Traffic law in the Philippines consists of multiple laws that govern the regulation and management of road transportation and the conduct of road users within the country.
The official and latest traffic code of the Philippines is Republic Act No. 4136, also known as the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code", which was enacted into law on June 20, 1964.[1]
Applicable laws
The following table lists all Philippine laws applicable to the governance of road transportation and road users across the Philippines or in specific major areas within the country.
| Designation | Date passed | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| RA 2000 | June 22, 1957 | Limited Access Highway Act | Authorizes the construction of limited-access highways and defines traffic laws applicable to users of limited-access highways.[2] |
| RA 4136 | June 20, 1964 | Land Transportation and Traffic Code | National traffic code. Covers the regulation and licensing of owners, dealers, conductors, drivers, and similar matters of motor vehicles, as well as the traffic laws that apply only to motor vehicles.[1] |
| DPWC AO No. 1 s. 1968 | February 19, 1968 | DPWC Administrative Order No. 1 | An administrative order issued by the Department of Public Works and Communications (now the Department of Public Works and Highways), by virtue of RA 2000, defining traffic rules and regulations governing limited-access highways.[3] |
| PD 96 | January 13, 1973 | Presidential Decree No. 96 | Prohibits and penalizes the usage of sirens, horns, or other similar gadgets with "exceptionally loud or startling sound" on motor vehicles and restricts such usage to authorized government vehicles.[4] |
| RA 8750 | August 5, 1999 | Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 | Mandates the inclusion of seat belts on private and public motor vehicles, excluding tricycles and motorcycles.[5] |
| DPWH DO No. 123 s. 2001 | July 18, 2001 | DPWH Department Order No. 123 s. 2001 | Revises DPWC AO 1 s. 1968 to allow motorcycles on limited access highways and defines rules and regulations specific to motorcycles on such highways.[6] |
| LTO AHS 2008-015 | May 15, 2008 | Rules and Regulations for the Use and Operation of Motorcycles on Highways | Defines traffic rules and regulations for motorcycles on roads and highways.[7] |
| RA 10054 | July 27, 2009 | Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 | Mandates the wearing of a standard motorcycle helmet for riders and backriders of motorcycles.[8] |
| RA 10586 | July 23, 2012 | Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 | Penalizes driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and other substances.[9] |
| JAO 2014-01 | June 2, 2014 | Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violations of Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing Land Transportation | Additional fines and penalties for the violation of land transportation traffic laws.[10] |
| RA 10666 | July 28, 2014 | Children's Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 | Regulates the backriding of children onboard on public roads with heavy and fast moving traffic.[11] |
| RA 10913 | July 27, 2015 | Anti-Distracted Driving Act | Defines and penalizes distracted driving, particularly with electronics such as mobile phones.[12] |
| RA 10916 | July 27, 2015 | Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 | Prohibits the registration and operation of any covered motor vehicle without a speed limiter device.[13] |
| JMC 2018-01 | January 17, 2018 | Guidelines and Standards for the Classifications of Roads, Setting of Speed Limits Under Republic Act No. 4136, and Collection of Road Crash Data | Standardizes speed limits to be based on road classification and empowers local government units to collect road crash data and set local speed limits on local roads.[14] |
| DOTr DO No. 2020-14 | August 25, 2020 | Guidelines and Protocols for Active Transportation and Light Mobility Vehicles | Establishes and prescribes road safety protocols and penalties for motor vehicles, bicycles, and other non-motorized transport on the road.[15] |
| LTO AO No. 2021-039 | May 11, 2021 | Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles | Defines, classifies, and regulates the operation, registration, and related penalties of electric motor vehicles, including electric cars, electric bicycles, and mobility scooters.[16] |
The following laws are only applicable to the Metro Manila area.
| Designation | Date passed | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joint Metro Manila Traffic Circular No. 01 | February 1, 2023 | Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 | Regional traffic code for Metro Manila covering unified traffic rules, regulations, ticketing, and penalties.[17] |
Since its enactment in 1964, there have been 12 amendments to RA 4136, the latest being in 2017.
