AO AHS-2008-015 is pursuant to Executive Order 292 or the Administrative Code of 1987 and the United Nations Vienna Convention for Road Traffic of 1968, to which the Philippines is a signatory.
It is also in accordance with Department Order 93-693.
Section 6 of the AO states that only one back rider shall be allowed on a motorcycle or scooter who must be provided with a seat and footrest.
"The motorcycle or scooter shall not carry cargo other than the saddle bags or luggage carriers specifically designed and approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)."
The order also states that it is the duty of the driver and rider to ensure that they both wear standard helmets.
A motorcycle or scooter also needs headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror and horn.
"The driver/rider shall, anytime of the day, switch on the headlight of the motorcycle or scooter while it is being operated on the highway," it added.
"Highways" shall mean every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley, callejon, but shall not include roadway upon grounds owned by private persons, colleges, universities or other similar institutions, the AO said.
The AO also said any modification of the original standard design of a motorcycle or scooter shall first be subject to the approval of LTO and the DTI.
No driver shall operate a vehicle while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug.
The driver shall also not use a cellular phone or other gadgets while operating the vehicle.
The driver shall as well observe the rule of a one lane per one vehicle only.
Motorcycles shall not be operated on sidewalks.
Fines for violations shall be imposed:
* P1,500 for failure of wearing a helmet.
* P1,000 for carrying more passengers other than the back rider or cargo other than the saddle bags.
* P1,000 for defective accessories such as headlight, tail light, signal light, brake light, side mirror and horn.
* P2,000 for modifying any part of the original designs of a motorcycle LTO's approval.
* P1,000 for wearing flip flops, sandals or slippers or being bare footed while operating motorcycle or scooter on a road or highway.
The AO was supposed to be implemented last June but was deferred to give way for the conduct of information and education campaign. (CGC)
