In a bid to serve the motoring public better, the Land Transportation Office (LTO), announces that they are studying the possibility of lowering the penalty for unregistered top boxes and saddlebags on motorcycles.
This announcement came after the agency chief, Asec. Teofilo Guadiz III, issued an order to temporarily cease operations related to the apprehension of motorcycle riders with unregistered top boxes and/or saddlebags.
“The issue of hefty fines is one of the aspects of the March 2016 memorandum that is under review. Rest assured that we will do our best to come up with fines that are more affordable and practical and keep it attuned to the times,” said Guadiz.
2016 Memo
On March 15, 2016, then-LTO chief, Atty. Roberto Cabrera III issued a memorandum with the subject “Guidelines on inspection and apprehension relative to motorcycle top boxes and saddlebags”.
On the memo, top boxes should have a maximum capacity of storing two full-face helmets and must be securely attached to the motorcycle. Additionally, these top boxes should be specifically designed for motorcycle use and approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). These boxes are no longer subject to LTO registration and apprehension.
On the other hand, custom-made top boxes –those commonly used by delivery riders – must have a dimension that does not exceed 2 feet in length, 2 feet in width, and 2 feet in height (2 ft x 2ft x 2ft). Also, aside from being properly and securely attached to the motorcycle or scooter, these custom-made boxes must not impede or obstruct the view of the rider of the road from the side mirrors.
For saddlebags, the rules are the same: if it was specifically manufactured and designed for a motorcycle; had undergone DTI inspection, and is placed not higher than the seat, these saddlebags are not required to be registered with the LTO.
For custom-made saddlebags, aside from being securely attached to the motorcycle, these should not exceed 14 inches from the sides, and the length must not exceed the tail end of the motorcycle or scooter.
Custom-made top boxes and saddlebags that are not registered are subject to apprehension with a penalty of PhP5,000 pursuant to the Department of Transportation (DOTr, formerly DOTC) joint administrative order 2014-01 Sec. II-D. The registration fee is PHP 100.00.
