Beijing begins crackdown on motorcycle riders

People who drive motorcycles without a license may face detention in Beijing, Chinese media reported Friday.

Owners will also be punished if their motorcycles have fake license plates or no plates, drive without wearing a helmet or outside designated areas, as the municipal public security bureau launched a campaign of motorcycle management on June 21.

The move will intensify punitive measures, including detaining motorists without a license and imposing a maximum fine of 200 yuan ($33) on drivers without a helmet.

The capital has more than 130,000 registered motorcycles, and 28 people died in 27 motorcycle accidents during the first half of the year, the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau?said Thursday.