Sagay sets strict helmet rules June 1

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — The city government of Sagay in Negros Occidental will strictly enforce the use of helmets by motorcycle riders starting June 1 as part of its road safety measures.

The enforcement is pursuant to City Ordinance No. 2024-003, or the Motorcycle Riders Safety Ordinance of the City of Sagay, which applies to all motorcycle riders, whether residents or nonresidents of Sagay City, traveling long or short distances on any type of road within the city’s territorial jurisdiction.

The ordinance covers riders of motorcycles, mopeds, scooters, big bikes, and similar vehicles.

The ordinance states that all motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders, shall wear standard protective motorcycle helmets at all times while driving.

A standard protective motorcycle helmet refers to a duly approved protective helmet that complies with specifications issued by the Department of Trade and Industry, bears the Philippine Standard mark or Import Commodity Clearance sticker of the Bureau of Product Standards, and is in good, wearable condition, with no cracks, dents, or damage.

The local measure is consistent with Republic Act No. 10054, or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, which requires motorcycle drivers and back riders to wear standard protective helmets while driving on any type of road and exempts tricycle drivers from the requirement.

All motorcycles traversing any type of road within Sagay City must pass through the outermost right lane.

The exemption from the mandatory use of helmets applies only to tricycle drivers.

Violators will be fined PHP 500 for the first offense, PHP 1,000 for the second offense, and PHP 2,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.

All fines from violations of the ordinance shall be paid to the Office of the City Treasurer, and 30 percent of the amount shall be granted as a cash incentive to authorized apprehending officers, including deputized or authorized traffic enforcers, police, and any other duly authorized representative of the local chief executive.

An oversight committee led by the chairperson of the City Council committee on traffic management was created to monitor the effective implementation of the ordinance and report to the mayor.

The ordinance also states that motorcycles must be equipped with required safety devices, such as front and rear brakes, a headlight, parking or running lights, a red taillight, signal lights, a functional horn, and footrests for the back rider that are permanently attached to the vehicle and specifically designed to carry a passenger safely.

The ordinance also notes that minors are not allowed to drive motorcycles and that children shall be discouraged from back-riding on motorcycles and scooters.

However, if children 7 years old and younger are allowed to ride, they must wear certified standard protective motorcycle helmets.

If minors who are under 18 years old but not younger than 8 years old are apprehended, their parents or guardians shall be held liable for the violation and fines.

The ordinance also states that a motorcycle on the road may carry only a maximum of two people at a time, including the driver and one back rider.