Lesson 3.2. Important Provisions of R.A.

4136
In the Philippines, Traffic Law Enforcement is governed by R.A.
4136. All other traffic ordinances by local government units are based
on this law or act and/or these ordinances should not contradict any
provisions of said law/act.
A. Words and Phrases Used in R.A. 4126. As used in this Act, the
following words and phrases are defined for better and common
understanding.
1. Motor Vehicle. Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power
other than muscular power using the public highways, but
expecting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinkles,
lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian trucks,
and cranes if not used in public highways, vehicles which run
only on rails or tracks, and tractors, trailers and traction
engines of all kinds used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled pr intended
to be propelled by attachment to a motor vehicle shall be
classified as separate motor vehicle with no power rating.
2. Passenger Automobiles. Shall mean all pneumatic tire vehicles of
types similar to those usually known under the following terms:
touring car, command car, speedster, sports car, roadster, jeep,
cycle car (except motor wheel and similar small outfits which are
classified with motor cycles), coupe, landaulet, closed car,
limousine, cabriolet, and sedan.
The distinction between “Passenger truck” and Passenger
automobile” shall be that of common usage: provided that a motor
vehicle registered for more than nine passengers shall be
classified as “Trucks”.
3. Articulated Vehicle. Shall mean any motor vehicle with a trailer
having no front axle and so attached that part of the trailer
rest upon the motor vehicle and a substantial part of the weight
of the trailer and of its load is borne by the motor vehicle.
Such trailer shall be called as “Semi-trailer”.
4. Driver. Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor
vehicle.
5. Professional Driver. Every and any driver hired for driving or
operating a motor vehicle, whether for private or public use or
for hire to the public. Any driver driving his own motor vehicle
for hire is a professional driver.
6. Owner. The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name
such vehicle is duly registered with the LTO.
7. Dealer. Every person, association, partnership, or corporation
making, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, remodeling, or
setting up motor vehicles; and every such entity acting as agent
for the sale of one or more makes, styles, or any kind of motor
 vehicles, dealing in motor vehicles, keeping the same in stock or
selling same or handling with a view of trading same.
8. Garage. Any building in which two or more motor vehicle, either
with or without drivers, are kept ready for hire to the public,
but shall not include street stands, public service stations, or
other public places designated by proper authority as parking
spaces for motor vehicles for hire while awaiting or soliciting
for business.
9. Gross Weight. the measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the
maximum allowable carrying capacity in the merchandise, freight
or passengers, as determined by the Commissioner of the LTO.
10. Highways. Every public thoroughfare, public boulevard,
driveway, avenue, park, alleys and Callejon, but shall not
include roadway upon grounds owned by private person, colleges,
universities, or other similar institutions.
11. Parking or Parked. Shall mean that a motor vehicle is parked
or parking if it has been brought to a stop on the shoulder or
proper edge of highways, and remains inactive in that place or
close thereto for an appreciable period of time.
12. Tourist. A foreigner who travels from place to place for
pleasure or culture.
B. Selected Provisions of R.A. 4136 The provisions of R.A. 4136 are
the most common rules and regulations violated by road users.
1. Exceeding Registered Capacity. Passengers, freight or cargo load
of motor vehicle should not be more than its registered carrying
capacity. Conductors of public utility trucks or busses are held
liable for the overloading of the vehicle under their charge.

All passenger automobiles for hire are required to have the

registered passenger capacity marked plainly and conspicuously on
the sides thereof in letters and numerals not less than 5 cms. In
height. Motor trucks for passengers or freight, private or for
hire, shall have registered passenger or freight gross and net
weight capacities marked plainly and conspicuously on the sides
thereof in letters and numerals not less than 5 cms. In height.
2. Cargo Carrying Device. The construction of devices for carrying
cargo at the rear of sides of trucks maybe allowed. Subject to
the approval of the Commissioner, but the total net weight of the
device. Including cargo, must not exceed 100 kilos.
3. Riding on Running Board. It is strictly prohibited except for
conductors collecting passengers.
4. Riding on Top of the Motor Vehicle. Passengers shall not be
allowed to ride on top of motor vehicles, but baggage or freight
may be carried on top of the truck, provided that the weight
thereof is not more than 20 kilos per square meter distributed in
such way as not to endanger passengers or the vehicles stability.
5. Re quired Motor Vehicle Accessories. Every motor vehicle when
operated on a traffic way should have the following specified
accessories:

a) Tires of Motor vehicles

b) Brakes
c) Head lights
d) Tail lights
e) Stop lights
f) Lights when parked or disabled
g) Windshield wiper
h) Pipes

