LTO apprehends Helmet Law violators

CEBU, Philippines - Despite repeated warnings and the risk of being apprehended, over a hundred motorcycle riders still failed to heed the call of government authorities to wear the standard protective gear that should bear the Import Commodity Clearance or the PS (Philippine Standards) mark.

Since the implementation of the Helmet Law last January 2, the Land Transportation Office-7 apprehended a total of 108 violators in Cebu and 66 in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.

LTO-7 Regional Director Raul Aguilos asked motorcycle riders to use only the prescribed helmet as this is only of their own safety and welfare.

“Para ra man sad na sa ilang safety. I am asking them to wear only the prescribed helmet to avoid being apprehended and paying fines,” Aguilos said.

LTO will continue to apprehend violators as part of their regular and normal duty.

First offender shall be made to pay a fine of P1,500, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 for the third offense and P10,000 for the fourth offense plus confiscation of the driver’s license.

The implementation of the Helmet Law was supposed to take effect last August 1 but was moved to January 1, 2013.

The deferment of the original August 1 deadline for motorcycle drivers to wear the prescribed head gear with ICC stickers was in line with the request of the Department of Trade and Industry to be allowed to complete their inspection and sticking of helmets nationwide.

Under the law, motorcycle drivers and their passenger are required to wear the standard protective gear which the Department of Trade and Industry said should bear the ICC or the PS mark. — (FREEMAN)