Some motorcycle riders wear full face helmets, making it difficult for police or anyone to identify them. (CDN File Photo).
AN ordinance requiring the use of half face rather than full face helmets by motorcycle riders underwent first reading in last Monday’s Provincial Board (PB) session.
PB Member Sun Shimura, author of the proposed ordinance, said half face helmets should be worn “since road safety is not dependent on the protective equipment worn by a motorcycle rider but on how disciplined he is on the road.”
Shimura said it is important that the motorcycle rider can be identified in light of the spate of killings and robberies involving motorcycle riders wearing full face helmets.
He said most of the extrajudicial killings were committed by motorcycle-riding gunmen who wear full face helmets and ski masks to prevent identification.
Full face helmets as defined by the ordinance are described as head gear “that covers the entire and prevents identification of the wearer.”
The ordinance exempts motorcycle riders competing in motocross competitions or are performing exhibitions during fiestas and holidays.
A maximum fine of P5,000 and/or imprisonment of 30 days and revocation or perpetual non-renewal of the license await violators.