Tolled expressways, despite the required toll fees, remain the preferred highway for travelers who wish to bypass traffic jams and enjoy high speed, greater safety, comfort and convenience. These roads, like the free-to-use highways, actually do have speed limits as well. These speed limits are imposed in order to avoid road crashes and ensure the safety of travelers—both drivers and passengers—while on the expressways.
Naturally, when we talk about “speed limits” in expressways, we mean not only the maximum but also the minimum speed, as driving too slow can also pose as much risk as driving too fast. Fortunately, the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) is quite clear about the minimum and maximum speed limits for major expressways in the country. As a reminder, we’d like to share these limits with you.
Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) Tollway now Apolinario Mabini Super Highway
60 kph
80 kph
100 kph
Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3
Minimum
Maximum
Buendia to Quirino Avenue
60 kph
80 kph
Quirino Avenue to NLEX
60 kph
Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3
Minimum
Maximum
Buendia to Quirino Avenue
60 kph
80 kph
Quirino Avenue to NLEX
60 kph
These speed limits are expected to be observed by everyone who uses the tolled expressways. After all, some expressways have certain areas where the lanes are narrower, so going faster or slower than the speed limit might be more dangerous.
The TRB also added a note for the drivers which reads,
“Always remember to follow the Speed Limits on our Tollways to ensure Safety and to avoid Road Crashes, violators of under-speeding and over-speeding will be penalized (RA 4136). Always remember: Travel safe, Ride safe, Be safe.”
Source: Toll Regulatory Board
Summary
Speed limits are carefully assigned for specific parts of the road for a reason. That said, following not only the maximum mandated speed limits, but also the minimum speed limits even on tolled expressways will ensure that all the road users remain safe, even as they travel at a much faster speed than they would on regular roads.
The registration of motor vehicles, along with an LTO driver’s license, are essentials for those who wish to drive from one point to another in the Philippines. It is an important process that explicitly provides drivers and car owners the permission to operate and drive a motor vehicle on the Philippine public roads legally. Unfortunately, just as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) gives out this permission, it also has the ability to take it back from people who do not deserve it. For those people, the registration of motor vehicles may be suspended, resulting in revocation of the permission to be on the road.
The suspension of motor vehicle registration is a penalty imposed by the LTO. This penalty is usually imposed following the commission of any of the driving and traffic violations listed in this article. Having said that, motorists would want to learn more and understand the importance of following LTO rules and regulations to avoid the penalties resulting in the suspension of their motor vehicle registration. In this guide we detailed the things you need to remember as well as all the probable reasons that may lead to the suspension of motor vehicle registration in the Philippines.
Vehicle registration refers to the process of securing a certificate of registration (CR) and an official receipt (OR) from the LTO. It is also signified by the presence of a valid plate number on the the front and back sides of the vehicle. The alphanumeric combinations as well as the colors of the plate number indicates the registration details, including the region where the vehicle was registered as well as its classification and renewal deadlines.
Plate Designs and Color Schemes
The design of the LTO plate numbers is especially created in an effort to prevent counterfeits or fakes. From the difficult to replicate fonts used to prevent fraud to the reflective paints for night visibility, each element of the plate design serves a purpose all geared towards the safety of both car owners and drivers.
Even the paint colors contain information about the car classification. It also makes it easier for authorities to differentiate vehicles especially since some rules apply only to certain vehicle classifications. The color scheme designation is as follows:
Black Plates for private vehicles;
Yellow Plates for public utility vehicles (Taxis, Jeepneys, etc.);
Red Plates for government vehicles;
Indigo Plates for Diplomats; and,
Fully colored Indigo Plate for other exempted vehicles
Some example of special rules that apply only to specific vehicle class includes:
Indicating drop-off points;
Special lanes;
Road use; etc.
It is important to know the rules applicable to the type of vehicle that you drive, especially if you want to avoid the potential suspension of your motor vehicle registration.
