If you happen to drive or trip a bike within the Philippines, you most likely know that the Single Ticketing System (STS) is now in impact. Beginning Could 2, 2023, new tips have been put in place to harmonize present legal guidelines on site visitors enforcement and administration in Metro Manila. This contains standardized fines and penalties for frequent site visitors violations.
The brand new system is at the moment being rolled out in 7 cities within the Nationwide Capital Area (NCR), particularly Manila, Parañaque, Caloocan, Quezon Metropolis, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela.
One of many key violations beneath the system is “Costume Code for Motorbike Riders” which has a penalty of P500 (first offense), P750 (second offense), P1,000 (third and subsequent offenses).
The principles impacts not simply motorbike drivers, however pillion passengers as effectively. If you happen to use motorbike hailing taxis like Angkas or Joyride, you might be coated by the motorbike costume code, so it’s greatest to be know what you need to or shouldn’t put on to keep away from paying fines.
Anybody who’s needed to endure paying fines simply to get their driver’s license again from one other metropolis for some random site visitors violation is aware of what a ache it may be. Beneath the brand new single ticketing system, driver’s licenses shall now not be confiscated and riders now have the choice to pay fines by way of money, digital platforms reminiscent of GCash or PayMaya, or on to site visitors enforcers by way of handheld gadgets.
What sucks is how stiff the fines and penalties are for erring motorbike riders, but LTO can’t even problem the correct licenses as a result of plastic scarcity and there are nonetheless so many motorbike plates which have but to be launched.
Anyway, right here’s what motorbike drivers and passengers ought to know concerning the prescribed costume code.
Closed sneakers
Not allowed: Slippers, sandals, flip flops, going barefoot
Based mostly on Land Transportation Workplace (LTO)’s Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 issued on Could 15, 2008, motorbike riders are NOT allowed to put on slippers, sandals, flip flops, or go barefoot whereas working a bike or scooter on a street or freeway.
Whereas site visitors enforcers have been typically lenient in some areas and neighborhoods, beneath the brand new system, riders could also be slapped with fines, so it’s higher to be protected than sorry. Even when you’re simply doing fast errands in your neighborhood like getting groceries or consuming out close by, it’s a must to be carrying closed sneakers for security.
Beneath the brand new system, pillion riders or backriders are additionally mandated to put on closed sneakers. So even when you’re not driving, it’s a must to consider your footwear. Once more, pillion passengers cannot be carrying slippers.
Are Crocs thought of closed footwear? From a security and well being perspective, conventional Crocs usually are not thought of closed footwear due to the holes within the design and open again with a strap. Closed footwear typically means the complete foot needs to be absolutely coated, which incorporates the highest of the foot and the heel. And no, bathe caps over slippers don’t rely as closed footwear both.
Fines and penalties:
- 1st offense: P500
- 2nd offense: P750
- third offense: P1,000
Motorbike helmet
Not allowed: Non-certified or substandard helmets, bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, hardhats, no helmet
Based mostly on the Obligatory Use of Motorbike Helmet Act of 2009, all motorbike riders, together with drivers and again riders, are required to put on customary protecting motorbike helmets whereas driving. This covers each lengthy or quick drives in any kind of street and freeway.
What are customary helmets? Motorbike helmets will need to have both a PS, or Philippine Normal mark or an ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) sticker of the Bureau of Product Requirements (BPS) to make sure that these adjust to security requirements. DOT and ECE markings are sometimes discovered as stickers behind the helmet close to the bottom.
Widespread varieties of helmets embody full face (with a set protecting chin bar and visor), open face (with no chin bar), modular, off-road, and hybrid (ADV/enduro) so long as they meet the correct security requirements.
Motorbike riders cannot put on bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, hardhats and different substandard helmets on board a bike, as these usually are not designed to guard you at increased speeds. Learn extra about tips on how to select the fitting motorbike helmet.
