MANILA, Philippines—The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) has ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to defer enforcement of the Helmet Act of 2009.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) previously requested more time to inspect imported helmets being sold in the country. The DTI wanted to ensure that the helmets worn by motorcycle riders bear the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) seal issued by the Bureau of Products Standard.
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“We want to ensure the orderly implementation of the Helmet Law with the safety of the riding public as our foremost objective,” DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas said in a statement released Friday.
The law and its implementing rules and regulations were originally planned to begin implementation on August 1. Instead, it will commence on January 1 next year.
From August 1 until the end of the year, motorcycle riders will not yet be issued citation tickets and will just be given reminders from enforcers, DOTC said.
“In cooperation with other pertinent government and private agencies and organizations, the LTO will conduct aggressive public information and education campaign on the matter,” DOTC said.
By next year, motorcycle drivers whose helmets do not have an ICC seal will be penalized in accordance with the Helmet Act of 2009.