Suspension of LTO Registration of Motor Vehicles
The LTO registration of motor vehicles may be suspended if it is caught in the commission of any of the following violations:
Driving without a license
Driving is a privilege afforded by the Philippine government to those who have been deemed roadworthy by the LTO. These are people who have been deemed worthy to be issued a driver’s license after they have successfully passed the LTO written and practical exams and completed the driving courses required by the agency. These people are the ones who have earned legal permission to operate a motor vehicle on public roads.
On the flip side, if you drive on the open roads without a license, not only do you risk being slapped with traffic tickets and obliged to pay hefty fines, but you also risk revocation of your license which may be considered as grounds for the suspension of your vehicle registration.
Illegal use of licenses and plates
Fake or counterfeit license or plates and transferring plates from one vehicle to another is illegal. It won’t be a surprise if you get slapped with not only traffic tickets and criminal charges if you get caught. Plus, you might even get a revocation of your vehicle/s’ registration. Aside from that, using fake or counterfeit documents may cause you to be charged with the falsification of data which may be considered grounds for denial during the application for the vehicle’s registration.
Passenger and freight
All vehicles are designed with a fixed maximum capacity. That said, it cannot carry freight that weighs more than that for it to be operated safely. Going over this established max load, regardless if it’s in the number of passengers or the weight of freight, while traveling on public roads, is also grounds for the suspension of a motor vehicle’s registration.
Motor vehicle accessories
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) also monitors the items attached to the motor vehicle in order to promote safety and order on the road.
Here’s a list of some of the vehicle accessories that the LTO closely monitors:
Tires – Metallic tires are not allowed under any situation. No vehicles are also allowed to operate with tires that are not of sufficient thickness to prevent their metallic rims from ground contact.
Brakes – Motor vehicles with four wheels and more need a dual hydraulic brake system. At least two brakes are required so one can function in case the other one fails.
Horns – Every motor vehicle needs a working horn or any signaling device in good working order. These signaling devices, while required, must not emit exceptionally loud, startling, or undesirable sounds. In addition, only emergency vehicles like ambulances can use bells, sirens, and exhaust whistles.
Headlights – Motor vehicles with a width of more than one meter shall have two headlights installed on each side. The lights shall only emit a whitish or yellowish color at the front and must have a control device to adjust its intensity.
Taillights – All motor vehicles must also have lights located at the back end of the motor vehicle. A red light must be visible at least 100 meters from the car’s rear.
Stop Lights – Also located at the rear end of the vehicle. It must consist of at least one lamp maintaining a sustained bright red light that is visible under any conditions, including under the bright sunlight when brakes are applied.
Violating the rules imposed on driving on public roads and highways can also be used as the basis for suspending a motor vehicle’s registration. Most of these rules are learned when taking a driver’s license. Some good examples of these rules and regulations are as follows:
Right of Way and Signals
Overtaking and Passing and Turning at Intersections
Other violations and the resulting fines and penalties involving suspension of motor vehicle registration:
Smoke Belching (Section 46, RA 8749)
First offense – P2,000.00
Second offense – P4,000.00
Third offense – P6,000.00 + 1 year suspension of Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR)
Succeeding offenses – 1 year suspension of Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR)
+ vehicle impoundment + undergo seminar on pollution control management
Fraud in relation to the registration of the motor vehicle and/or its renewal – P3,000.00 + vehicle impoundment + barred from registration for 1 year
Illegally transferring or using regularly issued Number plates, Tags, and/or stickers – driver’s license will be suspended for 3 months and if it is proven to be involved in criminal activity you will be fined P12,000.00 + your plate/s, registration certificate, and official receipt(OR) will be suspended for 2 years
Colorum violation
Bus – P1,000,000.00 + vehicle impoundment for 3 months
Truck – P200,000.00 + vehicle impoundment for 3 months
Jeepney – P50,000.00 + vehicle impoundment for 3 months
Van – P200,000.00 + vehicle impoundment for 3 months
Sedan – P120,000.00 + vehicle impoundment for 3 months
MC – P6,000.00 + vehicle impoundment for 3 months
+ revocation of the entire Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) + blacklisting + revocation of registration
A motor vehicle registration can also be suspended when it appears on the Commission’s records that the vehicle has been subjected to more than three warnings for the violations of R.A. 4136 have been given to the owner during any twelve-month period or when the said owner has been convicted by a competent court more than once for violation of such laws.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the reasons that a motor vehicle registration can get suspended.