6. Hitching on to a Vehicle. The following practices are prohibited:

a. Hanging on to or riding on the outside or rear eds of any
vehicle.
b. Holding on to any moving vehicle whether on foot or
otherwise.
c. Driver allowing any person to hang on to or ride outside of
at the rear end of the vehicle.
7. Driving while under the influence of Liquor or other prohibited
drugs.
8. Obstruction of Traffic. Obstruction of traffic by operating a
motor vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct, block, or impede
the passage of another vehicle is prohibited. This prohibition
applies even when discharging or loading passengers.
9. Duties of Driver in Case of Accident. in the event that any
accident should occur as a result of the operation of motor
vehicle upon a highway, the driver shall observe the following:
a. Stop immediately
b. Show his driver’s license to inspecting traffic law
enforcer.
c. Give his true name and address, including that of the owner
of the vehicle.
d. Assist injured person
e. Take measure to protect belongings of passengers.
f. Report the accident.
10. When could a driver leave the area of the accident without
being held liable for Hit-and-Run?
a. His life is in imminent danger of being harmed by other
person/s by reason of the accident.
b. He surrenders to proper authority; and
c. He summons the assistance of physician or nurse to aid the
victim.
Lesson 3.3 Registration of Motor Vehicles
R.A. 4136, mandates that all motor vehicles shall be registered by
its owner before the designated District Offices should keep themselves
abreast with the proper procedures of registering motor vehicles for
them to easily identify unregistered motor vehicles or motor vehicles
having expired registrations.
A. Classification of Registered Motor Vehicles
1. Private (not for hire)- these are motor vehicles used for the
personal use of their owner.
2. Public Utility Vehicles (PUV a.k.a for hire)- these are registered
primarily for the conveyance of passengers and other commercial
goods.
3. Government- these are motor vehicles owned by government offices
and are used for official purposes only.
4. Diplomat- these are issued to foreign diplomats and consuls
assigned in the Philippines.
B. Plate Numbers- Upon registration, motor vehicles are assigned with
plate numbers. The letter and numeral prefixes as well as the assigned
colors are based on the date and place of registration and purpose of
the registered motor vehicle.
1. Private or not for hire MVs- Green with white background on newer
vehicles, the first letter usually indicates the region where the
vehicle is registered. For example, beginning with “N”, the vehicle
is registered in the National Capital Region (NCR). The most recent
private plate number are those with black with white background.
2. Public Utility Vehicles or For-hire MVs- Black with yellow
background usually begins with either the letter “N”, “P”, or “T”,
“U” in NCR. Since 1995, they always have either the letter “V”,”
W”,”X”, or “Y” in the middle of the letter block.
3. Government MVs- Red (maroon) with white background usually starts
with letter S or F. For the new series (2014 to present), red
symbols on white background and the agency/office indicated.

4. Diplomatic or other exempted MVs- Blue characters on a white

background plates reserved for diplomats, embassy and consulate
officials, country ambassadors and some expatriates such as
scientist and researchers at the International Rice Research
institute (IRRI), in the form of five or six digits. For the new
series (2014 to present), blue symbols on white background.
a) Ambassadors’ plates – are always “1000” and have the country
they represent at the bottom of the plate. These plates have a
small decal on the bottom left part with a “CM”.
b) 1001-9999: a small decal on the bottom left part, displayed as
“DC” for “diplomatic corps”.

5. Trailers- These have yellow or green plates.

 6. Electric Vehicles - Orange plates are used (White symbols on orange
background)

7. Motorcycle - Private motorcycle has green characters on a white

background with the letters “MC” stamped on the upper left-hand
corner next to the registration sticker. Usually in the format of
AA 1111 or 1111 AA.

