GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Police authorities have urged owners of motorcycles in Region 12 (Soccsksargen) with illegal attachments and modifications to voluntarily remove these to avoid hefty penalties and possible impoundment.
This, as the Highway Patrol Group-Region 12 (HPG) intensified its enforcement activities against the unauthorized and improper use of motorcycle parts, accessories, devices, and equipment, especially those intended as boosters for road racing.
Maj. Roel Villarin, deputy chief of the Highway Patrol Group (HPG)-Region 12, said Wednesday they launched the crackdown in the wake of the proliferation of modified motorcycles in the streets.
He said they have also monitored a number of motorcycle shops selling authorized parts and devices, and offering services for the illegal modifications.
The official said they apprehended and impounded on Tuesday at least 20 motorcycles with illegal attachments in a series of enforcement activities here and nearby areas.
He said some of these were caught while being installed with unauthorized accessories, among them “open pipe” mufflers, in roadside shops in Barangay Labangal here.
“We received reports that some of the motorcycles catered in these shops were involved in drag races in the area,” Villarin told reporters.
He said they will coordinate with proper government regulatory agencies to monitor the sale of unauthorized motorcycle parts and devices by some establishments.
The prohibition on unauthorized and improper use of motorcycle parts, accessories, devices, and equipment are provided for in Land Transportation Office (LTO) Administrative Order No. ACL 2009-018 and the Department of Transportation -LTO-Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.
Violators could face fines of not less than PHP5,000 and the possible impoundment of their motorcycles.
Villarin said they are strictly implementing these regulations to promote road safety as well as provide convenience for other motorists and residents.
“The standard setup and parts of our motorcycles are intended to ensure safe and convenient driving so these should not be modified,” he said. (PNA)