1. How are LTO violations recorded and tracked in the Philippines?
The Land Transportation Management System (LTMS), an online system portal for the LTO, is used in the Philippines to track and report LTO violations. It has a built in database that compiles data on driver’s licenses, car registrations, and traffic infraction specifics normally detailed in a traffic citation ticket. The LTO processes the traffic ticket which gets it recorded in the LTMS database together with the driver’s license and car registration information. Depending on how serious the offense was, the algorithm calculates the appropriate demerit points, making it a simple task to hunt down, check, confirm, retrieve, and settle infraction records either through LTO offices or online.
2. Are there any LTO violations that can lead to immediate license suspension?
Yes. In the Philippines, certain LTO offenses like drunk driving, reckless driving, and hit-and-run can result in an automatic license suspension as these are regarded as serious ones that seriously jeopardize traffic safety.
3. Can a motor vehicle registration be suspended upon the request of a motor vehicle owner?
Yes. A motor vehicle registration can be suspended at the request of the motor vehicle owner, in cases like, if a motorized vehicle is in a state of severe damage and cannot be operated anymore or if the public motor vehicle can no longer be operated as public transportation.
4. When can a motor vehicle registration be suspended in the Philippines?
A motor vehicle registration can be suspended due to the following reasons.
when it appears on the Commission’s records that the vehicle has been subjected to more than three warnings for the violations of R.A. 4136 have been given to the owner during any twelve-month period
when the said owner has been convicted by a competent court more than once for violation of such laws.
after two suspension due to violations, re-registration of the vehicle concerned for one year may be denied
Fraud in relation to the registration of the motor vehicle and/or its renewal
Illegal transferring or using regularly issued Number plates, Tags, and/or stickers
Colorum violation
5. Will there be a problem with registration renewal of vehicles when the driver with traffic violation fail to settle the fines within the specified period?
Yes. Non-payment of fines within seven days will also mean that violators’ vehicles would not be accommodated for renewal of registration. They might also have problems with license renewal as one of the requirements of renewing the LTO driver’s license is the settlement of outstanding violations.
Summary
Each motor vehicle needs to meet the standards laid out by the LTO for a safe driving experience. Not following these standards will revoke the vehicle’s registration, making it illegal for use when driving on public roads and highways. After all, it is essential to keep in mind that only registered vehicles or those that the LTO has deemed roadworthy are allowed to travel on public roads and highways. In addition, heavy fines and vehicle confiscation can be a problem, especially when driving a car without registration since criminal charges are unavoidable if you get in an accident using an unregistered vehicle. Having said that, it’s best to always update your motor vehicle’s registration on time to be able to legally access public roads and avoid any hassle on the road.
The Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, otherwise known as Republic Act 10054 (R.A. 10054), is a law being implemented by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in an effort to safeguard the Filipinos, particularly the motorcycle operators, drivers, and passengers at all times through the mandatory enforcement of the use of standard protective motorcycle helmet and sets forth penalties for those who may be found in violation of the law.
With this law as well, the government, along with the LTO and its deputized agencies like the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), pursues a more proactive and preventive approach to make sure that the safety of motorists, their passengers, and the pedestrians are observed though many people still take this law for granted, hence the no helmet violations. The law also helps the government weed out unauthorized dealers, sellers, and manufacturer who fail to meet the provisions of the law by non-provision of or by selling non-standard protective helmets.
What is Republic Act 10054: Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009
By definition, the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 is a law that mandates the use of standard protective motorcycle helmets and provides for specific penalties for its violation. It covers anyone aboard two-wheelers motorcycle riders—both drivers and passengers. It was signed into law on 23 March 2010 and rolled out to the LTO and other deputized agencies by December 26, 2011.