8. Tricycles- Private has green characters on a white background with

the letter “MC” stamped on the upper left hand corner next to the
registration sticker. This is very rare since tricycle are usually
bought for hire. For the public utility, it has black characters on
a yellow background with the letters “TC” stamped on the upper
right hand corner next to the registration sticker.

9. Department of Tourism (DOT) Accredited Vehicles- These are usually

tour busses and airport taxis which are issued with plates that
look similar to those of private vehicles, but have yellow
highlights mixed with the green color and share the same first
letter of PUVs plates. A must special sticker indicating that they
are DOT-accredited is placed on the rear windows.

10. Personalized (Vanity) Plates- Anyone desiring to have his own

personalized must consider the following:

a. Uniqueness- the plate does not have a registered duplicate

anywhere in the Philippines.
b. It should not have the same format as government vehicles.
c. Price:
i. Premium Edition (Ex. 111 ABC) 15,000.00php
ii. Selection Edition (ITLOG) 10,000.00php

11. Commemorative plate- these plate numbers are issued for

specific purposes such as fund raising for government projects and
programs.
C. Dimensions and medium
1. Tagalog: “Plaka” which measures 390x140mm
2. Characters are stamped on an aluminum plate which is then applied
with reflectorized paint.
3. Previously, numerous watermarks of the Land Transportation Office
logo as well as a small logo of the plate manufacturer were stamped
on the plate which was replaced in 2003 with a reflectorized,
printed color sticker of statue of Jose Rizal.
4. Slogan on the bottom plate usually reflects the goals campaign of
the incumbent President which began under President Fidel V. Ramos.
 a. Fidel V. Ramos- “Philippine 2000”
b. Gloria Macapagal Arroyo- “Matatag na Republica”
5. Until 2004, plates also bore the word “Pilipinas” at the bottom.
6. Common Inscription:
a. PILIPINAS (The most common inscription; 1981-1995, 2001, 2002-
2003, 2004-present)
b. PHILIPPINES 2000 (1995-2000)
c. ANGAT PINOY 2004 (2004, 2000-2001)
d. PERLAS NG SILANGAN (2001-2002)
e. MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA (2003-Present)
7. Typeface. Numerous typefaces are used but the current typeface was
the first implemented in 1981 which is loosely based on the
Australian license plate system with some slight variations on the
font design since then.
8. 2014 Series Plate Numbers. It consists of three-letter and four
numeric plate with the region of registration inscribed below.

ADI 1234
Region 1

9. 2018 Series Plate Numbers. It retains the three-letters and four

numeric plate and the removal of the region of registration.

OYE 1433
D. Geographical Designations of Plate Numbers.
Geographical designation of registered motor vehicle can be
determined by the beginning letter.
A- Region I (Ilocos Region) and CAR (Cordillera Administrative Region)
B- Region II (Cagayan Valley Region)
C- Region III (Central Luzon), Superseded by “R” in 2003
D- Region IV-A (CALABARZON) IV-B (MIMAROPA) superseded by “V” in 2000
E- Region V (Bicol Region)
F- Region VI (Western Visayas Region)
G- Region VII (Central Visayas Region), Superseded by “Y” in 2004
H- Region VIII (Eastern Visayas Region)
I-
J- Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula) and ARMM
K- Region X and XIII (Northern Mindanao and CARAGA)
L- Region XI (Davao Region)
M- Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)
N- NCR, 1981-1982, 2009-2010 (With Increment of I, O and Q)
 O-
P- NCR, 1982-1991, 2010-2011 (With increment of I, O and Q)
Q-
R- Region III (Central Luzon) overflow series for private since 2003
S- Government Owned (Red-plate)
T- NCR, 1991-1995, 2011-2012 (with increment of I, O and Q)
U- NCR. 1995-1997, 2012-present (with increment of I, O and Q)
V- Region IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA) overflow series for
private since 2000
W- NCR, 1997-2001
X- NCR, 2001-2005
Y- Region VII (Central Visayas Region) overflow series for private
since 2004.
Z- NCR,2005-2009
NOTE: I, O and Q are not used to avoid confusion with the numbers “1” &
“0”.
E. Schedule of Registration- Registration of motor vehicles should be
done annually which follows the numerical suffixes of their plate
numbers.
Last Digit of Plate Middle Digit of Weekly Deadline (Working Days of
Number Plate Number the month only)
1-Jan 6-Jun 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2-Feb 7-Jul 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
3-Mar 8-Aug 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
4-Apr 9-Sep 9 0 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
5-May 0-Oct 29 30 31

