TRAFFIC LAWS RULES AND REGULATIONS

The standards of regulating movements on roads, streets and highways are found in traffic laws, rules
and regulations.
In the Philippines, the means of traffic laws, rules and regulations have their source in laws, Presidential
Decrees (P.D.s), Executive Orders (E,O,s), Letters of Instructions (L,O.Is), Administrative Orders and
Implementing Memoranda and other Special Laws relative to the traffic operation and traffic Law
Enforcer, it is essential that you should be familiar when these rules and regulations.
In addition, traffic signs, pavements markings, and other control devices and traffic law themselves.
Violations of such constitute misdemeanor or infraction of law.
SOURCES. The following are the basis for the traffic regulations and prohibitions in the country:

1. Republic Acts (R.A.s)

A.) RA 4136. this is the basic law regulating land transportation in the Philippines. Its has repealed Act
No. 3992 (The Revised Motor Vehicle Law), Further, as amended by R.A Nos. 5715,6374,PD Nos.
382, 896, 1057, 1934, 1950, 1958, BP Blg. 43,74 and 398.
B.) R.A 6539. The Act which is known as the “Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972”
C.) R.A.5448. Act imposing a tax on privately owned passenger automobiles, motorcycles and
scooters, and a science stamp tax, to constitute a special science fund defining the programs, projects
and activities of science agencies to be financed therefore and for other purposes.
D.) R.A 8749. Also known as the “Clean Air Act” which regulations or omission of toxic gases of both
gasoline and diesel engines and cars the use of leaded gas for gasoline engine.
E.) R.A 8750. It provides for the attachment of seat belts for any types of motor vehicles and imposes
penalty for the roads compliance thereof.
F.) R.A 7924. The act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, defining its powers and
functions providing funds therefore and for other purposes.

2. Presidential Decrees (P.D.s)

a. P.D No.96. Regulating the use of sirens, bells, horns, etc. by prohibiting the attachment of any
siren, horn bell, etc. or motor vehicles which produce unusual or starting sounds as well as
blinkers and other similar devices unless the vehicle belongs to the AFP,NBI,LTO,PNP,BJMP,
Hospitals and Fire Departments and are specifically intended for use in emergencies.
b. P.D No. 101. Expanding the methods of prescribes redefining or modifying the lines and modes
of operations of public utility motor vehicles in the Philippines.
c. P.D No. 207. Declaring as part of the laws of the Philippines the Vienna Convention on Road
Traffic, Signs and Signals.
d. D. P.D No. 612. Requiring compulsory insurance for all types of motor vehicles against third
party liability as an additional per requisite for registration by the LTO.
e. E.P.D 1686. Imposing a tax on every motor vehicle equipped with air conditioner.
f. F.P.D 1181. Providing for the abatement of air pollution for motor vehicles and for other
purposes.
g. G.P.D 1605. Granting the Metropolitan Manila Commission certain powers related to traffic,
management and control the Metropolitan Manila providing penalties, and for other purposes.
h. H.P.D 98. Regulating the issuance of license plates of all motor vehicles.
i. I. P.D 109. Modifying P.D 98.
j. J.P.D. 1729. Authenticating the Bureau of Land Transportation No Dispose of impounded motor
vehicles unclaimed by drivers for a certain period of time.
k. KP.D 1730. Declaring the syndicated printing, manufacture, distribution, possession, or use of
fake official Bureau of Land Transportation forms, documents, plates and stickers as offenses
involving economic sabotage.

Letters of Instruction (L.O.I.s)

 a. L.O.I No.43. Providing for the removal of all impediments on roads, streets, and highways such
as constructions, stalled or parked vehicles and other movable property that construct free
passage. This LOI abrogated city or municipal ordinances governing the disposition of traffic on
city and municipal streets throughout the country.
b. L.O.I No. 112. Prohibiting freight and cargo truck from using roads, highways, and bridges,
whose load capacities are in excess of specific allowable limits.
c. L.O.I No. 229. Requiring all motor vehicle owners, users or drivers to have in their possession
at all times while driving at least one (1) pair of early warning device (EWD) for use when the
vehicles is disabled on roads, streets, and highways or other emergencies compelling the
vehicle to be on stop position.
d. L.O.I No. 716. Every motor vehicle to equip at least a pair of early warning device.
e. L.O.I No. 551. Directing the law enforcement agencies to implement the Pollution Control
Program.
f. L.O.I 853. Calling for the National Tripartite Conference to consider the establishment of viable
labor-management relations based upon the “boundary” system in the land transportation.
g. L.O.I 1009. All owners of private motor vehicles who desire to stop operating or using their
number plates and registration certificates to surrender to BLT.
h. L.O.I 1071. Owners and/or operators of motor vehicles are authorized to pay the annual
premiums for the insurance of their motor annual premium for the insurance of their motor
vehicles on quarterly basis.