| Designation | Date passed | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| RA 5715 | June 21, 1969 | An Act Amending Section Thirty-four of Republic Act Numbered Four Thousand One Hundred Thirty-six | Amends RA 4136 by allowing reflectors in place of lights when parked and requiring either of them for vehicle registration.[18] |
| PD 382 | January 28, 1974 | Extending the Period for Registration of All for Hire Motor Vehicles, Amending for the Purpose Sub-paragraph 1, Paragraph (B), of Section 5, Republic Act Numbered 4136, as Amended | Amends RA 4136 by extending the period for vehicle registration.[19] |
| PD 843 | December 12, 1975 | Amending Republic Act No. 4136, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code by Increasing the Annual Registration Fee on Private Automobiles and Imposing an Ad Valorem Tax Thereon, and for Other Purposes | Amends RA 4136 by increasing registration fees and imposing excise tax.[20] |
| PD 896 | February 26, 1976 | Further Amending Republic Act No. 4136, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code | Amends RA 4136 by updating the registration fees and schedule for registration.[21] |
| PD 1057 | November 30, 1976 | Further Amending Republic Act No. 4136, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code | Amends RA 4136 by including vehicles owned by GOCCs for registration.[22] |
| BP 74 | June 11, 1980 | An Act Amending Certain Sections Of Republic Act Numbered Forty-one Hundred and Thirty-six, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code | Amends the compulsory vehicle registration sections of RA 4136.[23] |
| BP 398 | May 18, 1983 | An Act Amending Certain Sections of Republic Act Numbered Forty-one Hundred and Thirty-six, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code | Amends RA 4136 by requiring the possession of the driver's license and updating driver's licensing classifications.[24] |
| PD 1934 | June 11, 1984 | Amending Certain Sections of Republic Act Numbered Forty One Hundred And Thirty Six Otherwise Known As The Land Transportation and Traffic Code | Amends RA 4136 by updating its annual vehicle registration fees and a road users' charge.[25] |
| PD 1950 | September 5, 1984 | Amending Certain Sections of Presidential Decree No. 1934, Amending Republic Act No. 4136 | Adjustments to the road users' charge in PD 1934, which amends RA 4136.[26] |
| EO 43 s. 1986 | August 22, 1986 | Restructuring The Private Motor Vehicle Tax | Restructures the Motor Vehicle User's Charge.[27] |
| RA 8794 | June 27, 2000 | An Act Imposing A Motor Vehicle User's Charge On Owners Of All Types Of Motor Vehicles And For Other Purposes | Further amends RA 4136 and nationalizes the implementation of the Motor Vehicle User's Charge implemented in BP 74 and EO 43 s. 1986.[28] |
| RA 10930 | July 25, 2017 | An Act Rationalizing and Strengthening the Policy Regarding Driver's License by Extending the Validity Period of Drivers' Licenses, and Penalizing Acts in Violation of Its Issuance and Application Amending for Those Purposes Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, as Amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code | Amends RA 4136 with updated clauses on the validity and registration of driver's licenses and related penalties.[29] |
Definitions and coverage
Vehicles
Motor vehicles are defined by RA 4136 and the Metro Manila Traffic Code as any vehicle propelled by any power other than human power. Exceptions to this definition include vehicles on railway tracks, motor vehicles such as road rollers, trolley cars, street sweepers, sprinklers, lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, forklifts, amphibian trucks, and cranes when not on public roads, as well as tractors, trailers, and vehicles with traction engines used exclusively for agriculture. In addition, trailers with any number of wheels propelled or intended to be proplled by a motor vehicle are classified as a separate motor vehicle.[1][17]
Apart from the safety protocols defined by the DOTr in Department Order No. 2020-14[15] and the regulations defined in LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039, there are no national laws defining regulations for human-powered transport such as bicycles and non-motorized tricycles.[16]
Motor vehicle classifications
Motor vehicles in the Philippines are classified according to whether they are propelled by diesel, electric, or gasoline powered motor engines, as well as their maximum design speed and vehicle weight. Electric motor vehicles, including electric cars, electric buses, electric trucks, electric motorcycles and scooters, electric bicycles, and other similar vehicles are classified similarly to gasoline and diesel motor vehicles subject to different restrictions.[16]
Land Transportation Office (LTO) Administrative Order No. 2021-039, which was issued on May 11, 2021, classifies these vehicles into different classifications. Some of these classification may regulate the roads that these vehicles are permitted to operate on, the requirement of vehicle registration and need for a driver's license to operate, and the requirement of a motorcycle or bicycle helmet.[16]
