Listening to the radio this morning gave me a chance to catch LTO Chief Alberto Suansing being interviewed on a local radio station. In the interview he stressed the need for the LTO to implement stricter guidelines for motorcycle riders as well as their backrides. The amended guidelines include”

  1. Carrying of Restriction Code 1 (RC 1) on the riders’ license.
  2. Keeping the headlights on at all times of the day.
  3. Wearing of protective devices including helmets, protective clothing and footwear.

These are the clear cut items on the amended regulations. Though they added something that might become a flash point in the community.

For his part Donato said the LTO-MVIS is also discouraging the motorcycle owner to modify their motorcycle or scooter. from Journal Online

While this carries a bit of sense, since engine modifications and some body modifications may void a new motorcycle’s warranty and decrease the reliability of the engine, if it does transform into a binding law then the descriptions of what is considered “modified” has to be crystal clear.

Still I must commend the LTO for this action albeit a bit late. Riders need every help they can get while on the road. The recent series of accidents on the road only help to drive home the point that we are vulnerable on the streets. Drive with these guidelines and a little bit of common sense, remember the most important safety gear on a motorcycle is still your head….use it.

Additional items from the LTO Guidelines:

Drivers and back riders who fail to wear prescribed helmet will be fined P1,500 plus attending seminar for traffic safety to be conducted by LTO.

  • For carrying more passenger other than the back rider or cargo, a penalty of P1,000.
  • For defective accessories such as headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror and horn a fine of P1,000 for the violators.
  • For modifying any part of the original design of a motorcycle or scooter without approval of LTO and the DTI a fine of P2,000.
  • Wearing flip flop, sandals, or slippers fine of P500 for the first offense, P700 for the 2nd offense and P1,000 for the 3rd offense and revocation of driver’s license.