NOTE: Vehicles maybe registered one month in advance of weekly deadline.

F. Protocol Plate Numbers. These are special plate numbers for high-
ranking government officials as manifestation of courtesy towards them
or their respective positions or offices. These plates are Blue reserved
for the top government officials of the republic of the Philippines.
1- President
2- Vice President
3- Senate
4- Speaker of the House
5- Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
6- Cabinet Secretary
7- Senators
8- Representatives (Congressmen)
9- Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
10- Presiding Justice and other Justices of the court of Appeals,
Solicitor-General.
11- Chairman of the Commission on Elections
12- Cabinet Undersecretary
 13- None Currently
14- Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chief of
the Philippine National Police
15- None Currently
16- Regional Trial Court Judges
17- First Level Courts (Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial
Court, Municipal Trial Court in Cities)

Lesson 3.4. Provisions on Driver’s Licenses

Driving a motor vehicle in the Philippines as in other countries is

NOT a right but a privilege granted by the Philippine Government through
LTO based in the R.A 4136.Further, it is a privilege which may be
suspended or revoked.

Driver’s License. A document issued to a qualified driver who possesses

the statutory qualification as provided therefore.

A. Duty to Procure License. Sec. 19 of R.A. 4136 states that no person

shall operate any motor vehicle without first procuring a license
to drive for the current year. To be effective on the hands of its
holder, it must not be delinquent, invalid, suspended or revoked
and should be carried at all times and shall be shown or
surrendered for cause when demanded by a person authorized by R.A
4136 to inspect the same.
B. Confiscation of Driver’s License. Sec. 29 of R.A 4136 mandates that
may be confiscated for violations of R.A 4136, the rules and
regulations is issued by the commissioner and of local traffic
rules and regulations.
 When a driver’s license is confiscated for any reason, the
traffic enforcer must however, issue a receipt Temporary
Operator’s Permit (TOP) which is good for 72 hours within
which the driver may continue to operate his vehicle. Failure
to settle the case within 15days will cause suspension or
revocation of the license.
C. Types of License, Procedure and Requirements. A driver is licensed
by the LTO as proof of his proficiency in driving his knowledge of
 road rules and regulations while operating a motor vehicle. Upon
proving his proficiency and knowledge, he will be issued a document
in the form of the following licenses:

1. International Driver’s License. Bonafide Tourists and transient

who are duly licensed to operate motor vehicles in their
respective countries may be allowed to operate motor vehicles
during their stay but not beyond 90 days of their sojourn in the
Philippines. (Sec. 21, R.A 4136).
2. Military Driver’s License. Enlisted personnel of the AFP
operating motor vehicles owned by the government shall be
licensed in accordance with R.A 4136 but no license or
delinquency fees shall be collected thereof.
 All licenses so issued shall bear the word “FOR GOVERNMENT
VEHICLES ONLY” plainly marked or stamped in red inks across
the face thereof. A Military Driver’s license does not
authorize the holder to operate privately-owned motor vehicle
(Sec. 20, R.A. 4136)
3. Professional Driver’s License. This license is issued to a driver
hired or paid for driving or operating a motor vehicle whether
private use or for hire to the public. Any person driving his own
motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver. (Sec.3,e, R.A
4136).
4. Non-Professional Driver’s License. This kind of license is issued
to owners of privately owned motor vehicles or those not for hire
or paid driving. (Sec 3,e, R.A 4136).
5. Student Driver’s Permit. This kind of document is issued to
persons who desire to learn how to drive. A student driver cannot
operate a vehicle unless accompanied by an instructor who may
either be a licensed professional or non-professional driver.
(Sec. 30 R.A 4136)
D. Validity or Expiration of License
1. Student Driver’s Permit- 12 months or one year
2. Non-Professional and Professional and Conductors license- 5 years
as per R.A 10930 and LTO Administrative Order 2016-034.
3. International Driver’s License for Tourist- 90 days but can be
renewed.
E. Conductors’ License. Conductor of public utility vehicle are also
mandated to procure their license from the LTO.
F. Drivers Examination. All drivers’ license applicants must obtain the
passing score as follows:
1. The Written Examination: written examination will contain questions
concerning proper driving procedures, road, rules and regulations,
emergency procedures, etc. number of questions will follow:
a. Non-professional license- 40 questions
 b. Professional License- 60 questions
 Examinees will have to pass the written examination with the
following remarks:
a. Non-professional- 30 out of 40 questions
b. Professional- 45 out of 60 questions
 Before each examination, a DRIVING SKILL RATER will provide a
30-minute lecture about traffic rules and other driver
information as a “review” for the applicants.

