The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) has unveiled a rigorous, multi-step reclamation procedure for motorists apprehended with illegally modified mufflers. This announcement was made during a broadcast on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, as part of SunStar Cebu's online news and commentary program, Beyond the Headline.
Strict Reclamation Requirements
Hyll Retuya, the head of Team, detailed that violators must first replace their modified exhaust systems with stock or manufacturer-standard pipes. Following this replacement, they are required to pass a comprehensive motor vehicle inspection and obtain clearance from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Only after completing these steps can they proceed to pay national fines and local towing fees.
Enforcement and Legal Basis
The crackdown, which resulted in the impounding of 28 motorcycles within just one hour, was initiated in response to increasing complaints from residents about disruptive late-night noise. Retuya emphasized that the operation, conducted in coordination with the LTO, is grounded in Section 34 of Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines. This law explicitly prohibits vehicles from emitting "unnecessary or undesirable noise."
Retuya further explained that modified or open-pipe exhaust systems are deemed illegal if they exceed normal noise levels, which must not surpass 99 decibels. Motorists cited for such violations must fully complete the multi-step process before reclaiming their motorcycles.
Penalties and Fees
In addition to LTO fines of approximately P5,000 for operating a motorcycle with an unauthorized muffler, violators face a P500 penalty under a city ordinance. They are also responsible for towing and daily storage fees for impounded units. Retuya clarified that confiscated modified mufflers are handed over to the LTO and are not returned to their owners.
Addressing misconceptions, Retuya stated, "Some people think enforcement is about extorting money, but it's about implementing existing laws. Complaints should be filed properly with the authorities, not just posted online." He acknowledged that the process may be inconvenient for violators but stressed its necessity to uphold national regulations and mitigate excessive motorcycle noise in the community.
Broader Traffic Concerns
Beyond muffler violations, Team continues to tackle its top three traffic issues: counterflow driving, illegal parking, and vehicle breakdowns that obstruct traffic. Retuya identified counterflowing as a primary cause of road rage incidents and accidents, noting that the penalty for this violation was recently increased from P1,000 to P2,000 to reflect its severity.
The agency has implemented overnight clamping operations and stricter enforcement of illegal parking rules to clear major roads previously used as private parking spaces. Meanwhile, vehicle breakdowns, particularly those involving heavy trucks weighing up to 40 tons, remain significant contributors to traffic congestion.
In related efforts, LTO 7 has intensified its campaign against illegal mufflers, impounding 92 motorcycles in the previous week, underscoring a broader regional commitment to traffic law enforcement.
