The Philippine National Police is set to widen enforcement against motorcycles fitted with open-pipe exhausts and illegally modified mufflers, citing growing concerns over public safety, community order, and noise pollution rather than traffic regulation alone.
PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. has instructed the Highway Patrol Group and all Police Regional Offices to strictly and uniformly enforce existing laws and local ordinances governing unauthorized vehicle modifications. The directive aims to prevent selective enforcement and ensure that motorcycle regulations are applied consistently across regions.
According to Nartatez, excessively loud exhaust systems pose risks beyond road discipline. He noted that motorcycles with open pipes can contribute to road accidents by startling motorists and pedestrians, while prolonged exposure to high noise levels affects public health and disrupts residential communities, particularly during nighttime and early morning hours.
National regulations under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, prohibit the use of defective or unauthorized vehicle parts, including mufflers modified to amplify engine noise. In addition, several local government units have enacted ordinances setting allowable noise limits and imposing penalties such as fines, vehicle impoundment, or suspension of registration for violators.
Public complaints regarding noisy motorcycles have prompted local governments in urban centers and provinces alike to tighten enforcement, with residential areas frequently citing sleep disruption, stress, and reduced quality of life as major concerns. Law enforcement officials say these local measures complement national traffic laws and support broader efforts to maintain public order.
Despite the planned expansion of enforcement, the PNP emphasized that the campaign is not directed against motorcycle riders. Authorities acknowledged the vital role of motorcycles in transportation and livelihood, especially in provinces where riders depend on them for daily income. The police said the initiative is intended to promote lawful vehicle use rather than penalize riders indiscriminately.
In Palawan, where mixed residential and commercial zones line major roads, complaints about loud motorcycles have been recurring, particularly during weekends and late-night hours. Local officials say clearer and more consistent enforcement could help balance the needs of riders with residents’ right to peace and safety.
The PNP advised motorcycle owners to ensure that their vehicles comply with both national and local regulations as law enforcement units prepare for more coordinated inspections nationwide.