2. Road Test. The actual road test will be undertaken under the
auspices of a “Driving Skill Rater”. This actual road test will
have to be scheduled in advance and the applicant will have to
provide the vehicle in which the road test will be conducted. The
applicant should make sure that the vehicle to be used is in proper
working condition and is currently registered.

During the road test, the applicant will be rated according to his
proficiency in the following aspects:
a. That the applicant is aware of and capable of performing a
check on the primary components of the vehicle such as the
engine, the tires, the battery, lights, windshield wipers,
brakes, transmission and clutch, etc.
b. Proper use and correct positioning of the hands on steering
wheel.
c. Proper engine control and use of gear shift lever and the foot
pedals.
d. Proper speed control and observance and practice of road
discipline.
e. Proper knowledge and interpretation of road signs and
markings.
f. Proper turning procedures.
g. Proper backing procedures.
h. Proper parking procedures.

The applicant will be credited with a score of 100 points at the

start of the road test. Each infraction or unsatisfactory
performance will be listed down on ROAD TEST SCORE SHEET and the
corresponding deductions made at the end of the test. Passing grade
will be 70 points or a total possible deduction of 30 points.

G. Mandatory Drug Test. It is mandatory to all drivers’ license

applicants except for student drivers permit to pass a drug test
conducted by duly LTO accredited drug testing centers.
H. Drivers Restriction Code. When the driver issued with a license, the
drivers restriction is indicated as follows:
1. Motor Cycle/motorized tricycles
2. Vehicles up to 400kgs Gross Vehicle Weight
3. Vehicles above 4500kgs Gross Vehicle Weight
4. Automatic Clutch up to 4500kgs Gross Vehicle Weight
5. Automatic Clutch above 4500kgs Gross Vehicle Weight
6. Articulated Vehicle 1600 kgs GVW and Below
7. Articulated vehicle 1601 to 4500 kgs GVW
8. Articulated vehicle 4501kgs and above GVW
9. Disabled (old)- no longer existing because disabled
individuals are now called differently-abled person.
I. Drivers’ Condition. The condition for drivers’ license holder while
operating a motor vehicle are indicated as follows:
A- Wear eye glasses
B- Drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
C- Drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
D- Daylight driving only
E- Accompanied by a person with normal hearing.

Lesson 3.5 General Rules of Road Use and Conduct

Concept

The traffic Rules in the Philippines are based entirely on the

general use and conduct which also include the general prohibitions and
restrictions.

A. Speed Limit and Rules on Speed. Any person driving a motor Vehicle
on a highway shall drive the same at a careful and prudent speed,
not greater nor less than is reasonable and proper, having a due
regard for the traffic, the width of the highway, and of any other
condition then and there existing; and no person shall drive any
motor vehicle upon a highway at such speed to endanger the life,
limb and property of any person, nor at a speed greater than will
permit him to bring the vehicle to a stop within the assured clear
distance ahead.

1. Maximum Allowable Speed. The maximum allowable speed in

accordance with the preceding paragraph and for the specific
speed limits on specific section of highways.

