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What is it about?

The new law “ley patente cero días”, numbered 21.539, requires motorcycle dealers to sell their motorcycles with the license plate (PPU – Placa Patente Única) already installed. The objective behind this law is to address issues related to vehicle crime, specifically vehicles circulating without their proper license plates. This law has been in effect since February 13, 2023. Previously, there was an exception for new vehicles that allowed them to be on the road for five days without a license plate.

What are the consequences of non-compliance with the law?

In terms of penalties for not following this regulation, driving vehicles without license plates will now be considered a very serious offense, not a minor one. Dealerships that fail to comply with this law may face fines ranging from 10 to 50 UTM (approximately 700 to 3,500 USD). It’s important to note that these sanctions apply to both dealerships and individuals who do not have the unique license plate installed.

How does it impact foreign motorcycle buyers?

This new law has a significant impact on foreign motorcycle buyers in Chile, as it is no longer possible to simply walk into a dealership and ride off with a new bike. For those who come unprepared, lacking a RUT number and unsure about which motorcycle to purchase, the expected timeframe for successfully buying and registering a motorcycle in their name has increased from two to approximately five days. However, with some additional preparation and paperwork, it is possible to eliminate the waiting time and complete the purchase and registration process from the comfort of your home. For more detailed information, you can visit our “new motorcycles” page or send us a message if you have any questions.