New system for motorcycle helmet inspection

The Department of Trade and Industry has modified its system for the inspection and marking of import commodity clearance (ICC) stickers on motorcycle helmets. The DTI said on Monday that helmet inspection will now be based on the first letter of the helmet owner’s surname and the last digit of his or her motorcycle plate. In the modified scheme, helmet owners with surnames A-F can apply for inspection this month. Those with surnames G-O may apply for helmet inspection in October. Those whose surnames P-Z may apply for helmet inspection in November. Letter and number coding The letter coding scheme is in addition to the number coding scheme currently implemented by the department. The schedule of helmet inspection and ICC marking according to the last digit of the motorcycle plate is 1 and 2 (Monday), 3 and 4 (Tuesday), 5 and 6 (Wednesday), 7 and 8 (Thursday), 9 and 0  (Friday). For instance, helmet owners whose surnames start with letter M and with motorcycle plates ending in number 5 can apply for inspection on Wednesdays in the month of October. DTI urged the motorcycle owners to have their helmets inspected and marked with ICC stickers to avoid penalties which will be imposed by the Land Transportation Office starting Jan. 1, 2013. During the inspection, riders should bring their motorcycle helmets, two copies of the filled-out application form, any government-issued IDs, a photocopy of a government-issued ID, and a photocopy of their motorcycle registration. The department also reminded the public that application forms and ICC processing are free of charge. Application forms are available at DTI offices and can also be downloaded from the DTI site. In Metro Manila, motorcycle owners can go to the following application centers for helmet inspection: - Rizal Memorial Baseball Stadium, P. Ocampo St., (formerly Vito Cruz St.), Malate, Manila; - DTI Area Office, Hi-way 54 Plaza, 986 Stanford St., Edsa, Quezon City (in front of SM Megamall); and - DTI Camanava Area Office, 5F Araneta Square Mall, Bonifacio Monument Circle, Rizal Ave. Ext. cor. Samson Rd., Caloocan City. The DTI requires helmets to have the ICC sticker, and has already targeted sellers of substandard helmets without authentic stickers. Companies may schedule a helmet inspection but must send in their request on or before September 30. — BM, GMA News