2. Exception to the Speed Limit. The rates of speed hereinabove

prescribed shall not apply to the following:
a. A physician or his driver when the former responds to
emergency calls.
b. The driver of a hospital ambulance on the way to and from
the place of the accident or emergency.
 c. Any driver bringing a wounded or sick person for emergency
treatment to a hospital, or any other similar place.
d. The driver of a motor vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces
while in use on official purposes in times of riot,
insurrection or invasion.
e. The driver of a vehicle, when he or his passengers are in
pursuit of a criminal.
f. A law-enforcement officer who is trying to overtake a
violator of traffic laws.
g. The driver officially operating a motor vehicle of any fire
department, provided that exemption shall not be construed
to allow useless or unnecessary fast driving of drivers
aforementioned.

3. Uniform Speed Limit Throughout the Philippines. No provincial,

city or municipal authority shall enact or enforce any ordinance
or resolution specifying maximum allowable speeds other than
those provided by R.A 4136.

B. Lateral Placement. Lateral placement means the proper positioning

of the motor vehicle while traversing on a traffic way or while on
parked.

In the Philippines, unless a different course of action is required

in the interest of the safety and the security of life, person or
property, or because of unreasonable difficulty of operation in
compliance herewith, every person operating a motor vehicle or an
animal-drawn vehicle on a highway shall pass to the right when meeting
persons or vehicle going the same direction and when turning to the
left in going from one highway to another, every motor vehicle shall
be conducted to the right of the center of the intersection of the
highway.

For the pedestrians, they should walk on side streets to the left
facing the oncoming traffic.
On the other hand, motor vehicle should be parked only on
designated areas and so properly parked without encroaching the
parking stall or space of another vehicle.

1
3

Figure 1
 Proper positioning while traversing

Vehicle 1 and 2 are properly positions while vehicle 3 is

traversing dangerously at the separate lines.

1 2 3
Figure 2
Proper placement while on parallel parking

Vehicle 1 and 2 are properly parked, while 3 encroaches the parking

stall or space.

1 2 3

Figure 3
Proper placement while on vertical and diagonal park

Cars 1 and 2 are properly parked while 3 is wrongly parked and consuming
more space.
C. Overtaking and passing. In overtaking another vehicle, a driver
should pass at a safe distance to the left of the vehicle being
overtaken and shall resume driving on the right side of the road
after passing clear of the overtaken vehicle.

1 2
 Figure 4
General Rule on Overtaking Passing

Vehicle 1 can overtake vehicle 2 using the left lane.

1. Exception. On the highways with two or more lanes where traffic

goes in direction, another vehicle may be overtaken on the right.
See Figure 5.

4 5

1 2
2
 Figure 5
Over taking on a Four-lane Two-Way Street

Vehicle 1 can use the right lane (outer)in overtaking and passing
vehicle 2. Vehicle 2 should maintain speed. Vehicle 1 should not use the
other inner lane in overtaking. Above portion of the illustration shows
vehicle 5 attempting to overtake vehicle 4 using the shoulder which is
not only a violation of the rules but also dangerous because he might
hit something on the shoulder.

2. Driver to Give way to Overtaking Vehicle. The driver of a motor

vehicle about to be overtaken must give way to the overtaking
vehicle and shall not increase his speed until the overtaking has
fully passed by. (Sec. 40, R.A 4136)
3. Restrictions on Overtaking and Passing. to avoid accident or any
unusual incidents, overtaking and passing on the following places
are restricted (Sec. 41, R.A 4136)

a. To the left side of the center line of a highway in

overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction,
unless such left side is clearly visible, and is free of
oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit
safety overtaking. Refer also to figure 5.
b. When approaching a crest of a
grade, nor upon a curve of a
highway, where the drivers view
along the highway is obstructed
within a distance of five hundred
feet ahead, except on a highway
having two or more lanes for
movement of vehicle in one
direction.
c. At any railway grade crossing,
nor at any intersection controlled by traffic signal, or
traffic officer.
d. Between any position indicated by the placing temporary
caution signs indicating that men are working on highways.
e. In any “no overtaking zone.”

