LA TRINIDAD, Benguet: The Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) asked its member-agencies to assist in the information campaign and enforcement of region’s law on the mandatory wearing of helmets for motorcycle riders.

Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, Cordillera Police Regional Director and RLECC chairman, said that the number of motorcycle riders in the region is growing.

He noted that statistics reveal that there are rising cases of accidents involving motorcycles, underlining the need to promote the wearing of a helmet.

All motorcycle riders, including riders and back riders are required at all times to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving in any type of road or highway, Magalong said.

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) authorized Department of Transportation and Communication law enforcers and deputized personnel of the Philippine National Police to stop motorcycle drivers and riders who are not wearing protective helmets bearing the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) issued by the Bureau of Product Standards starting in January next year, Magalong explained.

Motorcycle drivers and riders caught driving without wearing the standard protective motorcycle helmet will be fined P1,500 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, P5,000 for the third offense and P10,000 for the fourth and succeeding offense, plus the confiscation of the driver’s license.

DTI and Tourism department will penalize motorcycle dealers who do not make available the new standard protective motorcycle helmets to their customers, sell substandard helmets or helmets not bearing the PS or ICC mark, and those who tamper or forge the PS or ICC marks in helmets.