The law also defines standard protective motorcycle helmets as appropriate types of helmets for motorcycle riders that comply with the specifications issued by the DTI. These specifications explicitly says that the motorcycle helmets should:
Bear the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS)
Comply with the standards set by the BPS
Be made available by every seller and/or dealer every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased
Be made available in any legitimate shop or authorized dealers and resellers in case the purchaser wishes to buy one at any time
In cases when the riders or manufacturers, dealers, and motorcycle sellers fail to comply with the requirements provided for by the law, then the failure shall constitute a violation of this act.
This is specifically mentioned in Section 5 of the R.A. 10054: Provision of Motorcycle Helmets, which reads as,
A new motorcycle helmet which bears the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and complies with the standards set by the BPS shall be made available by every seller and/or dealer every time a new motorcycle unit is purchased and which the purchaser may buy at his option. Failure to comply with the requirements provided under this section shall constitute a violation of this Act.
R.A. 10054: Target Audience
The Motorcycle Helmet Act was especially created for the protection of all motorcycle riders. Under the law, all motorcycle riders must wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving, regardless if it’s a long or a short drive, and of the type of road and highway. The Motorcycle Helmet Act also covers sellers, manufacturers, and dealers, mandating them to make standard protective helmets and ensure that they are available for the motorcycle owners, operators, and riders to buy at all times.
R.A. 10054: Exemptions
Like any law, even the R.A. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act has exemptions. Drivers of tricycles are deemed exempted from being tagged for No Helmet Violations and are not expected to wear helmets as required by the Motorcycle Helmet Act.
Implementation of the Motorcycle Helmet Act
Some of the salient provisions of the law regarding its implementation include the following important notes:
The Department of Transportation (DOTr), with its attached agency, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), is mandated to issue guidelines necessary to implement the provisions of this Act.
The DTI, through the BPS, utilizes the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) protocols in setting up the standards that are applicable and observable in the approval and disapproval of all types of motorcycle helmets sold in the Philippines.
The DTI, through the BPS, are mandated by law to regularly conduct mandatory testing of all manufactured and imported motorcycle helmets in the Philippines.
All manufacturers and importers of standard protective motorcycle helmets are required to secure a PS license or ICC prior to the sale and distribution of their products.
The BPS are mandated to periodically issue a list of motorcycle helmet manufacturers and importers and the brands which passed the standards of the BPS.
This list of accredited motorcycle helmet manufacturers and importers are expected to be regularly published in a newspaper of general circulation or in its website.
Only those standard protective motorcycle helmets bearing the PS or ICC mark are legally allowed to be sold in the market.
Penalties
The provisions of the Motorcycle Helmet Act includes a list of penalties that are to be dished out by the LTO and its deputized agencies in cases of violations.
These penalties include:
No Helmet Violation for motorcycle riders and passengers
Any person caught not wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmet are in violation of the law and will be punished with the imposition of the following penalties:
First offense: A fine of One thousand five hundred pesos (Php1,500.00)
Second offense: A fine of Three thousand pesos (Php3,000.00)
Third offense: A fine of Five thousand pesos (Php5,000.00)
Fourth and succeeding offenses: A fine amounting to ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) plus the confiscation of the driver’s LTO driver’s license
Violation of R.A. 10054: Sellers, dealers, and manufacturers
All sellers, dealers, and manufacturers are also covered by the Motorcycle Helmet Act so there are also equivalent penalties when they are found to have violate this law:
Any seller and/or dealer who are found to have violated the provisions requiring them to provide a new helmet that passes local safety standards for every purchase of a new motorcycle, as detailed on the Section 5 of the Motorcycle Helmet Act shall be imposed with the following penalties:
A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) but not more than Twenty thousand pesos (Php20,000.00).