| Category | Specifications | Restrictions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road restrictions | Helmet requirement | Driver's license restrictions | Vehicle registration | ||
| Personal Mobility Scooter |
|
|
Bicycle helmet | Not required | Not required |
| Electric Kick Scooter |
|
Motorcycle helmet | Not required | Not required | |
| Category L1 Two-wheeled Moped |
|
|
Motorcycle helmet | A restriction | Required |
| Category L1a e-Bike |
|
|
Bicycle helmet | Not required | Not required |
| Category L1b e-Bike |
|
|
Motorcycle helmet | Not required | Not required |
| Category L2 Three-wheeled Moped and e-Moped |
|
|
Not required | A restriction | Required |
| Category L2a Two-wheeled e-Moped |
|
|
Bicycle helmet | Not required | Not required |
| Category L2b Two-wheeled e-Moped |
|
|
Bicycle helmet | Not required | Not required |
| Category L3 Motorcycle |
|
|
Motorcycle helmet | A restriction | Required |
| Category L4 Asymmetric Three Wheeled Vehicle |
|
|
Not required | A2 restriction | Required |
| Category L5 Symmetric Three Wheeled Vehicle |
|
Not required | A2 restriction | Required | |
| Category L6 Light Quadricycle |
|
|
Not required | A2 restriction | Required |
| Category L7 Heavy Quadricycle |
|
Not required | A2 restriction | Required | |
| Category | Specifications | Restrictions | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road restrictions | Driver's license restrictions | Vehicle registration | ||
| Category M1 Car, Van, and SUV |
|
All roads including limited-access highways | B restriction | Required |
| Category M2 Utility Vehicle and Jeepney |
|
B1 restriction | Required | |
| Category M3 Bus and e-Bus |
|
D restriction | Required | |
| Category N1 Truck |
|
C restriction | Required | |
| Category N2 Truck |
|
C restriction | Required | |
| Category N3 Truck |
|
C restriction | Required | |
| Category O1 Articulated Car |
|
BE restriction | Required | |
| Category O2 Articulated Car |
|
BE restriction | Required | |
| Category O3 Articulated Truck |
|
CE restriction | Required | |
Roads
All public roads and highways, defined as thoroughfares, boulevards, driveways, avenues, parks, and alleys are covered by RA 4136. This does not include corridors within private property or any institutions.[1]
Republic Act No. 917 or the Philippine Highway Act of 1953 prohibits highways, bridges, or right-of-ways covered by RA 4136 from being obstructed, or from being usurped or converted to private use. The act also prohibits the removal or tampering of road infrastructure such as markers, signs, and other road-side facilities.[30]
In Metro Manila, the Metro Manila Traffic Code covers all roads and public places within the metro.[17]
Parking
Under RA 4136 and the Metro Manila Traffic Code, a motor vehicle is considered to be parked when it has been stopped on the shoulder or edge of a highway for an "appreciable" period of time. A motor vehicle stopping to unload passengers or cargo is not considered to be parked if the vehicle moves away "without delay".[1][17]
Standard rules
List of some standard rules of the road for motor vehicles and animal-drawn vehicles, all based on RA 4136:[1]
- Keep to the right of the road except to pass others, where passing is allowed
- Vehicles must not exceed their registered carrying capacity
- Right-of-way at marked and unmarked intersections under various conditions
- Prohibited places for parking a vehicle
- Yield to police, fire department, and ambulance vehicles with a siren
- Yield right of way to pedestrian crossings
- Observe proper vehicle lighting and traffic light signalling
- Observe caution while driving and avoid impeding traffic
- Stopping if there has been a traffic collision
Speed limits
Speed limits for motor vehicles across the country are defined by RA 4136 based on the type of roads and their conditions. A higher speed limit is generally applied to light motor vehicles while lower speed limits are applied to heavier motor vehicles.[1] Pursuant to DILG-DPWH-DOTr Joint Memorandum Circular 2018-001, local government units may designate lower maximum speed limits on local roads in the interest of road safety.[14][17]
Lane splitting and filtering
Lane splitting and lane filtering is not explicitly illegal on Philippine roads for any type of vehicle. However, lane sharing (which is incorrectly defined as "lane splitting") is considered illegal for motorcycles under LTO Administrative Order 2008-015, which states that a motorcycle or scooter must observe one lane per vehicle only.[7] This policy however, is not actively enforced on the road.[31]
According to Section 3 of DPWC Administrative Order No. 1 s. 1968, it is prohibited for any vehicle to lane split or lane filter on all expressways in the Philippines.[3][32]
Overtaking lanes and slow lanes
Some Philippine roads also have passing lane designated for overtaking and lanes designated for slow-moving vehicles. This however does not apply to all roads by default and are limited to specific cases and conditions.
