Bar end side mirrors are a popular modification for many motorcycle riders who want to enhance the aesthetics of their motorcycles. This accessory is common among big bikes, scooters, and underbones. However, are these mirrors legal in the Philippines? In this article, we will explore the rules and regulations concerning bar end side mirrors. Before you decide to install bar end side mirrors on your motorcycle, make sure you know the legal implications and the safety precautions that you need to follow.
What are Bar End Side Mirrors?
Bar end side mirrors are mirrors that are attached to the ends of the handlebars of a motorcycle. They are a popular modification for many motorcycle riders who want to enhance the aesthetics and functionality of their bikes. Some reasons why people use bar end mirrors are:
- They offer a wider point of view, allowing you to see more of the road behind you and avoid dangers.
- They are more aerodynamic than traditional mirrors, which can reduce drag and improve fuel efficiency.
- Look better than the stock mirrors that come with the bike.
Bar End Side Mirrors: Are They Legal or Not?
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2240, or Motor Vehicle Inspection Standards (MVIS), requires all motor vehicles to have side mirrors on both sides. The mirrors should allow the driver to see the traffic conditions clearly on the left and right sides of the vehicle. However, the LTO MVIS memo does not specify the size and type of the side mirrors. This raises the question of why some motorcycle riders with bar end side mirrors are flagged by the LTO or Highway Patrol Group (HPG) personnel.
The reason may be that the LTO or HPG can refer to Department Order No. 2010-321, or Harmonization of Motor Vehicle (MV) Classifications of LTO and LTFRB. This order states that any modification of the handle bar is not allowed in Section 5.2.7. Therefore, even though there is no explicit ban on bar end mirrors, they may be considered unauthorized modifications by the LTO. The fine for the unauthorized modification of vehicles is PHP 5,000.
If you’re using a stock bar end mirror, such as the one on the Yamaha XSR900, there should be no issues. As long as it remains the original stock mirror, neither HPG nor LTO personnel can issue a violation, given that no modifications have been made.
Conclusion
The legality of bar end side mirrors is debatable. Some LTO and HPG enforcers are ok with it, and some will issue you a ticket. As long as the law about side mirrors on motorcycles is vague, they will continue to be debatable and subject to one’s own interpretation. We hope that the LTO will clear things up so there will be no confusion for motorcycle riders and prevent unnecessary fines.
In the meantime, we suggest that, as long as the law is vague, let’s avoid using the bar end side mirrors for now. The aesthetic advantage is not really worth it compared to the hassles of dealing with LTO and HPG and the huge fines in case they issue you a violation ticket. However, if your bar end side mirrors are the stock ones, there is no need to be concerned. Ride safe!
- Manila Bulletin. “DOTr-LTO Issues Statement on Modified Vehicles,” October 17, 2018. https://mb.com.ph/2018/10/17/dotr-lto-issues-statement-on-modified-vehicles/. ↩︎
when will LTO settle this issue? i prefer the bar end side mirror because it offer a wider view of my rear
Yeah no legality grounds about bar end enforcement must know about it. And when you say modification, what is modification, modification is redesigning the frame, flaring, shape of the motorcycle thier is no such thing you only put the side mirror in the bar end not modifying the handle bar can you catch up to my logic if not sorry to say but you don’t understand the basis of the law thier is no such thing that is specified that what is the type of side mirror you have its not modification its just a simple replacement ok
Thoughts about wing side mirror, which you usually see in big bikes, being install in lower cc motorcycles.
Tanga at wala sa Logic ang Policy ng LTo.
Pati Speed Limits sa Daan wala sa hulog..
Sila Kaya mag Drive sa Highway na malawak tapos 40Km/h ang Speed Limit??
Tapos sa purchase ng Motor, Bumili ka nga Para may Magamit ka, eh after 30days MO PA Magamit sa Daan kasi No plate no travel.. Eh Paano Pag PMS na? Yung 1ika 1 month?
Pangatlo, mga Trafik Rules din ng mga kanya KANYANG LGU sa Bansa..
Bar end mirrors bawal,.? Pero Big Trucks na sila mismo ang cause ng mga Catastrophic Road accidents – Lenient Lang??
Pang Dapat na Punto..
Yung artistry at customization Market at Yung magkaroon TAYU ng sariling atin na innovation in Motorcycling Markets..
Bat di nyo Bigyan ng Semenar at workshop Bago Maka Pag Benta o modify ang mga Entrepreneurs in the world of Motorcycle?
ALAM nyo LTo.. Nililimit nyo ang Magkaroon ng Market for Innovation (w/ in the boundaries of safety na Logical and real life circumstances).
confusion leads to corruption. bakit hindi tuldokan kung anu ba talaga ang nararapat. mali yung pwede sa iba ay hindi pwede sa iba. kakalito dba. kaya iba iba pinapatupad ng mga enforcer eh. nagiging means tuloy ng pangungutong.
tama! dapat pare parehas sila. Ano yun? Enforcer ang masusunod kesa sa batas na ginawa nila? tsk! may enforcer nga sa LGU ng malabon, hindi marunong magbasa ng ingles! papakitaan pa ako ng diaghram ng roundabout tapos pinagbasehan niya ang tama at mali ay yung color ng blue at red, nakakatawa😆
Law must not be vague and subject to different interpretations specifically on the issue on side mirrors. Unless they have specific guidelines to it then it should not be enforced. On the ground of modification, it was specifially mentioned as modification or physical alteration. Now a bar end side mirror does not physically alter the handle bar but is rather an accessory to have a better view. If they consider it as a modification then handle bar mounted cellphones should be considered illegal as well.
Walang salitang “flairing” isa kang tukmol, FAIRING ang tamang tawag dun. Bulbol kasi utak mo. Wag kayong magbar end sidemirror kung hindi 400cc up motor nyo, kasi makakaya lang kayo ng mga enforcer dyan. Walang stock na low displacement motor na naka bar end side mirror.