If you drive or ride a motorcycle in the Philippines, you probably know that the Single Ticketing System (STS) is now in effect. Starting May 2, 2023, new guidelines have been put in place to harmonize existing laws on traffic enforcement and management in Metro Manila. This includes standardized fines and penalties for common traffic violations.
The new system is currently being rolled out in 7 cities in the National Capital Region (NCR), namely Manila, Parañaque, Caloocan, Quezon City, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela.
One of the key violations under the system is “Dress Code for Motorcycle Riders” which has a penalty of P500 (first offense), P750 (second offense), P1,000 (third and subsequent offenses).
The rules affect not just motorcycle drivers, but pillion passengers as well. If you use motorcycle hailing taxis like Angkas or Joyride, you are covered by the motorcycle dress code, so it’s best to be know what you should or should not wear to avoid paying fines.
Anyone who’s had to endure paying fines just to get their driver’s license back from another city for some random traffic violation knows what a pain it can be. Under the new single ticketing system, driver’s licenses shall no longer be confiscated and riders now have the option to pay fines through cash, digital platforms such as GCash or PayMaya, or directly to traffic enforcers through handheld devices.
What sucks is how stiff the fines and penalties are for erring motorcycle riders, yet LTO can’t even issue the proper licenses due to the plastic shortage and there are still so many motorcycle plates that have yet to be released.
Anyway, here’s what motorcycle drivers and passengers should know about the prescribed dress code.
Closed shoes
Not allowed: Slippers, sandals, flip flops, going barefoot
Based on Land Transportation Office (LTO)’s Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 issued on May 15, 2008, motorcycle riders are NOT allowed to wear slippers, sandals, flip flops, or go barefoot while operating a motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway.
While traffic enforcers have been generally lenient in some areas and neighborhoods, under the new system, riders may be slapped with fines, so it’s better to be safe than sorry. Even if you’re just doing quick errands in your neighborhood like getting groceries or eating out nearby, you have to be wearing closed shoes for safety.
Under the new system, pillion riders or backriders are also mandated to wear closed shoes. So even if you’re not driving, you have to factor in your footwear. Again, pillion passengers can not be wearing slippers.
Are Crocs considered closed footwear? From a safety and health perspective, traditional Crocs are not considered closed footwear because of the holes in the design and open back with a strap. Closed footwear generally means the entire foot should be fully covered, which includes the top of the foot and the heel. And no, hairnets over slippers don’t count as closed footwear either.
Fines and penalties:
- 1st offense: P500
- 2nd offense: P750
- 3rd offense: P1,000
Motorcycle helmet
Not allowed: Non-certified or substandard helmets, bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, hardhats, no helmet
Based on the Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, all motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders, are required to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving. This covers both long or short drives in any type of road and highway.
What are standard helmets? Motorcycle helmets must have either a PS, or Philippine Standard mark or an ICC (Import Commodity Clearance) sticker of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) to ensure that these comply with safety standards. DOT and ECE markings are often found as stickers at the back of the helmet near the base.
Common types of helmets include full face (with a fixed protective chin bar and visor), open face (with no chin bar), modular, off-road, and hybrid (ADV/enduro) as long as they meet the proper safety standards.
Motorcycle riders can not wear bicycle helmets, skateboard helmets, hardhats and other substandard helmets on board a motorcycle, as these are not designed to protect you at higher speeds. Read more about how to choose the right motorcycle helmet.
Fines and penalties:
No motorcycle helmet
- 1st offense: P1,500
- 2nd offense: P3,000
- 3rd offense: P5,000
- 4th and subsequent offenses: P10,000 with confiscation
of the driver’s license
Stricter fines and penalties are also imposed to those who use, sell and distribute substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS
mark or the ICC certificate:
Use of helmet with no ICC markings
- 1st offense: P3,000
- 2nd and subsequent offenses: P5,000 (without prejudice to other penalties imposed under the Consumer Act of the Philippines)
Are shorts allowed?
Under Philippine law, riders are not required to wear specialized protective gear such as motorcycle jackets, gloves, or padded pants. The laws do not specifically mention anything that prohibits riders from wearing shorts either.
Can you wear shorts while driving a motorcycle in Metro Manila? Yes, you can wear shorts—for now. As reported by MotoPinas, MMDA Chief Traffic Inspector Bong Nebrija said in a 2019 interview:
“In Metro Manila, walang hulihan ng naka shorts. Hindi siya bawal, for now. Pag-naka shorts ka at naka-tsinelas ka, huhulihin ka namin because you are in slippers. We apprehend them because they are in slippers because that is dangerous.”
Bong Nebrija, MMDA Chief Traffic Inspector (as reported by MotoPinas)
So generally, it’s ok for motorcycle riders to wear shorts as long as you’re wearing closed footwear. While there is a proposal being studied by MMDA to ban riding in shorts (as well as requiring heavy leather boots and leather gloves), it is not yet prohibited as of 2023 and is not specified under the STS.
While technically you can wear shorts, it is not really advisable especially for city rides and long rides. Shorts leaves your legs exposed to possible burns from the motorcycle engine and exhaust pipes and leaves you more vulnerable in case of accidents.
For your own safety, it’s best to dress properly when driving or backriding. If you’re passing by major roads like EDSA and other highways in the city, for safety, the bare minimum should be pants. Since jackets can be heavy because of the heat, breathable long sleeved dri-fit shirts are also popular among riders.
The dress code is supposed to be for the safety of drivers and passengers alike to minimize injuries.
Suggested minimum safety gear
Extra safety gear like padded motorcycle jackets, gloves and riding boots may be needed for those on big bikes passing the expressway, while reflective vests may also be needed for riding at night.
Below is an infographic of the suggested minimum safety gear for motorcycle riders and why these items are important. Read more about preparing for a long motorcycle road trip.
Dress code when transacting with LTO
While shorts are allowed for driving, they are prohibited if you’re going specifically to LTO for transactions like getting your license or renewal done. ICYDK, the LTO has a specific dress code policy for anyone (not just riders) who will be transacting with any of their offices around the country. This applies to all branches of LTO, main offices and satellites alike.
Based on a memorandum dated July 1, 2005 that outlines the proper dress code for anyone who will be transacting with their offices, both men and women should be wearing pants, collared shirts and closed footwear. In 2019, the LTO shared the guidelines on their social media page as follows:
Men
Men should wear a polo shirt, jeans, and presentable shoes. Wearing t-shirts with long or short sleeves is also allowed. Wearing of sando, shorts and any type of slippers are not allowed.
Women
For women, the LTO prescribes wearing a polo-type shirt, jeans or slacks and presentable shoes. Wearing t-shirts with short or long sleeves are also allowed. Sandos, tube, tank tops, sleeveless shirts or any “revealing” type of clothing is strictly not allowed. Slippers are not allowed as footwear.
References:
- MMDA. Traffic Violations and Fines under the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023.
- TopGear. May 5, 2023. “Riders, here’s the full guide of the motorcycle dress code in PH”
- MotoPinas. March 18, 2019. “Bong Nebrija: Shorts while riding ok, slippers are not”
- Supreme Court e-Library. May 15, 2008. Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015. Rules and Regulations for the use and operation of motorcycles on highways.
- LTO. July 1, 2005. Memorandum on Dress Code for transacting in LTO offices