If you’re riding a motorcycle in the Philippines, you already know how hard it is to travel without proper storage. This is why many riders install saddlebags—storage compartments attached to the sides of a motorcycle, giving riders extra space for carrying personal items, tools, or travel essentials. Because poorly installed or oversized saddlebags can affect balance, block visibility, or cause accidents, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) sets requirements to keep riders and other road users safe. The saddlebag regulation rules are set in accordance with the LTO Memorandum dated March 15, 2016 and DOTC Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, both of which were created to manage motorcycle accessories that may affect road safety and proper vehicle operation.

But before adding anything to your bike, it’s important to know that there are clear rules on installing and using motorcycle saddlebags. Learn more about these requirements and guidelines so you can avoid penalties, hassles at checkpoints, and accidents caused by unsafe setups.

What the Law Says

The use and installation of saddlebags on motorcycles are governed by an LTO Memorandum dated March 15, 2016, which outlines size limits, placement rules, attachment requirements, and the need for registration for custom-made saddlebags. 

Along with the provisions offered by DOTC Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, which imposes a ₱5,000 penalty for unauthorized or improper accessories, the government hopes to regulate items that may cause harm to others on the road. In fact, the rules were created after consultations with riders, enforcement units, and industry stakeholders, especially as the number of delivery riders and long-distance travelers on the road continue to rise. 

What Saddlebags Are Allowed by the LTO?

Saddlebags are considered motorcycle accessories. They can be DTI-approved or custom-made. The rules depend on what type you install.

1. DTI-Approved Saddlebags

These do not need inspection, registration, or apprehension as long as they meet the LTO guidelines.

Requirements:

• Must be securely attached to the motorcycle.
• Must not be installed higher than the seat of the motorcycle or scooter.

If your saddlebags are designed specifically for motorcycles and approved by DTI, you’re generally safe. Just make sure they are attached properly and follow the height rule.

2. Custom-Made Saddlebags (Subject to LTO Inspection & Registration)

Custom-made saddlebags have stricter rules. These must follow the exact size and placement limits:

Requirements (no changes allowed):

• Must be securely attached to the motorcycle.
• Installation must not be higher than the seat of the motorcycle or scooter.
• Must not exceed 14 inches from the sides.
• Length must not go beyond the tail end of the motorcycle or scooter.

Registration Fee:

• ₱100 at the LTO.

Penalties for Violations

Riders who do not register their custom-made saddlebags or who use saddlebags that do not follow the LTO’s measurements and placement rules may be apprehended.

Penalty:

• ₱5,000 fine, for “motor vehicle operating without or with defective/improper/unauthorized accessories, devices, equipment and parts” under DOTC Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, Section 11-D.

Only LTO Law Enforcement Officers or deputized agents who enforce RA 4136 and related transportation laws are allowed to apprehend violators.

Tips for Motorcycle Riders

Here’s what you can do if you already got a saddlebag for your motorcycle without knowing about these rules:

• Check if your saddlebags are DTI-approved or custom-made.
• If custom-made, compare them to the exact measurements listed above.
• Make sure they are securely attached and do not block mirrors or go beyond the seat or tail.
• Register your custom-made saddlebags at LTO (₱100 fee).
• Keep your OR/CR and saddlebag registration slip when traveling.
  

Yes—roof racks and roof tents are legal in the Philippines. But because you’ll be driving on public roads, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has rules and limits that you will need to follow so your setup stays safe and compliant, especially if you are using aftermarket roof racks. 

This guide explains those rules so you know exactly what to do if you intend to use roof racks and tents—regardless if you’re a first-time car owner or a seasoned adventurer.

What Are Roof Racks and Roof Tents?

Roof racks are sturdy metal bars mounted on top of a vehicle to help carry big or bulky items that can’t fit inside the cabin. Roof tents, on the other hand, refer to the foldable camping tents designed to sit securely on top of a roof rack, giving travelers a safe and elevated sleeping space. Both are used to add extra room for gear, make trips more comfortable, and support outdoor activities like biking, camping, and surfing.

They also offer the following benefits:

• Lets you carry large items like bikes, surfboards, kayaks, luggage, or camping gear
• Frees up space inside the car for passengers
• Helps protect the interior from dirt, odors, and damage
• Allows you to bring a rooftop tent for camping without needing ground space
• Provides better organization during long trips

So, Are Roof Racks Legal?

Yes. But aftermarket roof racks must be registered with the LTO because they add weight and change the vehicle’s configuration.

Here’s a detailed guide for you:

• Registration required: Any roof rack that is not part of the vehicle’s original design must be registered as a Top Load Accessory.
• Where to register: At any LTO office or satellite branch, usually during your annual vehicle registration.
• Cost: Around ₱100–₱200 for the Top Load Permit.
• No registration needed for:
  • Roof rails that come standard with the vehicle (e.g., Toyota Fortuner).
  • Temporary or detachable bike racks used only on weekends and removed afterwards.
• Why it’s required: Adding weight on the roof changes the vehicle’s handling and height, especially when loaded.

Are Roof Tents Legal?

Yes. You can use a roof tent on public roads as long as the roof rack it sits on is properly registered.

