Traffic laws, rules and regulations and

 -the mass of the 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 traffic operation and traffic law
enforcement. As a traffic law enforcer, it is
essential that you should be familiar with
these rules and regulations.

 R.A 4136. This is the basic law regulating land
transportation in the Philippines. It has repealed Act no.
3992. Further, as amended by R.A Nos. 5715, 6374, PD
Nos. 382, 843, 896, 1057, 1934,1950, 1958, BP Blg. 43, 74
and 398.
 R.A 6539. The act which is known as the “Anti
Carnapping Act of 1972”, the act preventing and
penalizing carnapping.
 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 there from and for
other purposes.

 R.A 8749. Also known as the “Clean Air act” which
regulates emission of toxic gases of both gasoline and
diesel engines and bans the use of leaded gas for
gasoline engines.
 R.A 8750. It provides for the attachment of seat
belts for all types of motor vehicles and imposes
penalty for the non-compliance thereof.
 R.A 7924. The Act creating the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority, defining its powers and
functions, providing funds therefor and for other
purposes.

 P.D No. 96. Regulating the use of sirens, bells, horns,
etc.,, by prohibiting the attachment of any siren, horn
bell, etc. on motor vehicles which produce unusual or
startling 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.
 P.D No. 101. Expediting the methods of prescribing,
redefining or modifying the lines and modes of
operations of public utility motor vehicles in the
Philippines.
 P.D No. 207. Declaring as part of the laws of the
Philippines the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Signs
and Signals.

 P.D No.612. Requiring compulsory insurance for all
types of vehicles against third party liability as an
additional pre-requisite for registration by the LTO.
 P.D 1686. Imposing a tax on every motor vehicle
equipped with air conditioner.
 P.D 1181. Providing for the abatement of air
pollution from motor vehicles and for other
purposes.
 P.D 1605. Granting the Metropolitan Manila
Commission certain powers related to traffic
management and control in Metropolitan Manila
providing penalties, and for other purposes.
 P.D 98. Regulating the insurance of license plates
of all motor vehicles.
 P.D 109. Modifying P.D 98.

 P.D 1729. Authorizing the Bureau of Land Transportation
to dispose of impounded motor vehicles unclaimed by
owners for a certain period of time.
 P.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.

 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 obstruct free passage. This LOI
abrogated city or municipal ordinances governing
the disposition of traffic on city and municipals streets
throughout the country.
 L.O.I No. 112. Prohibiting freight and cargo trucks from
using roads, highways and bridges whose load
capacities are in excess of specific allowable limits.
 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 vehicle is disabled on
roads, streets and highways or other emergencies
compelling the vehicle to be on stop position.

 L.O.I No. 716. Every motor vehicle to equip at least a
pair of early warning device.
 L.O.I. 551. Directing the law enforcement agencies to
implement the pollution Control Program.
 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 land transportation.
 L.O.I 1009. All owners of private motor vehicles who
desire to stop operating or using their numbers plates
and registration certificates to surrender to BLT.

 L.O.I 1071. Owners and/or operators of motor vehicles
are authorized to pay the annual premiums for the
insurance of their motors vehicles on quarterly basis.

 DOTC D.O.88-305. Rules of pleadings,
practice and procedure for appeals on
franchising, fare rates charges and other
related matters pertinent to land
Transportation Public Utilities.
 D.O. 93-693. Revised Schedule of
Administrative Fees and charges of the
Land Transportation Office.

 Administrative Order No. VIII, S-1968, LTC. Requiring
the towing and impounding of stalled motor vehicles
on public highways and the imposition of
corresponding fees thereof.
 Administrative Order No. 1, S-1973, LTC. Prescribing
guidelines and procedure in implementation of PD
No. 96.
 Administrative Order No. 1, S-1975, LTC. Laying down
the specific rules and action in the imposition of
uniform fines and penalties for violations of the
provision of R.A.4136.
 Special Order No. 101-IRM, LTC. Enumerating and
identifying various city streets where parking is
prohibited.

› LTC Memorandum to All Patrol Officers. Deputies and
Agents – dtd 09 august 1975. Directing that motor
vehicles whose loads are rice, cereals, fertilizers and
other prime commodities are not to be apprehended
and stop on roads and highways except only in
cases of serious violations.
› LTC Memorandum Circular No. 33. Dated 12
September 1972. Providing guidelines in the
apprehension of illegally parked motor vehicles.
› LTC Circular No. 15, dated 19 January 1972.
Regulating and laying instructions in the use of
Special Commemorative Motor Vehicle Plates.
› M.C 94-199. Aide-memoir regarding retention and
authority by LTO to regular motorized tricycles under
R.A 4136, and guidelines to implement devolution of
LTFRB’s Franchising Authority over TC’s per R.A 7160
issued by DOTC.

› M.C 94-188. Issuance of driver’s license to disabled
persons.
› M.C. 92-146. Re-implementation of LOI 229, as
amended by LOI 479 directing the installation of
early warning devices of motor vehicles.
› M.C. 94-192. Diesel smoke emission test for motor
vehicles.
› 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.
› M.C. 93-011. Enjoining all public utility operators to
use garage instead of public places or side streets in
parking their vehicles.
› M.C 94-002. Sanctions on operators arising from the
violations of their drivers.
› M.C. 94-209. Clarificatory guidelines for the
registration/operation of new private vehicles
particularly in the use of conduction sticker.