Anybody who uses, sells, and distributes substandard motorcycle helmets or those which do not bear the PS mark or the ICC certificate shall be punished without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines” and as follows:
First offense: A fine of not less than Three thousand pesos (Php3,000.00)
Second offense: A fine amounting to five thousand pesos (Php5,000.00)
Anybody who was found guilty of tampering, alteration, forgery and imitation of the PS mark and the ICC certificates in the helmets are also punishable by law without prejudice to other penalties imposed in Republic Act No. 7394 or the “Consumer Act of the Philippines” and with the following:
A fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (Php10,000.00) but not more than Twenty thousand pesos (Php20,000.00).
If you are confused or unaware of it yet, you may learn more about R.A. 10054, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, and what it actually entails, along with the provisions and impositions of the law by watching this special explainer video from the LTO-accredited driving school, DriveSafe PH:
Important Reminders
For your reference, here are some important tips regarding the Motorcycle Helmet Act that are worth taking note of:
The No Helmet Violation is a resulting violation for not following the mandates of the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.
The Motorcycle Helmet Act covers not only the drivers’ and passengers’ non-wearing of helmets, but also the dealers, sellers, and manufacturers who fail to issue standard protective helmets.
The provisions of the law also penalizes manufacturers and dealers who issue substandard helmets of any type.
The Motorcycle Helmet Act is a law mandated in 2010 in order to protect both the drivers and pillion riders.
Settling violations related to the Motorcycle Helmet Act (R.A. 10054) can be done online by registering for an account on the LTMS portal or in person at any LTO branches in the Philippines.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For more information, you may check the common questions and answers regarding the No Helmet Violation here:
1. Why is it illegal to not wear a helmet?
Helmets are one of the rider’s main protection in cases of accidents so it is mandated by law to wear it, thanks to the enactment of R.A. 10054 or the Motorcycle Helmet Act. Naturally, non-wearing of helmets while riding a motorcycle is a violation of this law, hence it is illegal to do so.
2. Is it mandatory to wear a helmet?
Yes. Riders and pillion passengers who travel on any form of roads or highways, whether it is a short trip or long, must wear a standard protective helmet or risk being tagged for a violation.
3. Are all helmets the same?
No. There are some types of helmets that are inappropriate for use while aboard a motorcycle. These helmets are the ones you can’t use while riding motorcycles in the Philippines and they come in different types, including bike helmets, skateboard helmets, and others. In addition, some helmets don’t have an ICC sticker, so they can’t be used legally even if they are of the right type.
4. What are the different types of motorcycle helmets?
The different types of motorcycle helmets include:
Full-face helmet
Open-face helmet
Half helmets
Modular helmets
Dual-sport helmets
Off-road helmets
5. Is the pillion rider or passenger also required to wear a helmet?
Yes. Both the rider and the back rider or the passenger are riding the same motorcycle and facing the same risks, so the two of them must be wearing the same appropriate helmet to help keep them safe on the road.
6. What is an ICC sticker for?
A helmet with an ICC sticker means that it meets the ICC standards and has passed the test to get an ICC Certification. The acronym stands for Import Commodity Clearance. The sticker is a Philippine Standard mark and is issued by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS).
7. What are DOT, ECE, and Snell?
These are the different counterparts of the ICC Certification in other countries.
The DOT stands for the Department of Transportation in the United States. Having this sticker means that it passed the bare minimum standard for motorcycle helmets issued in the USA.
The ECE is also known as the Economic Commission for Europe. Helmets with the ECE stickers mean that they have passed the test to be legally issued in Europe. It is said that an ECE certification holds more power since the testing procedures are more stringent.
The Snell is a certification that is named after William “Pete” Snell, a racing driver who died after sustaining severe head injuries when his helmet failed to provide enough protection during a crash. That said, helmets with this certification usually belong to a special niche as they are primarily used by racing drivers/riders. They are usually lightweight and overengineered, making them more expensive than the traditional helmet.
Summary
Like we said earlier, wearing a helmet is a mandatory safety measure that should not need any prodding and reminding. As someone who respects oneself, the riding community, and the value of life, then it should go without saying that the use of a proper and standard protective helmet that provides maximum safety is paramount. It is also best to check if you have the right type of helmet and if your helmet is compliant along with the provisions of law and whether you are complying with the Motorcycle Helmet Act.
