DNER begins crackdown on ‘voceteo’ in nature reserves, beach areas
- The San Juan Daily Star
- Mar 17
- 2 min read
By THE STAR STAFF
Designated Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) Secretary Waldemar Quiles Pérez announced Sunday that over the weekend the agency began the process of issuing guidance regarding the entry into force of Administrative Order 2025-02, which prohibits the practice of so-called “voceteo” -- the use of excessively loud sound systems on vehicles -- in nature reserves and beach areas.
“This weekend, Corps of Engineers personnel, along with members of the Maritime Surveillance Divisions of the Police Bureau in the municipalities of Fajardo and Ceiba, sailed around the small islands, such as Icacos and Palomino, that make up the famous ‘Cordillera,’ just outside of Fajardo, to inform boat owners, as well as all boating enthusiasts, about the entry into force of Administrative Order 2025-02, which prohibits the practice of ‘voceteo’ in reserves and beaches,” Quiles Pérez said in a written statement.
“We also reiterate the need to comply with all provisions of the Navigation Law to prevent accidents” the DNER chief said. “I want to thank the members of the police and our security guards for their commendable work in this area of guidance and education. We will continue to implement measures to disseminate all the provisions of the administrative order.”
Last Monday, Quiles Pérez announced the signing of Administrative Order 2025-02, which prohibits the use of high-volume sound systems in vehicles and boats within protected natural areas under the department’s jurisdiction.
The new order prohibits noise pollution generated by “voceteo,” a practice in which vehicles and boats modify their sound systems to achieve excessive noise levels. The activity has been the subject of numerous citizen complaints due to its impact on the tranquility and ecological balance of protected areas.
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