Title
Exemption of Sikhs from motorcycle helmet rule
Law
Dotc Department Order No. 96-978
Decision Date
Sep 21, 1996
The Department of Transportation and Communications exempts Sikhs wearing turbans from motorcycle helmet requirements, directing law enforcement to refrain from penalizing them for this exception.
A

Scope of Exemption

  • The exemption applies exclusively to Sikh individuals wearing turbans while driving motorcycles.
  • No other groups or individuals are covered under this exemption.

Enforcement Instructions

  • All law enforcement officers, deputies, and agents are explicitly directed not to apprehend Sikh motorcyclists who are not wearing helmets due to their turban.

Effective Date and Publication Requirements

  • The Order shall take effect fifteen (15) days after:
    • Receipt of copies by the Office of the National Administrative Register (ONAR), U.P. Law Center, Diliman, Quezon City.
    • Publication in a newspaper of general nationwide circulation.

Repeal and Amendment of Conflicting Issuances

  • All Department Memorandum Orders, Circulars, and other administrative issuances conflicting with this Order are considered revoked, amended, or revised accordingly.

Official Adoption

  • The Order was officially adopted on September 21, 1996, under the signature of Secretary Amado S. Lagdameo, Jr.

Legal Implication

  • This amendment harmonizes traffic regulations with respect to religious freedom, recognizing the Sikh tradition of wearing turbans and providing a legal exception to helmet requirements for motorcyclists.

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