In case you drive or experience a motorbike within the Philippines, you in all probability know that the Single Ticketing System (STS) is now in impact. Beginning Might 2, 2023, new pointers have been put in place to harmonize present legal guidelines on visitors enforcement and administration in Metro Manila. This contains standardized fines and penalties for widespread 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 underneath the system is “Gown Code for Bike Riders” which has a penalty of P500 (first offense), P750 (second offense), P1,000 (third and subsequent offenses).
The foundations impacts not simply motorbike drivers, however pillion passengers as effectively. In case you use motorbike hailing taxis like Angkas or Joyride, you might be coated by the motorbike gown code, so it’s greatest to be know what it’s best 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 visitors violation is aware of what a ache it may be. Underneath the brand new single ticketing system, driver’s licenses shall now not be confiscated and riders now have the choice to pay fines via money, digital platforms resembling GCash or PayMaya, or on to visitors enforcers via handheld units.
What sucks is how stiff the fines and penalties are for erring motorbike riders, but LTO can’t even concern the right 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 gown 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 Might 15, 2008, motorbike riders are NOT allowed to put on slippers, sandals, flip flops, or go barefoot whereas working a motorbike or scooter on a street or freeway.
Whereas visitors enforcers have been typically lenient in some areas and neighborhoods, underneath the brand new system, riders could also be slapped with fines, so it’s higher to be secure than sorry. Even in case you’re simply doing fast errands in your neighborhood like getting groceries or consuming out close by, it’s important to be carrying closed sneakers for security.
Underneath the brand new system, pillion riders or backriders are additionally mandated to put on closed sneakers. So even in case you’re not driving, it’s important to think about 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 are usually not thought of closed footwear due to the holes within the design and open again with a strap. Closed footwear typically means your entire foot ought to be absolutely coated, which incorporates the highest of the foot and the heel. And no, bathe caps over slippers don’t depend as closed footwear both.
Fines and penalties:
- 1st offense: P500
- 2nd offense: P750
- third offense: P1,000
Bike helmet
Not allowed: Non-certified or substandard helmets, bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, hardhats, no helmet
Based mostly on the Obligatory Use of Bike 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? Bike helmets will need to have both a PS, or Philippine Customary 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.
Frequent varieties of helmets embrace full face (with a hard and fast protecting chin bar and visor), open face (with no chin bar), modular, off-road, and hybrid (ADV/enduro) so long as they meet the right security requirements.
Bike riders cannot put on bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, hardhats and different substandard helmets on board a motorbike, as these are usually not designed to guard you at greater speeds. Learn extra about the best way 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 driving 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 underneath the Shopper Act of the Philippines)
Are shorts allowed?
Underneath Philippine regulation, riders are usually not required to put on specialised protecting gear resembling 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 motorbike in Metro Manila? Sure, you’ll be able to put on shorts—for now. As reported by MotoPinas, MMDA Chief Site visitors Inspector Bong Nebrija stated 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 Site 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’s not but prohibited as of 2023 and isn’t specified underneath the STS.
Whereas technically you’ll be able to put on shorts, it’s not actually advisable particularly for metropolis rides and lengthy rides. Shorts leaves your legs uncovered to doable burns from the motorbike engine and exhaust pipes and leaves you extra susceptible in case of accidents.
In your personal security, it’s greatest to decorate correctly when driving or backriding. In case you’re passing by main roads like EDSA and different highways within the metropolis, for security, the naked minimal ought to be pants. Since jackets will be heavy due to the warmth, breathable lengthy sleeved dri-fit shirts are additionally widespread amongst riders.
The gown code is meant to be for the protection of drivers and passengers alike to attenuate accidents.
Prompt minimal security gear
Additional security gear like padded motorbike jackets, gloves and using boots could also be wanted for these on large bikes passing the expressway, whereas reflective vests may additionally be wanted for using at evening.
Under is an infographic of the urged minimal security gear for motorbike riders and why these things are vital. Learn extra about making ready for a protracted motorbike street journey.
Gown code when transacting with LTO
Whereas shorts are allowed for driving, they’re prohibited in case you’re going particularly to LTO for transactions like getting your license or renewal performed. ICYDK, the LTO has a particular gown code coverage for anybody (not simply riders) who shall be transacting with any of their places of work across the nation. This is applicable to all branches of LTO, major places of work and satellites alike.
Based mostly on a memorandum dated July 1, 2005 that outlines the right gown code for anybody who shall be transacting with their places of work, each women and men ought 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. Sporting t-shirts with lengthy or quick sleeves can also be allowed. Sporting of sando, shorts and any kind of slippers are usually not allowed.
Girls
For girls, the LTO prescribes carrying a polo-type shirt, denims or slacks and presentable sneakers. Sporting 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 are usually not allowed as footwear.
References:
- MMDA. Site visitors Violations and Fines underneath the Metro Manila Site visitors Code of 2023.
- TopGear. Might 5, 2023. “Riders, right here’s the complete information of the motorbike gown code in PH”
- MotoPinas. March 18, 2019. “Bong Nebrija: Shorts whereas using okay, slippers are usually not”
- Supreme Courtroom e-Library. Might 15, 2008. Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015. Guidelines and Laws for the use and operation of bikes on highways.
- LTO. July 1, 2005. Memorandum on Gown Code for transacting in LTO places of work
