MMDA: No law barring motorcyclists from wearing shorts

MANILA, Philippines — There is no existing law prohibiting motorcycle riders from wearing shorts, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) General Manager Jojo Garcia said on Tuesday.

Garcia said he clarified with Land Transportation Office (LTO) that they will only penalize those who are barefoot, wearing slippers and not wearing the proper helmet.

“We met with the LTO, pinagusapan namin to tungkol sa rider, pinaalam namin sa kanila kung ano ba talaga ang rules and regulations for the use of motorcycles,” he said in a press briefing at the MMDA Office in Makati City.

“Ang huhulihin lang dito na may penalty [ay yung] not wearing the proper helmet and number two yung naka-slippers and yung naka-paa,” he added.

Garcia said those who are caught wearing slippers while using motorcycles will pay a fine of P500 while for those who are not wearing helmet will pay P1,500.

The general manager stressed that LTO only made suggestions as to what motorcyclists should wear to be safe while on the road.

“May suggestions po ang LTO sa mga groups kung paano mas magiging safe ang pagmomotor. Protective devices shall include, helmets, goggles, leather boots and protective clothing such as heavy pants, heavy jacket. Ito ay suggestion lang,” Garcia said.

Meanwhile, traffic rules and regulations also mandate that motorcycle riders turn on their headlights when their bikes are running, Garcia said.

“Lahat po ng motorsiklo na bumabaybay sa Metro Manila, kailangan nakabukas ang ilaw o headlight,” Garcia said.

Violators may face a penalty of P150 for the first offense and P300 for the second offense while those caught for the third offense will have to pay a P500 fine and will have their driver’s license suspended for one month.  /muf