Fines and penalties:
No motorbike helmet
- 1st offense: P1,500
- 2nd offense: P3,000
- third offense: P5,000
- 4th and subsequent offenses: P10,000 with confiscation
of the motive force’s license
Stricter fines and penalties are additionally imposed to those that use, promote and distribute substandard motorbike helmets or these which don’t bear the PS
mark or the ICC certificates:
Use of helmet with no ICC markings
- 1st offense: P3,000
- 2nd and subsequent offenses: P5,000 (with out prejudice to different penalties imposed beneath the Client Act of the Philippines)
Are shorts allowed?
Beneath Philippine legislation, riders usually are not required to put on specialised protecting gear reminiscent of motorbike jackets, gloves, or padded pants. The legal guidelines don’t particularly point out something that prohibits riders from carrying shorts both.
Are you able to put on shorts whereas driving a bike in Metro Manila? Sure, you may put on shorts—for now. As reported by MotoPinas, MMDA Chief Visitors Inspector Bong Nebrija mentioned in a 2019 interview:
“In Metro Manila, walang hulihan ng naka shorts. Hindi siya bawal, for now. Pag-naka shorts ka at naka-tsinelas ka, huhulihin ka namin since you are in slippers. We apprehend them as a result of they’re in slippers as a result of that’s harmful.”
Bong Nebrija, MMDA Chief Visitors Inspector (as reported by MotoPinas)
So typically, it’s okay for motorbike riders to put on shorts so long as you’re carrying closed footwear. Whereas there’s a proposal being studied by MMDA to ban using in shorts (in addition to requiring heavy leather-based boots and leather-based gloves), it isn’t but prohibited as of 2023 and isn’t specified beneath the STS.
Whereas technically you may put on shorts, it isn’t actually advisable particularly for metropolis rides and lengthy rides. Shorts leaves your legs uncovered to attainable burns from the motorbike engine and exhaust pipes and leaves you extra weak in case of accidents.
In your personal security, it’s greatest to decorate correctly when driving or backriding. If you happen to’re passing by main roads like EDSA and different highways within the metropolis, for security, the naked minimal needs to be pants. Since jackets could be heavy due to the warmth, breathable lengthy sleeved dri-fit shirts are additionally well-liked amongst riders.
The costume code is meant to be for the security of drivers and passengers alike to attenuate accidents.
Urged minimal security gear
Additional security gear like padded motorbike jackets, gloves and using boots could also be wanted for these on huge bikes passing the expressway, whereas reflective vests may be wanted for using at evening.
Beneath is an infographic of the recommended minimal security gear for motorbike riders and why this stuff are necessary. Learn extra about getting ready for a protracted motorbike street journey.
Costume code when transacting with LTO
Whereas shorts are allowed for driving, they’re prohibited when you’re going particularly to LTO for transactions like getting your license or renewal performed. ICYDK, the LTO has a particular costume code coverage for anybody (not simply riders) who might be transacting with any of their places of work across the nation. This is applicable to all branches of LTO, principal places of work and satellites alike.
Based mostly on a memorandum dated July 1, 2005 that outlines the correct costume code for anybody who might be transacting with their places of work, each women and men needs to be carrying pants, collared shirts and closed footwear. In 2019, the LTO shared the rules on their social media web page as follows:
Men
Males ought to put on a polo shirt, denims, and presentable sneakers. Carrying t-shirts with lengthy or quick sleeves can be allowed. Carrying of sando, shorts and any kind of slippers usually are not allowed.
Ladies
For girls, the LTO prescribes carrying a polo-type shirt, denims or slacks and presentable sneakers. Carrying t-shirts with quick or lengthy sleeves are additionally allowed. Sandos, tube, tank tops, sleeveless shirts or any “revealing” kind of clothes is strictly not allowed. Slippers usually are not allowed as footwear.
References:
- MMDA. Visitors Violations and Fines beneath the Metro Manila Visitors Code of 2023.
- TopGear. Could 5, 2023. “Riders, right here’s the total information of the motorbike costume code in PH”
- MotoPinas. March 18, 2019. “Bong Nebrija: Shorts whereas using okay, slippers usually are not”
- Supreme Courtroom e-Library. Could 15, 2008. Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015. Guidelines and Rules for the use and operation of bikes on highways.
- LTO. July 1, 2005. Memorandum on Costume Code for transacting in LTO places of work
