Wearing a helmet when riding a motorcycle is really important. It gives extra protection to the rider as well as to the passenger he/she’s with.

As of 2021, it is said that there are approximately four million registered motorcycles and tricycles registered in the Philippines. This is why local authorities are promoting ride safety, especially with the use of helmets.

If you are not aware, helmet while riding is illegal in the Philippines. You can be apprehended and be fined if you are caught not wearing an appropriate head protection.

Today, we’ll be detailing all the things you need to know about the no helmet violation in the Philippines, including the penalties and fines, what are the allowed helmets, why is it necessary, and more. Let’s begin.

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No-helmet-violation-penalties-faqs

Why is it illegal to not wear a helmet?

Quite a no-brainer. As mentioned earlier, helmet is one of the rider’s main protection in case of accidents. So to help promote the use of this protective gear, the government has made it illegal to ride without one.

Is it mandatory to wear a helmet?

Yes. Riders who will be traveling on any form of roads or highways, whether it is a short trip or long, must be wearing a standard protective helmet. That’s one of the provisions of RA No. 10054, also known as the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

Is my back rider or passenger also required to wear a helmet?

Yes. Since both the rider and the back rider or passenger are onboard the same motorcycle, the two of them must be wearing the appropriate helmet to keep them safe on the road.

Who is exempted from wearing a helmet?

Only tricycle drivers are exempted from wearing a helmet. Other motorcycle riders are required to wear one at all times. Those riding small e-bikes are also encouraged to wear helmets whenever possible.

Related

What are the types of motorcycle helmets?

  • Full-face
  • Open-face
  • Half helmets
  • Modular
  • Dual-sport
  • Off-road

What are the allowed helmets in the Philippines?

To make sure you won’t get apprehended, you should be wearing a full-face helmet when riding a motorcycle. Of course, the helmet should also have an ICC sticker, which certifies that the protective gear complies with the local safety standards.

What helmets are not allowed in the Philippines?

You can’t ride in the Philippines if you are wearing a helmet not meant for motorcycles. These include bike helmets, skateboard helmets, and others. In addition, it is illegal if your helmet doesn’t have an ICC sticker, even if it’s the right type.

What does an ICC sticker mean?

ICC-Sticker-NoypiGeeks

A helmet with an ICC sticker means that it 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).

What does DOT, ECE, and Snell mean?

Think of them as the ICC Certification for other countries.

  • DOT: Stands for 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.
  • ECE: Also known as the Economic Commission for Europe, helmets with this sticker means 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.
  • Snell: A homage to William “Pete” Snell, a racing driver who died after sustaining sever head injuries when his helmet failed to provide enough protection during a crash. That said, helmets with this certification are usually niche as they are primarily used by racing drivers/riders. They are usually lightweight and overengineered, making them more expensive than your traditional helmet.

How much is the fine or penalty for no helmet violation?

Not wearing a helmet in the Philippines is punishable by a fine of Php1,500 up to Php10,000.

  • First offense: Php1,500
  • Second offense: Php3,000
  • Third offense: Php5,000
  • Fourth and subsequent offense: Php10,000

How to settle no helmet violation?

It depends on where you were apprehended. You can check your violations on the LTO website and settle your payment there, or visit your nearest LTO branch or satellite office.

How long do I have to settle my no helmet violation?

Apprehended riders should settle their violation through the LTO within 15 days of the apprehension.


These are everything you should know about the no helmet violation in the Philippines. If you have further questions, let us know in the comments below and someone from the team or the community will try to help you out.

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  1. I am an OFW and I have a Noland N80 helmet (ECE 22.06 certified) that I intend to bring home. What are the rules for this kind of scenario?