Addis Ababa police announce indefinite motorcycle ban from September 25
A restriction on two-wheeled motorcycles took effect in Addis Ababa on September 25, 2026, with exemptions for police motorcycles and those classified as Code 4.
In short
- A restriction on two-wheeled motorcycles took effect in Addis Ababa on September 25, 2026, with exemptions for police motorcycles and those classified as Code 4.
Addis Ababa police have announced an indefinite ban on riding two-wheeled motorcycles in the capital, effective September 25, 2026, according to Fana’s report of the Police Commission’s announcement.
Police motorcycles and motorcycles classified as Code 4 are exempt. The announcement reported by Fana does not give an end date for the restriction.
The commission attributed the decision to crime prevention and traffic enforcement. It said some robbery and theft suspects had been apprehended while using motorcycles and that investigations were continuing. Those statements are police allegations; the report does not identify the suspects or describe court findings.
Police also cited riders running red lights, leaving collision scenes, travelling without helmets and using licence plates that were obscured or difficult to read. The commission warned that violations of the restriction would lead to legal action. [Source: Fana’s September 25 report](https://www.fanamc.com/english/addis-ababa-imposes-indefinite-motorcycle-ban-to-reinforce-public-safety-and-traffic-order/).
The start date and the two stated exemptions were also reported by The Abyssinian Times. Its account describes the measure as applying across the city. [Source: The Abyssinian Times](https://abyssiniantimes.com/en/article/untitled-article-2026-09-25-02ec-1790319598576).