D. Right of way. This principle refers to the legal or customary

precedence (Priority in place or time) which allows one vehicle to
cross or path in front of another.

1. Rules on Right of way. Section 42-44 of R.A 4136 provides for

the rules on giving the right of way.
 a. In case of two vehicle
approaching or entering
an intersection at the
same time, the driver of
the vehicle on the left
shall yield the right of
way; however, the driver
of any vehicle travelling
at an unlawful speed
forfeit this right. See
figure 6.
Figure 6
First General Rule on Giving the Right of
Way
Vehicle 2 should yield the right of way to vehicle 1
because the latter is approaching the intersection from the
right.

b. In the case of a vehicle approaching but has not yet entered

the intersection, its driver shall yield the right of way to

vehicles already within such intersection or turning therein
to the left across the line of travel of the first mentioned
vehicle. See figure 7.
Figure 7
Second General Rule on Giving the Right of Way

Vehicle 2 should be given the right of way to cross the intersection

because it has already entered the intersection ahead of vehicle 1.

c. In case of a vehicle on a highway within a business or

residential district, its driver shall yield the right of
way to pedestrians crossing the highway within a crosswalk,
except at intersection where traffic is regulated by a peace
officer or a traffic signal. If there is no crosswalk,
pedestrians shall yield the right of way to vehicles on the
highways. See figure 8.
 Figure 8
Right of Way Rule on a Crosswalk

Vehicle 1 should give the right of way to pedestrians

crossing on the crosswalk across its path.

d. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall bring to full

stop such vehicle before traversing any “through highway” or
rail road crossing: Provided that when it is apparent that
no hazard exists, the vehicle may be slowed down to five
miles per hour instead of bringing it to a full stop. See
figure 9.

Figure 9
Right of Way Rule on “Through Highway” Intersections

Vehicle 2 should yield the right of way to vehicle 1

because the latter (V1) is traversing on a through
highway.

2. Exceptions to the Right of Way Rule. Right-of-way rules do not apply

in the case:

a. Of a vehicle entering from a private road or drive. The

right of way is in favor of all vehicles utilizing the
highway. See figure 10.
 Figure 10
Right of Way Rule on “Private Driveway” Intersections

Vehicle 1 should yield the right of way to vehicle 2

because the former (V1) is approaching from a private
driveway.

b. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the

right of way to police or fire department vehicles and
ambulance when such vehicles are operated on official
business and the drivers thereof sound audible signal
of their approach.
c. The driver of a vehicle entering a “through highway” or
as “Stop intersection” shall yield the right of way to
all vehicles approaching in their direction on such
through highway.
E. Starting, Stopping and Turning Rules. The driver of any motor
vehicle on a highway, before starting, stopping or turning from a
direct line, shall first see that such movement can be made safely;
and if any pedestrian is affected by such movement, he shall give a
clearly audible signal by sounding the vehicles horn.

1. When other motorists are affected. Whenever the operation of

any other approaching or following may be affected by such
movement, the driver making the movement shall give a signal
to the other driver/s of his intention to make such movement.

2. Hand signal. The required signal shall be given by means of

extending the hand or arm beyond the left side of the vehicle
or by an approved mechanical or electrical signal device. See
figures
11 to
13.

Figure 11
 Standard Hand Signal when Turning to the Left

Figure 12
Standard Hand Signal when Turning to the Right

Figure 13
Standard Hand Signal when About to Stop

3. Making a Right Turn (Normal Procedures). The following are

the rules to be observed in making a correct turning to the
right from a four-lane street to four-lane street.

1. Signal your intention to turn right with your turning

signal light or hand signal at least 100ft. before you
intend to make your turn.
2. Stay on the right lane of the road.
3. NEVER make a right turn from the left lane.
4. At an intersection with a red traffic light, make a right
turn ONLY after coming to a full stop to make sure that
no vehicle is coming from the left.
5. If there is a sign prohibiting a right turn unless the
light is GREEN, DO NOT turn right while the RED LIGHT is
ON.
 Figure 14
Making a Right Turn from a Four-lane Street to Four-Lane
Street

Vehicles 2 and 3 are doing the proper way of turning to

the right, whereas vehicle 1 is doing it the wrong way.

