Davao City Explores Decibel Standards to Combat Loud Motorcycle Exhausts
The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) has announced it is actively investigating the potential inclusion of decibel requirements in its ongoing campaign against excessively loud motorcycle pipes. This initiative aims to address growing concerns over noise pollution and public disturbance caused by modified exhaust systems.
Committee Hearing and Proposed Amendments
Dionisio Abude, the chief of CTTMO, disclosed that a committee hearing has already been conducted by the city's committees on peace and security, as well as transportation and communication. The focus of this hearing was a proposal to integrate specific decibel limits into the provisions of the Comprehensive Traffic Code of Davao City. Abude expressed his support for this move, emphasizing that any decibel rating should be based on the loudness of the vehicle's original muffler to ensure fairness and consistency.
In a media interview held on Thursday, February 19, 2026, at Rogen Inn, Abude stated, "That is why we want that there should be an amendment if that is what the riders are pushing for — to really allow the use of decibels (loud exhausts)." This statement highlights the city's willingness to adapt regulations based on rider feedback while maintaining control over noise levels.
Current Regulations and Penalties
Abude clarified that the city's existing operations against modified mufflers are governed by Section 182 (Modified Muffler on Motorcycle) of the Comprehensive Traffic Code of Davao City. This provision explicitly prohibits individuals from driving a single motorcycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar that has a modified muffler. A modified muffler is defined as an altered muffler or one where the original has been replaced with a louder version.
Under the current traffic code, vehicles found in violation of this provision face immediate impoundment by the CTTMO. Owners are penalized with a fine of P500 and can only retrieve their vehicles after replacing the modified muffler with the original one and paying the penalty. Abude further noted that national law also prohibits modified mufflers that fail to meet the standards set by vehicle manufacturers, reinforcing the city's stance on this issue.
Recent Enforcement Actions
In a significant enforcement effort, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) destroyed a total of 296 modified mufflers, commonly referred to as "bora-bora," on January 13, 2026. These mufflers were confiscated during operations spanning from September 2025 to the first week of January 2026, demonstrating the city's commitment to curbing illegal modifications and reducing noise pollution.
The proposed decibel requirements represent a proactive step towards enhancing public safety and environmental quality in Davao City. By establishing clear noise limits, the CTTMO aims to balance the interests of motorcycle riders with the broader community's right to a peaceful urban environment.
