. Anyone organizing a ride should ensure participants follow traffic regulations and do not block roads without authorization.
Families taking children out for Halloween should use designated crossings, remain alert near busy roads and avoid gathering where they could obstruct moving traffic. People who witness an immediate emergency or crash in Bogota can call 123.
The restrictions seek to reduce risks before they lead to crashes or wider disruption. Their effectiveness will depend on compliance and enforcement throughout the holiday weekend.