House body approves mandatory automatic headlights bill for motorcycles

16 February 2011 09:17:35 AM
Writer: Lorelei V. Castillo, MRS-PRIB
The House Committee on Transportation has approved for plenary debate a measure requiring all motorcycle drivers to turn on headlights while driving to enhance visibility for motorists.

Rep. Roger Gaviola Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte), Committee Chairman, said the bill is a proactive and preventive measure given the increasing figure in accidents and mishaps involving motorcycles in the country.

Under House Bill 3375, principally authored by Reps. Mariano Velarde and William Tieng (Party-list, BUHAY), all motorcycle drivers and operators are required to automatically turn on and ride with their headlights on at all hours of the day and night on all roads.

Velarde said by making it mandatory for motorcycle drivers and operators to automatically turn on their headlights, it will be easier to detect approaching motorcycles and increase motorcycle conspicuity and visibility.

"The mandatory headlights on policy will enhance visibility for motorists and can be considered as a low-cost method to reduce crashes and collisions," Velarde said.

The bill mandates motorcycle manufacturers, assemblers and distributors to properly install automatic headlights on system, mechanism or device before its distribution and sale.

All headlights must be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at any distance of not less than 30.5 meters.

No new motorcycle shall be allowed initial registration and succeeding renewal of registration unless it is equipped with the necessary automatic headlights on system, mechanism or device, the bill provides.
Under the bill, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall enforce the implementing guidelines and shall mobilize available resources to ensure the effective implementation of the measure.

Motorists, drivers, owners or operators who fail to ride with headlights on at anytime of the day or night shall be penalized with a fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 and suspension of driver's license for one month.
Furthermore, all manufacturers, assemblers, importers and distributors found without a headlight face a fine of not more than P20,000 and suspension of the license to manufacture, assemble, import of distribute for one year. 

http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=4834