On first week of implementation: 308 Helmet Law violators apprehended

CEBU, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office-7 has apprehended a total of 308 violators in Central Visayas since the implementation of the Helmet Law last January 2.

LTO-7 regional director Raul Aguilos said that there were 49 motorcycle riders apprehended in Talisay City and 56 more were apprehended along V. Rama Avenue in Cebu City.

Aguilos said that they will be conducting daily operations in various parts of the region to ensure that motorcycle riders are wearing the prescribed head gear.

Of the 308 violators, 56 were apprehended in Negros Oriental.

Violators were apprehended for failure of motorcycle riders to heed the call of government authorities to wear the standard protective gear that should bear the Import Commodity Clearance or the PS (Philippine Standards) mark.

Aguilos asked motorcycle riders to use only the prescribed helmet as this is only for their own safety and welfare.

LTO will continue to apprehended violators as part of their regular and normal duty.

First offenders shall be made to pay a fine of P1,500; P3,000 for the second offense; P5,000 for the third offense and P10,000 for the fourth offense including confiscation of driver’s license.

The implementation of the Helmet Law was supposed to take effect last August 1 but was deferred until January 1, 2013.

The deferment of the original August 1 deadline for motorcycle drivers to wear the prescribe headgear with ICC stickers, was in line with the request of the Department of Trade and Industry to be allowed to complete their inspection and sticking of helmets nationwide.

Under the law, motorcycle drivers and their passenger are now strictly required to wear the standard protective gear which the Department of Trade and Industry said should bear the ICC or the PS mark.— /MIT (FREEMAN)