DTI scraps fees for crash helmet stickers

Good news for motorycle riders.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) said it is waiving the collection of fees for inspection of motorcycle helmets and issuance of ICC stickers until Sept. 30, 2012.

A DTI press statement said the waiving of the P1.25 sticker fee and P100 processing fee for inspection of standard motorcycle helmets takes effect immediately. This ams to speed up the application process and inspection process.

The Motorcycle Helmet Law (Republic Act 10054) which is set for full implementation on Aug. 15 has stirred opposition after motorcycle riders complained of the burden of DTI fees and confusion over requirements.

The Helmet Law seeks to promote road safety by requiring motorcycle drivers and their riders to wear helmets that pass international standards.

Last Monday, the Cebu City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) passed a resolution asking DTI to defer enforcing its guidelines on the helmet law.

Citom said the pubilc was confused by unclear guidelines and that the reasonableness of the P101.25 fee was questionable.

It said that most motorbike users generally belong to low to mid income groups and find the fee, as well as the application process and inspection a burden.

Citom also said owners and drivers of motorcycles who purchased helmets before RA 10054 took effect “are unfairly treated” because they legally purchased these helmets with full confidence in government agencies of the standard s of these helmets.