› E.O 125. Reorganizing the DOTC, defining its
powers and functions and for other purposes.
› 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.
› E.O. 202. Creating the Land Transportation
Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
› E.O. 248. Empowering the Land Transportation
Commission to control and supervise the
operations of motor vehicle driving schools.

› Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (B.P. 344). Act to
enhance the mobility of disabled persons
by requiring certain buildings, institutions,
establishments and public utilities to
install facilities and other devices.
› Memorandum Unnumbered Dated July
13, 1992. Early Warning Device (EWD) not
a requirement for registration.
› SC BarsLawmen from Removing Car
Plates (187 SCRA 432).

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, sprinkles, lawn
mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts,
amphibian trucks, and cranes if not in used in
public highways, and traction engines of all
kinds used exclusively for agricultural
purposes.

 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.
 Articulated Vehicle.
 Shall mean any motor vehicle with a trailer having
no front axle and so attached that part of the trailer
rests 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.”

 Driver.
 Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor
vehicle.
 Professional Driver.
 Every and any driver hired for driving or operating a
motor vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the
public. Any driver driving his own motor vehicle for hire
is a professional driver.
 Owner.
 The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose
name such vehicle is duly registered with the LTO.
 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, keeping the same in stock or selling same or
handling with a view to trading same.

Gross Weight.
 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 the LTO.
Highways.
 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.
Parking or Parked.
 Shall mean that the 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
closed thereto for an appreciable period of time.
Tourist.
 A foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure
culture.

 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.
 Cargo Carrying Devices.
 The construction of devices for carrying cargo at
the rear or 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.

 Riding on Running Board.
 It is strictly prohibited, except for conductors
collecting passengers fare.
 Riding on the 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
a way as not to endanger passengers or vehicles
stability.

 Required Motor Accessories.
 Every motor vehicles when operated on a traffic
way should have the following specified
accessories:
 Tires- Motor vehicles having metallic tires
are prohibited from operating on any
public highway. If the tires are solid, it
should be thick enough to present the
metal rims from touching the roads.
 Brake- Every motor vehicle with four (4)
or more wheels shall be provided with dual
hydraulic brake system so that in case of
hydraulic line failure affecting the braking
efficiency of any of the four (4) wheels at
least either the front or rear wheels shall
retain normal braking capabilities.

 Horns- Every motor vehicle shall be provided
with a horn or signaling device in good order.
Provided, however, that no horn or signaling
device emitting exceptionally loud, startling,
or disagreeable sound shall be installed or
used on any motor vehicle.
 Headlight- The vehicle should have two (2)
headlights, one on each side, which must be
dimmed when meeting another vehicle.
 Tail Lights- installed at the rear portion of the
vehicle, this should be visible at least 100
meters away.
 Stop Lights- installed also at the vehicle’s
rear.

 Red lights are prohibited at the forward portion of the
vehicle. Motorcycles must have one head lamp and
one tail lights. Lights should be put on when vehicle is
parked or disabled. Appropriate parking lights or flares
are required for vehicles when parked or disabled in
such a way as not to endanger passing traffic.
 Windshield Wiper. Every motor vehicle shall be
equipped mechanically or electrically
operated device for wiping off raindrops or
other moisture from its windshield.
 Use of Red Flag- Whenever the load of any
vehicle extends more than one (1) meter
beyond the bed or body thereof, there shall be
displayed at every projecting and of such load,
a red flag not less than 30 cms. Both in length
and width, except that during the hours fixed
under sub- section, there shall be displayed, in
lieu of the red flag, red lights visible at least 50
meters away.

 Mufflers- Every motor vehicle propelled by an internal
combustion engine shall be equipped with a muffler, and
whenever said motor vehicle passes through a street of any
city, municipality, or thickly populated district or barrio, the
muffler shall not be cut out or disconnected. No motor vehicle
shall be operated in such a manner as to cause it to emit or
make any unnecessary or disagreeable odor, smoke or
noise.

 Hitching on to a Vehicle. The following practices
are prohibited :
 Hanging on- to or riding on the outside or rear
end any vehicle.
 Holding on- to any moving vehicle whether on
foot or otherwise.
 Driver allowing any person to hang on or ride
outside of or at the rear end of the vehicle.

 Driving while under the influence of liquor or
other prohibited drugs.
> It is absolutely prohibited to operate any motor
vehicle under the influence of liquor or other prohibited
drugs.
 Obstruction of Traffic.
 Obstruction of traffic by operating a motor vehicle in
such a manner as to obstruct, block, or impede the
passage another vehicle is prohibited. This prohibition
applies even when discharging or loading passengers.

 Duties of Driving 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 :
 Stop immediately.
 Show his driver’s license to inspecting traffic law
enforcer.
 Give his true name and address, including that of
the owner of the vehicle.
 Assist injured persons.
 Take measures to protect belongings of passengers.
 Report the accident.

