Hello, dear readers! Welcome to the full guide of YugaAuto on the Motorcycle Dress Code in the Philippines for 2023. For your convenience, we have listed the most common inquiry and touch points on what can, cannot, should, and should not be worn by motorcycle drivers and their pillion, AKA “angkas” to comply with the law.
Without further ado, let’s get to it!
Is the Motorcycle Dress Code lawfully backed?
Table of Contents
It may be 2023, but the Motorcycle Dress Code and its provisions go back to an LTO Administrative Order (AO) signed as early as 2008. It is Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 and in it you will find the “rules and regulations shall govern the use and operation of motorcycles on roads and highways”. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, the Dress Code is backed by the actual implementation of the law.
Definition of terms
- “Driver” shall mean every and any licensed operator or rider of a motorcycle or scooter.
- “Passenger” shall mean the back rider of a motorcycle or scooter.
- “Protective devices” shall include helmet, goggles, leather boots and protective clothing such as heavy pants, heavy jackets, leather gloves and rain suit.
- “Standard helmet” shall mean the protective helmet approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) with PNS-UNECE 22 marking.
So what exactly comprises the “Motorcycle Dress Code”?
Photo: Edison Bong Nebrija
There is no “explicit” list of specific articles of clothing and protective devices or equipment that comprise the Dress Code. However, Section VII indicates “Wearing of Standard Helmet. It shall be the duty of the motorcycle scooter driver/rider to ensure that he/she and the back rider wear standard helmets.” That said, proper helmets are a must for all occupants of a motorcycle. Is there a prescribed kind of helmet for motorcycle use? Yes, there is, and you can find our guide on that here 31.
Another stipulation found in Section XI of the AO is that there is a fine to be imposed “For wearing of flip flops, sandals or slippers or being bare footed while operating motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway”. That said, these specific kinds of open footwear are not allowed and apply to both drivers and back riders.
Curious, though, is that per the definition of “Protective devices”, there is no specific penalty/violation and accompanying fine for not wearing goggles, heavy pants, heavy jackets, or leather gloves. The fines that have been detailed in the AO do not include not wearing any of these articles of clothing as being a violation, and we’ll get to that later.
But really, any proper motorcyclist realizes the value of the above-mentioned clothing pieces. Granted, the normal Juan cannot afford the high prices of “branded” items, but it is always safe to say that wearing a 1.) helmet, 2.) closed footwear, and 3.) long pants, at the very least, will work well to ensure their safety and help them not end up being “tocino” in the event of an accident is a given. These three should be the bare minimum for any motorcycle driver and their rider, regardless of any written law or the Motorcycle Dress Code. It’s for your own good and not about the fines and penalties, believe us.
Specific fines and penalties for violation of the Motorcycle Dress Code
Photo: MMDA
The Single Ticketing System’s (STS) implementation has brought about a few changes to what used to be the fines and penalties for violating any items in the Motorcycle Dress Code. For your convenience, we shall refer to the STS list and you will find the fines to be paid for specific violations below:
Violation of Motorcycle Dress Code
- First offense = PHP 500
- Second offense = PHP 750
- Third and subsequent offenses = PHP 1,000
Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet
- First offense = PHP 1,500
- Second offense = PHP 3,000
- Third offense = PHP 5,000
- Fourth and subsequent offenses = PHP 10,000 with confiscation of driver’s license
Use of motorcycle helmet without ICC markings
- First offense = PHP 3,000
- Second and subsequent offenses = PHP 5,000
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***Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015
We would just like to add this here, as this is information that is vital to all those who drive motorcycles and may have a child riding as a pillion. The penalties for violating the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act 21 are as follows:
- First offense = PHP 3,000
- Second offense = PHP 5,000
- Third and succeeding offenses = PHP 10,000; suspension of Driver’s License on third offense, and revocation beyond third offense
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There you have it, folks, a complete and concise guide with links to relevant information that you need to know about the Motorcycle Dress Code 27 in the Philippines, as well as the accompanying fines for violating any of its provisions.
Drive and ride safe out there, everyone! And always remember to follow and obey all traffic laws, rules, and regulations.
