Law Summary
Compulsory Registration of Motorcycles and Scooters
- All motorcycles and scooters operating on Philippine highways must be registered annually with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as per R.A. No. 4136, as amended.
Use of Number Plates
- Motorcycles and scooters must display reflective number plates issued by LTO in conspicuous, clean, and legible condition at all times.
Duty to Have a Valid Driver's License
- A valid driver's license with Restriction Code No. 1 must be carried and presented upon demand when operating motorcycles or scooters.
- Operating without such a license is unlawful and may result in confiscation.
Speed Limits
- Drivers must drive at a prudent speed considering traffic and conditions, not exceeding safe stopping distances.
- Maximum allowable speeds are:
- Open country roads: 80 km/h for passenger cars and motorcycles, 50 km/h for trucks and buses.
- Through streets/boulevards: 40 km/h for passenger cars and motorcycles, 30 km/h for trucks and buses.
- City/municipal streets: 30 km/h for all vehicles.
- Crowded/dangerous areas: 20 km/h for all vehicles.
Passenger and Cargo Load Restrictions
- Only one back rider is allowed, who must be seated and have footrests.
- Only DTI-approved saddle bags or luggage carriers may be used for cargo.
Mandatory Use of Standard Helmets
- Both the driver/rider and passenger must wear standard helmets at all times.
Motorcycle and Scooter Accessories
- Required accessories include a headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror, and horn.
- The headlight must be switched on any time the vehicle is operated on highways.
- Use of dimmed or lowered headlight on well-lit streets or when meeting another vehicle is mandated.
- Any modification to the original design must be approved by both LTO and DTI.
Miscellaneous Traffic Rules
- Prohibition on operating under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.
- Ban on using cellular phones or gadgets while driving.
- Strict observance of one lane per vehicle; lane splitting is prohibited.
- Motorcycles and scooters are not permitted on sidewalks.
Accreditation of Motorcycle Riding Schools
- Motorcycle riding schools must secure accreditation from LTO.
- Completion of a riding course from accredited schools may waive the practical driving test for applicants with a student permit seeking a driver's license under Restriction Code No. 1.
Penalties for Violations
- Failure to wear a prescribed helmet: Fine of P1,500 plus mandatory attendance at an LTO traffic safety seminar.
- Carrying extra passengers or unapproved cargo: Fine of P1,000.
- Having defective accessories: Fine of P1,000.
- Unauthorized modifications: Fine of P2,000.
- Operating while wearing flip flops, sandals, slippers, or barefoot:
- First offense: P500 fine
- Second offense: P700 fine
- Third offense: P1,000 fine and revocation of driver’s license.
Repealing Clause
- All prior inconsistent orders and issuances are revoked and superseded by these rules.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision or its application does not affect the rest of the rules or their application to other persons or circumstances.
Effectivity
- Rules take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of national circulation and submission to the UP Law Center.