Make sure to take note of the following:

• The tent itself doesn’t need registration. It is considered “cargo.”
• What matters is the rack. Your roof rack must have a Top Load Permit.
• Weight rules: Follow your vehicle manufacturer’s and rack manufacturer’s load ratings.
• Installation: The tent must be tightly secured and stable before driving.

Risks and Dangers

Using roof racks and tents also come with risks and dangers, hence the need for LTO regulation. Some of these risks are as follows:

• Too much weight on the roof can affect handling, braking, and stability
• Improper installation may cause the rack or tent to detach while driving
• Roof-mounted cargo increases wind drag, reducing fuel efficiency
• Added height may trigger higher toll classifications or hit low clearances
• Noise, vibration, and roof scratches can occur with some rack designs

LTO Rules You Must Follow 

In case you really need roof racks and/or roof tents, make sure to keep these in mind: 

Top Load Permit

• Required for aftermarket roof racks.
• Fee is around ₱100–₱200.
• Records changes in your vehicle’s weight configuration.

Weight Limit

• Maximum of 20 kg per square meter on your roof rack.
• Overloading can affect your vehicle’s balance and braking.

Safety and Dimensions

• Cargo must be secured firmly.
• Nothing should block the driver’s view or stick out dangerously.
• Secure all cargo using proper straps or mount systems.

Maintenance

• Follow weight limits and check your vehicle’s roof load rating.
• Remove temporary racks when not in use to avoid noise, drag, and unnecessary attention at expressways.

Why Some Cars Get Charged Higher Tolls

Some expressways classify vehicles as Class 2 if sensors detect a height above 7 feet—including items mounted on roof racks like bikes or cargo boxes, causing confusion for many riders and weekend bikers.

Skyway has addressed this by:

• Keeping Class 1 rates for vehicles with bike racks or boxes.
• Tellers taking photos of affected vehicles to balance the system later.

However, other expressways (like portions managed by MATES) still rely on automatic height sensors. This may explain why you get Class 1 going south, then Class 2 going north. This is a system limitation—not a penalty for using roof racks.

If you travel often or love outdoor adventures, using a roof rack or roof tent can make your trips easier and more fun. Just follow the LTO rules, keep safety in mind, and you’re good to go on any Philippine road.

Yes, you may lower your car, but extremely lowered cars that affect safety are not allowed on public roads. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) does not ban lowered cars outright or set a minimum height. However, any modification that affects safety or structural integrity can make your vehicle illegal for registration or road use. If the ride height change makes your car unsafe, unstable, or far from its factory parameters, it may be considered illegal for public roads and can be flagged during inspection.

In this guide, let’s take a closer look at what “extremely lowered” means, what the Philippine law says, and what steps you should take if you want to modify your car and use it legally and safely.

What is an Extremely Lowered Car?

An extremely lowered or slammed car is a vehicle whose ride height has been significantly reduced, often for aesthetics or performance purposes. This usually involves modifying the suspension, chassis, or other structural components. 

While lowered cars may look cool or handle differently on smooth roads, excessive lowering can:

• Reduce ground clearance and cause the car to scrape speed bumps, potholes, or uneven roads.
• Compromise suspension performance and braking.
• Affect vehicle stability, steering, and handling.
• Potentially damage the chassis or drivetrain.

Because of these safety risks, the LTO closely monitors heavily modified vehicles. 

What the Law Says

The main rule that covers lowered cars is Department Order No. 2010-32, which aligns with UN-ECE international safety standards. It doesn’t give exact measurements for ground clearance, but it clearly bans modifications that affect safety.

Some of the prohibited modifications detailed in this DO include:

• Axle modification
• Chassis modification
• Extended chassis/body
• Extended overhang
• Change of rim size
• Modification of handle bar or muffler
• Reconfiguration of body dimensions and design

These items matter because lowering often requires adjustments to suspension, wheels, bumpers, or chassis. If any of these fall outside safe or approved parameters, the vehicle can be marked unsafe.

Criteria for Flagging Lowered Cars

Because there’s no official minimum ground clearance, LTO inspectors have discretion. A car can be flagged if:

• It bottoms out easily on humps or uneven roads
• Suspension travel becomes unsafe
• Wheels rub on the body
• Handling becomes unstable
• It damages the road surface
• It no longer meets factory safety specs

The LTO states that tampering with suspension, drivetrain, wheels, and brakes outside approved limits may affect performance and put road users at risk.

Note: The LTO has not set an exact minimum ground clearance, so enforcement can be subjective. If a lowered car is judged unsafe or significantly outside manufacturer specifications, it will likely be considered illegal for public roads. Remember: Heavily modified vehicles are generally intended for racing tracks, not public roads.

Penalties

Extremely lowered cars considered unsafe by the LTO can lead to serious consequences such as:

• Fine: Php 5,000 for operating a car with unsafe or unauthorized modifications.
• Vehicle Impoundment: The LTO can impound your car at your expense. It will only be released after all safety defects are corrected, the vehicle passes inspection, and fines are paid.
• Correction of Defects: Owners must fix unsafe modifications, such as extremely lowered suspension, to restore roadworthiness according to LTO standards.

Even if a modification looks minor, if it affects handling, stability, or road safety, it may be considered illegal which can result in fines or impoundment.