For limited-access highways or expressways, Section 3 of DPWC Administrative Order No. 1 s. 1968 states that slow-moving vehicles must use the right lane and use the left lane only when passing.[3]
Traffic restrictions
Outside of the traffic code, there are traffic restrictions which designate the time and day that certain vehicles or road users are allowed to operate on, as well as specific roads where these restrictions are enforced or exempted on.
Number coding
In some cities in Metro Manila and across the metropolis, a road space rationing scheme known as number coding on circumferential and radial roads is in effect, where vehicles with registration plate numbers that end in a specific number are not allowed to run on those roads during weekday rush hour. There are also window hours, referred to as hours on those days where vehicles will be allowed to run. Some cities also have local number coding schemes and different window hours which differ from that of the MMDA.[33]
As of April 2023, the same number coding scheme has been extended to certain roads and areas in Baguio, Cavite, Cabanatuan, and Dagupan.[33]
Truck restrictions
Trucks are prohibited from passing through certain roads due to their large size and concern for safety around trucks. In Metro Manila, a truck ban ordinance prohibits trucks from most roads during the day and designates certain roads that are exempted from the truck ban.[34]
Some highways such as Circumferential Road 5 have designated lanes that trucks must stay in at all times while traversing the road, usually designated on the third lane from the sidewalk.[35] In addition to this, expressways have also designated the outermost lanes as lanes where trucks are only allowed to use.
Public utility vehicle restrictions
Public transport vehicles such as jeepneys, buses, and the UV Express are restricted to use designated lanes on certain roads. A notable example of this is the EDSA Busway, located on the inner lanes of EDSA in Metro Manila, which is restricted for the exclusive use of EDSA Carousel route buses and authorized government vehicles.
Similar to trucks, buses are to use the outermost lanes on the expressway. On the other hand, both public and private jeepneys are classified the same as cars and are allowed on all lanes.
Tricycles, pedicabs, and motorized tricycles are prohibited from using national highways based on the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2020-036.[36]
Motorcycle lanes
Some highways, particularly in Metro Manila, have motorcycle lanes where motorcycles are designated to use. However, these lanes are usually not exclusive to motorcycles and allow other road users to use them and require motorcycles to remain in the lane. One exception to this is the motorcycle lane along Commonwealth Avenue where vehicles other than motorcycles may be penalized for unnecessary usage of the motorcycle lane.[37]
Bicycle lanes
Bicycle lanes are lanes along roads or separate paths designated for the exclusive or shared use of bicycles and non-motorized transport.[15]
See also
External links
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Republic Act No. 4136 (20 June 1964), Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Republic Act No. 2000 (22 June 1957), Limited Access Highway Act
- 1 2 3 Department of Public Works and Communications Administrative Order No. 1 (19 February 1968), Administrative Order No. 1
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 96 (13 January 1973), Presidential Decree No. 96
- ↑ Republic Act No. 8750 (5 August 1999), Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
- ↑ Department of Public Works and Highways Department Order No. 123 (18 July 2001), Revised Rules and Regulations Governing Limited Access Highways (PDF)
- 1 2 Land Transportation Office Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 (15 May 2008), Rules and Regulations for the Use and Operation of Motorcycles on Highways
- ↑ Republic Act No. 10054 (27 July 2009), Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009
- ↑ Republic Act No. 10586 (23 July 2012), Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013
- ↑ Department of Transportation and Communications Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 (2 June 2014), Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violation of Laws, Rules and Regulations Governing Land Transportation (PDF)
- ↑ Republic Act No. 10666 (28 July 2014), Children's Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015
- ↑ Republic Act No. 10913 (20 June 1964), Anti-Distracted Driving Act (PDF)
- ↑ Republic Act No. 10916 (27 July 2015), Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016
- 1 2 DOTr-DPWH-DILG Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-01 (17 January 2018), Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2018-001: Guidelines and Standards for the Classifications of Roads, Setting of Speed Limits Under Republic Act No. 4136, and Collection of Road Crash Data (PDF), archived from the original (PDF) on July 14, 2021, retrieved July 14, 2021
- 1 2 3 Department of Transportation Department Order No. 14 (25 August 2020), Guidelines and Protocols for Active Transportation and Light Mobility Vehicles (PDF)
- 1 2 3 4 Land Transportation Office Administrative Order No. 39 (11 May 2021), Consolidated Guidelines in the Classification, Registration and Operation of All Types of Electric Motor Vehicles
- 1 2 3 4 5 "Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023" (PDF). February 1, 2023.