4. Department Orders (D.O.s)

a. DOTC D.O 88-305. Rules of Pleadings, practice and procedure for appeals on franchising, fare
rates charges and others related matters pertinent to Land Transportation Public Utilities.
b. D.O 93-693. Revised Schedule of Administrative Fees and charges of the Land Transportation
Office.
5. Administrative and Special Orders
a. Administrative Order No. VIII, S-1968, LTC. Requiring the towing and impounding of stalled
motor vehicles on public highways and imposition of corresponding fees thereof.
b. Administrative Order No. 1. S-1973, LTC. Prescribing guidelines and procedures in the
implementation of PD No. 96.
c. Administrative Order No. 1 S-1975, LTC, Laying down specific rules of action in the imposition
of uniform fines and penalties for violation of the provisions of RA 4136.
d. Special Order No. 101-IRM, LTC. Enumerating and identifying various city streets where
parking is prohibited.

6. Memorandum Circulars
a. LTC Memorandum to All Patrol Officers, Deputies and Agency dtd 09 August 1975.
Directing that motor vehicles whose loads are rice, cereals, fertilizers and other prime
commodities are not be apprehended and stopped on roads and highways except or in cases
of serious violations.
b. LTC Memorandum Circular No.33, dated 12 September 1975 Providing guidelines in the
apprehension of illegally parked most vehicles.
c. LTC Circular No. 15, dated 19 January 1972. Regulating and laying instructions in the use of
Special Commemorative Motor Vehicle Plates.
d. M.C 94-199. Aide-memoir regarding retention and authorized by LTO to register motorized
tricycles under R.A 4136, and guidelines to implement devolution of LTFRB Franchising
Authority Over TC’s per R.A 7160 issued by DOTC.
e. M.C 94-188. Issuance of driver’s license to disabled persons.
f. M.C 92-146. Re-implementation of LOI 229, as amended by LOI 479 directing the installation of
early warning devices of motor vehicles.
g. M.C 94-192. Diesel smoke emission test for motor vehicles.
 h. M.C 90-020. Directing all public land transportation service operators and drivers to display in
any conspicuous place of their vehicles the authorized fare matrix for the specific route granted
them to avoid conflict.
i. M.C 94-011. Enjoining all public utility operators to use garage instead of public places or side
streets in parking their violations of their drivers.
j. M.C 94-002. Sanctions on operators arising from the violations of their drivers.
k. M.C 94-209. Clarificatory guidelines for the registration/operation of new private vehicles
particularly in the use of conduction sticker.
7. Executive Orders (E.O.s)
a. E.O 125. Reorganizing the DOTC, defining its powers and functions and for other purposes.
b. E.O . 266. Providing for two service units in the Office of the Asst. Sec. for Land Transportation
in the DOTC (Law enforcement Service –LES and Traffic Adjudication Service- TAS) , defining
the powers and functions thereof and for other purposes.
c. E.O. 202. Creating the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
d. E.O 248. Empowering the Land Transportation Commission to control and supervise the
operations of motor vehicle driving schools.
8. Other Special Laws, Statutes, etc.
a. Batas Pambansa Blg. 344. Act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain
buildings institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices.
b. Memorandum Unnumbered Dated July 13, 1992. Early Warning Device (EWD) not a
requirement for registration.
c. SC Bars Lawmen from Removing Car Plates (187 SCRA 432).
 IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF RA 4136
Concept
A. Words and Phrases Used in R.A. 4136. As under 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 excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinklers, lawn mowers,
bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian trucks, and cranes if not used on 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 or 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 motorcycles), coupe,
landaulet, closed car, limousine, cabriolet, and sedan.
Motor vehicles with changed or rebuilt bodies, such as jeepneys, jitneys, or station wagons, using a
chassis of the usual pneumatic-tire passenger automobile type, shall also be classified as passenger
automobile, if their net allowable carrying capacity, as determined by the Commissioner of Land
Transportation, does not exceed nine passengers and if they are not used primarily for carrying freight
or merchandise.
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 “truck”:
And Provided, further, That a “truck with seating compartments at the back not used for hire shall be
registered under special “S” classifications. In case of dispute, the Commissioner of Land
Transportation shall determine the classification to which any special type of motor vehicle belongs.

3. Articulated vehicle. Shall mean any motor vehicle with a trailer having no front axle and so attached
that part of the trailer rests upon motor vehicle and a substantial part of the weight of the trailer and of
its load is borne by the motor vehicle. Such a trailer shall be called as “semi-trailer.

4. Driver. Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor vehicle.

5. Professional driver. Shall mean every and any driver hired or paid for driving or operating a motor
vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public.

6. Owner. Shall mean the actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name such vehicle is duly
registered with the Land Transportation Commission.

The “owner” of a government-owned motor vehicle is the head of the office or the chief of the Bureau
to which the said motor vehicle belongs.