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

 R.A. 4136 mandates that all motor vehicles shall be
registered by its owner before the designated District
Offices of the Land Transportation Office. Law
enforcement officers 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.
 On the other hand, motor vehicle owners as well as
drivers should be aware of the provisions on motor
vehicle registration to avoid unnecessary delays and
penalties whenever registration-related
apprehensions occur.

Classification of registered Motor Vehicles.
 Private (not for hire) - These are motor vehicles
use for the personal use of their owners.
 Public Utility Vehicle (for hire)- These are
registered primarily for the conveyance of
passengers and other commercial goods.
 Government- These are the motor vehicles owned
by the government offices and is used for official use
purposes only.
 Diplomat – These are issued to foreign diplomats
and consuls assigned in the Philippines.

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 registrations and purpose of the
registered motor vehicle.
 Green with white background – Issued to private or
not for hire motor vehicles.
 Black with yellow background – Issued to PUVs.
 Red (maroon) with white background – Issued to
government owned MVs.
 Blue with white background – Assigned for foreign
diplomats, consuls, and other foreign dignitaries.
 Commemorative plate - These special plate numbers
are issued for specific purposes such as fund-raising
for government projects and programs.

Last Digit of Plate
Number
Middle Digit of Plate
Numbers
Weekly Deadline
(working days of the
month only)
1. Jan
2. Feb
3. Mar
4. Apr
5. May
6. Jun
7. Jul
8. Aug
9. Sep
10. Oct
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8
9 0
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8 9 10 11 12 13 14
15 16 17 18 19 20 21
22 23 24 25 26 27 28
29 30 31
•Schedule of Registration – Registration of motor
vehicles should be done annually which follows the
numerical suffixes of their plate numbers.
Note: Vehicles must be registered one month in advance of
weekly deadlines. For motorcycles, used the 3rd digit.
Example; Plate Number – TNG 984
The above motor vehicles shall be registered in April every
year because the last digit is “4” and the day of registration
falls in April 15-21 since the middle digit is “8”.

Letters Prefixes on Plate Numbers. The letter prefixes
indicates:
 Place of initial registration of the motor vehicle;
 Year if initial registration and the possible year model
of the registered motor vehicle could be determined
from the order of the letter prefixes, i.e., the higher the
letters the later the year of registration and year
model of the motor vehicle.
Example: Vehicle 1 = PLT 255 Vehicle 2 – TNU 636
Special Plate Numbers for Government Officials
 Between the above motor vehicles, Vehicle 1 was
registered earlier than Vehicle 2 and possibly,
Vehicle 2’s model is later than Vehicle 2.
 President of the Philippines
 Vice President of the Philippines
 Senate President, etc.

 Driving a motor vehicle in the Philippines
as in other countries is NOT a right but a
privilege granted by the Philippine
Government through the LTO based on
Republic Act 4136 and Batas Pambansa
Blg. 398. 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. It is also a public document which has
the legal presumption of genuineness.

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 a
drive for the current year. To be effective 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.
Confiscation of Driver’s license.
 Sec.29 of R.A 4136 mandates that a driver’s license may
be confiscated for violations of R.A 4136, the rules and
regulations issued by the commissioner and 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 be continue to
operate his vehicle. Failure to settle the case within 15
days will cause suspension or revocation of the license.

 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 the form of the
following licenses:

International Driver’s License.
 Bonafide tourist and transients 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. The
applicant must submit the following
requirements:

 The original foreign license plus a photo copy of the
same license.
 In the event that the foreign license is written in the
language of the license holder other than ENGLISH, a
translation of the contents of the license into ENGLISH
from the embassy from which license was issued.
 In the event that the applicant applies for a license or if
his foreign license is expired at the time that the
application is filed, the applicant will have to undergo
both a WRITTEN EXAMINATION AND AN ACTUAL ROAD
TEST.
 An application form filled by the applicants.

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 words “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 a privately-owned motor vehicle.

Professional Driver’s License.
 This licensed 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.
 The change of status from non-professional driver’s
license does not require the holder to submit to other
test or examinations. The distinctive features of the
holder of professional driver’s license are the privilege
to make driving a means of livelihood.
 Restriction - the type of category of authorized to
drive is indicated on the face of the license.
 Validity- The license is valid for 3 birth years of
succeeding year and automatically expires if not
renewed on due date.

Non-professional Driver’s License.
 This kind of license is issued owned of privately-owned motor
vehicles or those not for hire or paid for driving.
 There are two kinds of applicants for no-professional driver’s
license: holder of student permit for 4-5 months and, the
applicant for the renewal of the expired non-professional
driver’s license.
Student Driver’s License.
 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.
 The submission by the applicant of the birth certificate, 3-
copies of ID picture, payment receipt for the corresponding
fees and having met the entire basic requirements for the
issuance or student permit. It is at this stage, where novice
drivers learn the rudiments of driving, the essential
components of motor skill and control of vehicles. Under
existing provision of law, the validity of a student permit is one
(1) year, but after four (4) months and the holder’s
competency is proven beyond question. He is eligible to
apply non-professional driver’s license.

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