Traffic laws in the Philippines are intended to ensure not only an orderly flow of traffic and motorist discipline but also the public’s safety on the road. We have laws requiring motorcycle helmets and seatbelts, as well as prohibiting people from driving while intoxicated or distracted by their phones.
The question is, do you recognize them? You should at least be aware of which laws are in charge of maintaining road safety rules and order. If you think you need to review some of the driving laws in the Philippines, check out this.
Important Traffic Law that You Should Remember
Table of Contents
Road Traffic Rules and Traffic Code
What exactly is RA 4136? It is widely regarded as the most important driving law ever enacted. Republic Act 4136, also known as the Road Traffic and Transportation Code, established the foundation for all current traffic regulations. It also established the Philippine Road Transport Commission, which is now known as the Road Transport Office.
All motor vehicles must be registered with a national registry, according to RA 4136. It also establishes registration requirements and fees for all car owners. In addition, vehicle drivers must register for professional and non-professional driver’s licenses under this law. RA 4136 also establishes penalties for failing to meet the commission’s licensing and registration requirements.
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These are also the road safety rules that they have set to fine for the following traffic violations:
- Passing and overtaking a vehicle
- Signaling and right of way
- At intersections, make a right.
- Unsafe driving.
- Police and other emergency vehicles have the right of way.
- Tampering with automobiles
- Hooking up to a vehicle.
- Driving or parking on the sidewalk is prohibited.
- Traffic obstruction
The penalty fee for violating any of RA 4136’s provisions ranges from PHP 100 to PHP 500.
Anti-Distracted Driving Act of 2016
The Anti-Distracted Driving Act of 2016 prohibits drivers from using electronic and communication devices while driving or stopping at a red light. With a first-time offense penalty of PHP 5,000, you don’t want to push your luck and find out how the penalty fee can rise from there. So just keep your eyes on the road and drive carefully.
To clarify, RA 10913 defines an electronic device as “any handheld electronic device capable of digital information processing, recording, capturing, or displaying and computing operations such as, but not limited to, laptops, computers, tablets, video game consoles, and calculators.”
According to the definition of communication devices, they are “electronic communications equipment such as, but not limited to, cellular phones, wireless telephones, two-way radio transceivers, pagers, and other similar devices capable of transmitting, receiving, or both, of encrypted data and/or signals through wireless electronic or any other similar means.”
There are, of course, exceptions. As long as the aforementioned device can be used hands-free, such as with earphones, speakers, and other add-ons that let the user operate the device without holding it. Since their screens must not obstruct their view of the road, Grab drivers are permitted to use their phones.
Because of the high penalty fees, this law is one of the most expensive traffic rules in the Philippines. Here’s what private vehicle violators can expect:
- First offense: 5,000 PHP
- Second offense: 10,000 PHP
- Third Violation: PHP 15,000
- Fourth violation: 20,000 PHP and license revoked
Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013
Former President Benigno Aquino signed the Act of Penalizing Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs, and Other Similar Substances on May 27, 2013. It is a law that convicts drivers and empowers law enforcement to charge and imprison drugged and drunk drivers.
Breath analyzers are used by law enforcement to conduct sobriety tests on drivers to determine whether they are under the influence of alcohol or dangerous drugs. Drivers who refuse to take such tests will be fined or have their driver’s license confiscated.
In addition, if you violate this law, your license will be permanently revoked for at least twelve months. Professional drivers’ licenses can be permanently revoked for the first offense.
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Important Traffic Regulation Signs
Regulatory signs aid in traffic flow management:
Drivers are warned by warning road signs of upcoming road layouts or potential hazards:
Informative road signs indicate the destination that lies ahead or after a specific turn or exit:
On the expressway, signs indicate which way to go:
Certain movements of motorists are restricted or permitted by traffic instruction road signs:
Many Filipinos, whether aware or not, violate traffic laws, which frequently results in vehicular accidents. As a result, in order to be safe and protect others, it is critical for drivers to be familiar with traffic laws in the Philippines. Consider getting insurance, particularly comprehensive car insurance PH, to add another layer of protection while driving.
Thank you for reading! Also, you might read our writing of any other article like this on Tips and Advice. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Philmotorlaw.com.
