Group rides, cruises and "chinchorreos" are some of the best parts of Puerto Rico's car scene: good company, open road and food stops. But when a convoy gets disorganized, the danger is real for the group and for other drivers. This convoy safety guide brings together 10 practical rules so everyone gets there.
If you're heading out today, Sunday, for the Chinchorreo Curable by Los Forasteros Biker's P.R. (9:00 a.m. from Ecomax de los Colobos, Carolina), give this a quick read before you roll.
The 10 convoy safety rules
- Briefing before leaving. Five minutes at the meeting point: route, stops, who leads and who closes. Everyone should know the next stop in case the group splits.
- One leader and one "sweep." The leader sets the pace and doesn't race. The last car (sweep) makes sure nobody is left behind and flags anyone who stops.
- No "blocking" intersections. Blocking streets or lights so the group can pass isn't your job and puts everyone at risk. If the group splits at a red light, the leader waits further ahead in a safe place.
- Distance between cars. Riding tight looks good on video but leaves no room to brake. Leave enough space to react if the car ahead brakes hard.
- One lane, no weaving. On the expressway, the convoy uses one lane. Lane changes one at a time, with signals.
- Pace of the slowest. The group moves at the pace of the slowest car or bike. If someone wants speed, go to the track.
- Group chat with the route. Share the route on a map and the leader's contact number. If you get lost, don't speed to catch up: go to the next stop.
- No filming while driving. Video is for the passenger or a fixed camera. Driver, hands on the wheel.
- Car ready. Full tank, correct tire pressure and working lights. A whole convoy stopped because one car ran out of gas is avoidable.
- Respect at the stops. Park properly, don't block businesses, no showing off in the lot, and throw away your trash. The stops that welcome us are the ones that welcome us back.
What the law says about "racing" on the street
A group ride is not a race. According to the Law 22 (Vehicles and Traffic) summary published by CESCO, competition racing or "regateo" on public roads carries a $5,000 fine and a 6-month license suspension on the first conviction. Subsequent convictions can bring jail time, license revocation and vehicle confiscation, and anyone who helps or incites can also be fined.
If you want to test your car, do it on the track: Arecibo Motorsports, Salinas Speedway and Puerto Rico Dirt Drag have listed events in November. Read our guide to bracket racing in Puerto Rico to get started.
Upcoming group rides and routes with event pages
- Va a Ver Una Corrida: Sunday, November 8, ride at 8:00 a.m. from Walmart Toa Baja, free. Organized by Static Gengar with Legends Lancer, Femme Society, Men Society and Auto Artistry. Their message: "let's drive safe and respect the rules and each other." Via @static_gengar.
- Ruta Hacia El Mirador: Sunday, November 8, 9:00 a.m., from Centro Comercial Los Prados, Santa Isabel. 4x4 required and no coolers at the business. Organized by @aventurajeeppr.
- KTM PR – Motoras 390 Up: Sunday, November 15, departing 9:30 a.m. from Panadería Bakery, Río Cañas, Caguas, for KTM 390 and up, with stops in Salinas, Sabana Grande and Ponce. Via @ktmpr_.
If you ride a motorcycle
All of the above applies, plus: helmet and full gear, staggered formation in the lane when the group agrees on it, and never pass another group member within the same lane. Cars sharing a route with bikes should leave even more distance.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to drive in a convoy in Puerto Rico?
Driving as a group while obeying traffic laws is not racing. What's penalized is racing on public roads, blocking traffic or reckless driving.
What's the fine for street racing?
According to CESCO's Law 22 summary, $5,000 and a 6-month license suspension on the first conviction, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses.
What do I do if I get separated from the group?
Don't speed to catch up. Follow the shared route to the next stop or call the leader once you're stopped.
Where can I find group rides and routes?
On Puerto Rico Racing's events page.
And for the road, put on Puerto Rico Racing radio.