Inspection, certification of motorcycle helmets extended

By Aida C. Agad

Thursday 2nd of August 2012

KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato , Aug 2 (PIA) -- Motorists have now up to the end of this year to have their helmets inspected and certified with PS or ICC (Philippine Standards or Import Commodity Clearance) markings of the Bureau of Product Standards.

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) South Cotabato provincial director Flora Gabunales said, this came after their agency’s request for extension has been granted by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).

Gabunales said, the extension would only run from August 1 to December 31 for them to complete the markings of PS and ICC with the standard protective motorcycle helmets, the ones required to be used by motorcycle riding individuals.

With the said extension, DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas also ordered the personnel of the Land Transportation Office to defer the strict implementation of its law enforcement functions stipulated under RA 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

The LTO has also been directed to remind drivers of motorcycles on the provisions of the Helmet Law and its Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR).

Gabunales also explained that after the extension order on December 31, 2012, motorists not complying with the Helmet Law will be issued citation tickets and dealt with appropriate penalties under RA 10054.

Motorists (drivers and back riders) caught not wearing the standard protective helmet will be fined P1,500 for first offense; P3,000 for second offense; P5,000 for third offense, and P10,000 plus confiscation of the driver’s license for the fourth and succeeding offenses.

Any person who also uses, sells, and distributes substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or ICC certificate will also be meted with penalties imposed under Republic Act No. 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.

DTI South Cotabato is presently conducting market monitoring of helmets sold by local distributors in the area. (ACA-PIA12)