7. Dealer. mean every person, association, partnership, or Shall corporation making, manufacturing,
constructing, assembling, remodeling, rebuilding, or setting up motor vehicles; and every such entity
acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes, styles, or kinds of motor vehicles, dealing in motor
vehicles, keeping the same in stock or selling same or handling with a view to trading same.

8. Garage. Shall mean any building in which two or more motor vehicles, 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 business.
9. Gross weight. Shall mean the measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum allowable
carrying capacity in merchandise, freight and/or passenger, as determined by the Commissioner of
Land Transportation.

10. Highways. Shall mean every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley
and Callejon, but shall not include roadway upon grounds owned by private persons, colleges,
universities, or other similar institutions.

11. The Commissioner of Land Transportation or his deputies. Shall mean the actual or acting
chief of the Land Transportation Commission or such representatives, deputies, or assistants as he
may, with the approval of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications, appoint or designate in
writing for the purpose contemplated by this Act.

12. Parking or parked. For the purposes of this Act, 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 a highway, and remains
inactive in that place or close thereto for an appreciable period of time. A motor vehicle which properly
stops merely to discharge a passenger or to take in a waiting passenger, or to load or unload a small
quantity of freight with reasonable dispatch shall not be considered as “parked”, if the motor vehicle
again moves away without delay.

13. Tourist. Shall mean a foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure or culture.

B. Selected Provions of R.A. 4136

1. Exceeding Registered Capacity (Overloading). Passengers, freight or cargo load of a motor
vehicle should not be more than its registered carrying capacity. Conductors of public utility trucks or
buses are held liable for the overloading of vehicles under their charge.
All passenger automobile 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 5cms. In height.
Motor trucks for passenger of freight, private or for hire, shall have the registered passenger or freight
gross and net weight capacities marked plainly and conspicuously in the sides thereof in letters and
numerals not less than 5cms.in height (sec. 33).

2. Cargo Carrying Devices. The construction of devices for carrying cargo at the rear of sides of
trucks may be allowed, subject to the approval of the Commissioner, but the total net weight of the
device, including cargo, must not exceed 100 kilos (Sec. 32,a).

3. Riding on Running Board. It is strictly prohibited, except for conductors collecting passenger fare
(Sec. 32,c).

4. Riding on Top of the Motor Vehicle. Passenger 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 a way as not to endanger passengers or
the vehicles stability (Sec 32,b).

5. Required Motor Vehicle Accessories. Every motor vehicles when operated on a traffic way
should have the following specified accessories:
A. Tires. Motor vehicles having metallic tires are prohibited form operating on any public highway.
If the tires are solid, it should be thick enough to present the metal rims from touching the road
(Sec. 34).
B. Brake. Every motor vehicle with four of more wheels shall be provided with dual hydraulic
brake system so that in line failure affecting the braking efficiency case of hydraulic line any of the
four wheels at least either the front or rear wheels shall retain normal braking capabilities.
 • C. Horns. Every motor vehicle shall be provided with a horn or signaling device in good order.
Provided, however, that no horn or signaling device in emitting exceptionally loud, startling, or
disagreeable sound shall be installed or used on any motor vehicle.
• D. Headlight. The vehicle should have 2 headlights, one on each side, which must be dimmed
when meeting another vehicle.
• E. Tail Lights. Tail Lights are red lights on the back of a vehicle. They area turned on
whenever the head lights are on. When stopping, the tail lights have a bright red appearance
compared to a dimmer red appearance when the vehicle in motion.
• F. Stop Light. The Stoplight is an interactive and challenging shot. Okay, it’s actually a line-up
of three vodka shots flavored with colorful fruits. The best part is that it’s flavorful medley of
fruits (cranberry, orange & melon) with a little vodka for good measure.
• G. Windshield Wiper. Wiper arms are controlled by ‘wiper transmissions’, intricate linkages
that translate the unidirectional rotation of a motor into back and forth motion of wiper arms,
which have rubber blades attached.
• H. Use of Red Flag. Red flag. Warning is a signal of high wildfire danger and a red flag on the
beach warns of dangerous water conditions (double red flags).
• I. Mufflers. Mufflers are used mainly to dissipate the loud sounds created by the engine’s
pistons and valves. Every time your exhaust valve opens, a large burst of burnt gasses used

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

a. Hanging on to or riding on the outside or rear end of an 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 or at the rear end of the
vehicle (Sec. 51.).

7. Driving While under the Influence of Liquor or other Prohibited drugs. It is absolutely prohibited
to operate any motor vehicle under the influences of liquor or other prohibited drugs (Sec. 53.).

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 (Sec. 54.).

9. Duties of Driver in Case of Accident. In the event that any accident should occur as a result of
the operation of a 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 persons.
e. Take measures to protect belongings of passengers.
f. Report the accident (Sec. 55).

10. When could a driver leave the area of accident without being held liable for HIT-AND-RUN?
a. His life is in imminent danger of being harmed by other person’s by person of the
accident;
b. He surrenders to proper authority; and
c. He summons the assistance of a physician or nurse to aid the victim.