Sagay City in Negros Occidental is set to fully enforce the use of helmets for motorcycle riders starting June 1.

“All riders and passengers must wear standard protective helmets, either full or half-face,” the city government said in an advisory.

As of yesterday, the reorientation period is ongoing and will run until May 31.

“This initiative is designed to ensure maximum road safety and protection for the public,” the city government said.

Helmet use is provided under Ordinance 2024-003 seeking to enhance road safety.

Section 2 of the ordinance states that “all motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders, shall at all times wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway in the City of Sagay.”

“It shall be the duty of the motorcycle driver/rider to ensure that he/she and the back rider wear standard protective helmets specified in this ordinance,” it added.

Under the ordinance, it is “unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle without a valid license to drive a motor vehicle.”

Minors are also not allowed to drive a motorcycle, and if apprehended, the parents or guardians will be held liable for the violation and fines.

Children are discouraged from back riding motorcycles and scooters, but if they are made to, they must wear certified standard protective motorcycle helmets, the ordinance further said. (PNA)