Motorcycle drivers oppose new regulation vs. slippers

Motorcycle drivers are complaining against the new policy of the Land Transportation Office that strictly prohibits the wearing of slippers and sandals when driving to avoid penalty.

The newly issued circular said the violators can be fined P500 for the first offense, P700 for the second offense and P1,000 plus the revocation of the driver’s license for the third violation.

LTO-7 director Raul Aguilos said the new policy is intended to improve the safety of the people who ride motorcycles.

“Usahay god ma-slide man ang atong tiil kon magsinilas og dili na makaayo pagtamak sa brake,” he said.

When the new policy was implemented in Cebu City last week, many motorcycle drivers were caught unaware. 

“Nakalitan g’yod ko kay dili man god kaayo ko tigpaminaw ug balita, tagsa ra sab ko mobasa ug news,” said factory worker Elmer Casipong.

The FREEMAN employee Roel Labrador said he was also stopped by traffic enforcers while he was riding his motorcycle because he was not wearing shoes that time, but he said “Maayo man sab na nga pasul-obon na g’yod og sapatos ang mag-drive og motor.”

The administrative order issued by LTO chief Alberto Suansing stressed that the driver should be apprehended if they will not wear any protective devices such as helmet, goggles, protective clothing, and leather boots, gloves and rain suits, heavy jackets and heavy pants.

But aside from the wearing crash helmets and shoes, the traffic enforcers here are not so very strict against the other requirements. Suansing’s directive explained that motorcycle passengers are also required to wear protective gear.

But he stressed that the other requirements such as goggles, protective clothing, leather boots, gloves and heavy pants are applicable only for the riders of big bikes, but the traffic enforcers encouraged the motorcycle riders here not to wear short pants while driving their vehicles.

The drivers or owners of motorcycles are also discouraged from modifying their motorcycles and the LTO is increasing the fines and penalties for those who would violate the rules and regulations.— Rene U. Borromeo/BRP