4. Making a Left Turn (Normal Procedures). Motor vehicles

intending to turn left from a four-lane street to four-lane
street should observe the following procedures:
1. Signal your intention to turn left with your turning
signal or hand signal at least 100ft before you intend to
make your turn.
2. Stay on the left lane of the road.
3. NEVER make a left from the right lane.
4. At an intersection with traffic light, vehicles going
STRAIGHT have the right way. Wait for them to pass first
before you turn left.
5. At an intersection with a traffic light, make a left turn
only when the green light is on or there is a left turn
light. See figure 15 for clearer illustration.

Figure 15
 Making a left Turn from a Four-lane Street to Four-Lane Street

Vehicle 1 is making a left turn the correct way, while vehicles 2

and 3 are doing it the wrong way.

5. Making a U-Turn on a Two-Lane Road (Normal Procedures).

Following is the recommended procedure in making a U-turn on
two-lane road. Following is the recommended procedure in
making a U-Turn on two-lane road. See figure 16.

1. Make a right turn signal at least 100ft before you start

moving to the right side of the road.
2. Stay as close to the right side as possible. Come a
complete stop if necessary. Check behind you for traffic.
Also check for oncoming traffic on the other lane.
3. Once all traffic has passed you, initiate your U-turn.
See to it that you can make it in one sweep. If you have
a long vehicle, look for an intersection or a wide
section of the road to make a U-turn in.
4. At this point, you should be making the U-turn IF you
know the turning radius of your vehicle.
5. Do not move immediately to the middle of the road. Keep
to the right side until you have increased your speed
sufficiently to move to the middle of the lane.

Figure 16
Making a U-Turn on a Two-Lane Road

6. Making U-Turn on a Four-Lane Highway. Following is the correct

procedure (refer to figure 17).

1. Check for traffic behind you and indicate your intentions

with a left turn signal. If no fast vehicles, stay on the
left lane.
2. Clear the “other-side” for oncoming traffic and initiate
your turn as soon as it is clear. Do not come to a
complete stop. Straighten out on the right lane and begin
gaining speed.
 3. As soon as you have reached a relatively safe speed
signal your intention to move to the fast lane with a
left turn signal.
4. Move to the fast lane as soon as you are fast enough to
hold up traffic moving in the same direction.

Figure 17
Making a U-Turn on a Four-Lane Highway

F. Pedestrians’ Right and Duties. Pedestrians have the right to occupy

or pass on spaces or portion of traffic way allocated for them like
crossing on pedestrian lanes and passing on sidewalks or catwalks.
In addition, pedestrians, as part of the traffic system, their
fundamental duty is to observe and obey all traffic rules and
regulations. Motorists should also know the rights of the
pedestrians so that they will not be using the portions of the
traffic way allocated for the pedestrian for parking purposes.
G. General Parking Rules and Similar Regulations. Motor vehicles
should park only on areas specifically designated for parking. All
accidents are not caused while vehicle are being driven. A parked
vehicle may create an accident, kill someone or destroy a property.
Before leaving your vehicle, set the brakes, put the gear in low or
reverse or park position and remove the key. This will prevent your
car from rolling down an incline and will also prevent cars from
pushing your car.

1. Parking on Cities. In cities and towns, unless otherwise

directed by a city or municipal ordinance, motor vehicles
will be parked parallel and within 12 inches of the curb.
For additional pre-caution while parking, observe the
following:
a. Downhill with or without curb. Turn wheels to the
right
b. Uphill with curb. Turn wheels from the curb. (to
left)
c. Uphill without curb. Turn wheels to curb.
2. Parking on a Highway. On rural roads, pull entirely off
pavement to park. Whenever practicable, turn on your
parking lights.

3. Parking Prohibited on Specified Places. No driver shall

park a vehicle, or permit it to stand, whether attended
or unattended, upon a highway in any of the following
places and at any places where official signs have been
erected prohibiting parking.