Ecuador’s Assembly approves sweeping changes to traffic law in second debate

Ecuador’s National Assembly has approved a broad package of traffic-law reforms covering speed cameras, delivery services, electric motorcycles, tolls, public transport and municipal powers. The Plenary passed the bill in a second debate on Thursday, September 3, 2026, by 87 votes to 50, with two abstentions.

The text, based on the Economic Development Commission’s version and observations raised during debate, will now go to the executive branch. The president can approve it or veto it in whole or in part.

For delivery services, the bill proposes a National Delivery Registry within one year to identify couriers and the vehicles they use. Motorcycle couriers would need approved helmets and reflective vests displaying license-plate numbers. Carrying more than one passenger on a motorcycle would be prohibited, and foreign drivers would have to validate their licenses under Ecuadorian rules.

The proposed toll system would use interoperable electronic tools, including devices, automatic license-plate reading, mobile applications and prepaid or postpaid systems. Speed cameras would require authorization, certification and visible signs at the control point and at least 500 meters beforehand. Contracts would be treated as service agreements, preventing companies from receiving a percentage of fines.

Electric motorcycles would require registration and licensed drivers. Electric-skateboard and scooter users would need approved helmets, and retailers would have to sell the helmets with the vehicles. Municipalities with traffic powers could face evaluation by the National Transit Agency, which could suspend those powers for noncompliance, operational incapacity or irregularities in registration and other procedures. Public buses would need internal surveillance cameras, while public and heavy-transport operators would need insurance covering deaths, injuries and incapacity. Fares would reflect real market costs and undergo review every four years.