It is essential to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. As well as protecting the rider, it also protects the passenger.
According to estimates, approximately four million motorcycles and tricycles are registered in the Philippines as of 2021. This is why local authorities promote ride safety, especially helmet use.
It is illegal in the Philippines to ride a motorcycle without a helmet, and you can be apprehended and fined when you fail to wear appropriate head protection.
This article will discuss the penalties and fines associated with no helmet violations, what helmets are allowed, and why they’re necessary. It’s time to get started.
Table of Contents
Without a helmet, it’s illegal?
A helmet is one of the most effective protections that a rider has in the event of an accident. As a result, the government has made it illegal to ride without any protective gear to promote the use of this protective gear.
Do helmets have to be worn?
Yes, I agree. Rider traveling on any form of road or highway, whether a short or a long trip, is required by law always to wear a standard protective helmet when traveling on any form of road highway. RA No. 10054 is also known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, one of its provisions.
Does the back rider or passenger need to wear a helmet?
Definitely, yes. Since both the rider and the back rider or passenger are onboard the same motorcycle, both riders must wear the appropriate helmet to ensure their safety on the road.
Who is exempted from helmet wear?
Among the drivers of tricycles, the requirement to wear a helmet is the only one that does not apply. The law also requires motorcycle riders to wear a helmet at all times when riding a motorcycle. Helmets should also be worn whenever possible by those who ride small e-bikes while on the road.
Types of Motorcycle Helmets
- Dual-sport
- Full-face
- Half helmets
- Modular
- Off-road
- Open-face
- Types of motorcycle helmets
Philippines Helmet Regulations
Make sure you wear a full-face helmet when riding a motorcycle to avoid being arrested. ICC stickers, which confirm compliance with local safety standards, should also be attached to the helmet.
What Helmets Aren’t Allowed
The Philippines does not allow you to ride a motorcycle if you wear a helmet that is not designed for motorcycles. Helmets that are designed for biking, skateboarding, and other activities are some examples of these. Aside from that, it is illegal to ride a motorcycle without a helmet sticker with the ICC, even if it is the right kind.
How do ICC stickers work?
When a helmet is marked with an ICC sticker, it has passed the test to become an ICC-certified helmet. Import Commodity Clearance is an acronym that stands for Import Commodity Clearance. According to the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), the sticker is a Philippine Standard mark and a government-issued seal.
How do DOT, ECE, and Snell work?
Consider them to be the equivalent of the ICC certification for countries outside of the United States.
- In the United States, the term DOT stands for Department of Transportation. If this sticker appears on a motorcycle helmet, it has passed the bare minimum required for motorcycle helmets sold in the USA.
- A helmet with this sticker has passed the test to be legally issued in Europe, also known as the Economic Commission for Europe. Since ECE certifications are subject to stricter testing procedures, they are said to have greater power.
- ‘Snell’ is a tribute to William “Pete” Snell, a racing driver who died after suffering severe head injuries when his helmet failed to provide the necessary protection during a crash in which he sustained severe head injuries. Helmets with this certification are usually considered niche products, as they are used primarily by motorcyclists and racing drivers. It is important to note that these helmets are generally lightweight and overengineered, making them more expensive than your average helmet.
What is the fine or penalty for not wearing a helmet?
- LTO’s Online Portal: List of Traffic Violations Penalties and Sanctions
- How to Register an E-Bike in LTO
If you fail to wear a helmet while riding a motorcycle in the Philippines, you will be fined between Php1,500 and Php10,000.
- First offense: ₱1,500
- Second offense: ₱3,000
- Third offense: ₱5,000
- Fourth and subsequent offense: ₱10,000
How to Settle Helmet Violations
There is a difference depending on where you were apprehended. The LTO website allows you to check the violations you have committed and settle your payment there, or you can also visit a branch or satellite office of the LTO to determine your price.
What is the deadline for no helmet settlement?
Riders who have been apprehensive by the LTO must settle their violation within 15 days of their apprehension through the LTO.