- ↑ Republic Act No. 5715 (21 June 1969), EAn Act Amending Section Thirty-four of Republic Act Numbered Four Thousand One Hundred Thirty-six
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 382 (28 January 1974), Extending the Period for Registration of All for Hire Motor Vehicles, Amending for the Purpose Sub-paragraph 1, Paragraph (B), of Section 5, Republic Act Numbered 4136, as Amended
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 843 (12 December 1975), Amending Republic Act No. 4136, as Amended, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code by Increasing the Annual Registration Fee on Private Automobiles and Imposing an Ad Valorem Tax Thereon, and for Other Purposes
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 896 (26 February 1976), Further Amending Republic Act No. 4136, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 1057 (30 November 1976), Amending Republic Act No. 4136, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Batas Pambansa Blg. 74 (11 June 1980), An Act Amending Certain Sections Of Republic Act Numbered Forty-one Hundred and Thirty-six, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 (18 May 1983), An Act Amending Certain Sections of Republic Act Numbered Forty-one Hundred and Thirty-six, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 1934 (11 June 1984), Amending Certain Sections of Republic Act Numbered Forty One Hundred And Thirty Six Otherwise Known As The Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Presidential Decree No. 1950 (5 September 1984), Amending Certain Sections of Presidential Decree No. 1934, Amending Republic Act No. 4136
- ↑ Executive Order No. 43 (22 August 1986), Restructuring The Private Motor Vehicle Tax (PDF)
- ↑ Republic Act No. 8794 (27 June 2000), An Act Imposing A Motor Vehicle User's Charge On Owners Of All Types Of Motor Vehicles And For Other Purposes
- ↑ Republic Act No. 10930 (25 July 2017), An Act Rationalizing and Strengthening the Policy Regarding Driver's License by Extending the Validity Period of Drivers' Licenses, and Penalizing Acts in Violation of Its Issuance and Application Amending for Those Purposes Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, as Amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order No. 1011, Otherwise Known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- ↑ Republic Act No. 917 (20 June 1953), Philippine Highway Act of 1953
- ↑ Chao, Gilbert (November 5, 2022). "Caught in the middle: Why do moto riders split lanes and how is it illegal?". AutoFun. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ↑ "Legal basis of "slow-moving vehicle lanes" and "overtaking lanes" on expressways". eFOI Philippines. November 24, 2023. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- 1 2 Zulueta, Allysa Mae (April 4, 2023). "The 2023 Guide to Number Coding in the Philippines". Autodeal. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ↑ "Truck Ban Ordinance Updated FAQ (June 8, 2022)". Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. June 21, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ↑ Memorandum Circular No. 16-01 (2016), Implementing Guidelines of the "Resolution Implementing the One Truck Lane Policy along Circumferential 5, Katipunan Avenue, Congressional Road, Mindanao Avenue, and Road 10 Starting February 1, 2016" under Special Traffic Committee No. 02 series of 2016 (PDF)
- ↑ Memorandum Circular No. 2020-036 (17 February 2020), Prohibiting Tricycles, Pedicabs, and Motorized Pedicabs from Operating on National Highways
- ↑ Tulio, Jason (March 29, 2023). "Report: 1,391 Motorists apprehended on Commonwealth on first day of MC lane policy". Top Gear Philippines. Retrieved November 3, 2023.