REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

CAGAYAN STATE UNIVERSITY

CARIG CAMPUS

Carig Sur, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan

TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT and ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION with DRIVING

HISTORY OF LAND TRANSPORTATION

Man’s need to travel dates back as early as the creation of human beings. Biblical passages alleged that
when Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the forbidden three, they were sent out by God from Paradise of
Eden. Since then, the human race expanded and our ancestors constantly move from one place to
another to enable them to survive and others for various reasons. Soon others became nomadic. They
constantly migrate from one place to another according to their detailed knowledge of exploitable
resources.

The term “NOMAD” comes from the Greek word “to pasture” was originally used to refer to
pastoralists-groups that migrate in an established pattern to find pasture lands for their domestic
livestock.

ANCIENT MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

A. MANPOWER- early man, who had no domesticated animals, carried his own burdens. More so
today, manpower is important transportation in many parts
of the world.

a. Carrying Pole – In China and other parts of the Far East, the
carrying pole, balanced on one shoulder is a popular
carrying device. On
islands of the Pacific,
the ends of the pole
are supported by two
men, with goods
suspended from the
pole in between.

b. Back Load and

Tumpline- In many parts of the world, goods are carried on
the back. In Subtemala, pots are carried on a wooden
framework supported by a tumpline across the forehead.
In the Andes, the load is held on the back by a strap
passing over the chest.

c. Sledge on runners – - A simple sledge, probably man-drawn, was in use at the end of
the Old Stone Age in northern
Europe, as evidenced by
fragments of wooden runners
which survived.

d. Sledge on Rollers - The moving of

heavy burdens was to place them on
sledge which rested on a series of rollers.

E. Travois- The travois, as the pole arrangement called

serves as a platform on which the burdens are placed.
 B. ANIMAL POWER. The domestication of
animals greatly increased the potential power
available for transportation. Pack animals were
introduced as conveyances mainly to served
labor:

a. Ox – Cattle, which were first

domesticated in Mesopotamia, were used
as draft animals to draw war chariots.

b. Dog – The first animal domesticated, is too slight to

carry heavy loads on dog’s backs, and piled goods
on a travois which the dogs dragged.

c. Donkey- The donkey or ass, first domesticated in the

Middle East. The donkey is still the chief beast of
burden among the farmers of the Near East, the
Mediterranean Area and Mexico, where it was introduced from Spain.

d. Llama – In pre-Columbian America, the Llama was the only new world animal other than
the dog capable of domestication for use in transportation.

e. Elephant –In India, elephants were formerly used in war and are still employed to some
extent for ceremonial processions and big game hunting. In Burma and Thailand, these
huge animals are widely used in the lumber industry.

f. Horse – Around 2,000 B.C., horse drawn chariots appeared in southwest Asia and 1,000
years later, German tribes who invaded Europe and to the Central Asian conqueror
Genghis Khan used Horse.

g. Camel- There are two kinds of Camel, the two-humped Bactrian camel of Central Asia and
the one-humped dromedaries of Arabia have long been used for transport.

h. Yak – A long-haired type of cattle that lives at high altitudes on the Tibetan plateau and
Mount Everest.

i. Reindeer- The first animal domesticated in Siberia in the beginning of Christian era.

C. WIND POWER – man realized the energy from the mass of moving air and learned to utilize such
powers to lift rather than to drag.

a. Da Vinci’s Ornithopter- The great renaissance artist, scientist and engineer, one who made study
of the flight of the birds.

- The ornithopter is a flying machine designed to emulate birds by generating lift through the
flapping motion of its wings.

b. Montgolfier Balloon- The Montgolfier brothers of France Joseph Michel and Jacques Entienne
have successfully released several balloons. Balloons were constructed and made out of linen and
inflated with hot air traveled 9,000 yards and remained in the air for 20 minutes.
 c. Lilienthal Glider- Otto, Lilienthal, was a German inventor who also made a study of the flight of
birds and experimented with ornithopters. So in 1891, he made the first of number of a glider
flights which were to exert profound influence on the development of aviation.

d. Santos Dumont’s Airship- Alberto Santos Dumont, a

Brazilian inventor who designed a lighter than air-
craft balloon called airship.

e. Wright Brothers Flying Machine- Orville and

Wilbur Wright began studying the problems
of heavier that air flight. They built biplane
kite then over 200 different wings types which
they tested in a wind tunnel of their
invention. By 1909, airplanes became
sufficiently accepted to justify the beginning of
commercial manufacturing of this machine.

WHEELED VEHICLES and ROAD HISTORY

The following are some of the inventions and innovations and important events that lead to modern land
transportation:

 WHEEL - was invented probably in Western Asia. As wheel was perfected, crude carts and wagons
began to appear in Tigris-Euphrates Valley about 3500 years B.C., and later in Crete, Egypt and China.

 The wheel was one of man’s great inventions. It enabled him to transport burdens
beyond the power of man or animals to carry or drag, and permitted much greater
facility of movements than the simple sledge on rollers which had to be continually
picked up and moved by hands as the sledge is advanced.

The following were some of the earliest types of wheels carts:

 Solid wheels on fixed axle – this

ancient cart represent an early step in
the evolution of wheeled vehicles. Its
solid wheels, which were made of a
single piece of wood, rotated on single
axle.

 Sumerian chariot with flank wheels –

this chariot, of about 2400 B.C., had
solid wheels built up of three pieces,
and so was more durable than the
one-piece wheel.

 Greek quadrica with spoked wheels-

drawn by four horses, was a light and
elegant vehicle for gentleman about
250 B.C. it had spoked wheels and axles
 of irons or bronze, handles for aid in mounting, and seat formed by a board placed
across the handles.

 Roman carpentum wheels – a

closed, two-wheeled cart, was the
favored vehicle when Roman
women journeyed outside the city.

SOME PERSONALITIES:

 John Loudon McAdam (born Sept. 21, 1756, Ayr, Ayrshire,

Scot.—died Nov. 26, 1836, Moffat, Dumfriesshire) was a
Scottish inventor of the macadam road surface.

 Known as the road builder of England, he perfected the

macadamized road England about 1815.

 It is made up
of crushed stone is
placed in shallow, convex layers and compacted
thoroughly.

John Boyd Dunlop (born Feb. 5, 1840, Dreghorn, Ayrshire, Scot.—

died Oct. 23, 1921, Dublin) was an inventor who developed
the pneumatic rubber tire. In 1867 he settled in Belfast as a
veterinary surgeon. In 1887 he constructed there a pneumatic tire
for his son’s tricycle.

The Birth of the Automobile (Late 19th Century)

 Internal Combustion Engine (mid to late 19th century): The internal combustion engine,
powered by gasoline or diesel, revolutionized
transportation.

Karl Benz is credited with

inventing the first true
automobile in 1885-1886,

.
 The Benz Patent-Motorwagen

 Rudolf Diesel was a German inventor and

mechanical engineer best known for developing the
diesel engine. Born on March 18, 1858, in Paris,
France, Diesel was a key figure in the history of
internal combustion engines.

 Mass Production (early 20th

century): Henry Ford’s
introduction of
assembly line
production in 1913
made cars affordable
for the masses.

 The
Model T, produced from 1908 to 1927, became
the first car accessible to a large segment of the
population.

FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

Important terms to remember:

 TRAFFIC – It refers to the movement of persons, goods, or vehicles, either powered by combustion
or animal drawn, from one place to another for the purpose of travel

- (Early 16 th century. Via obsolete French trafique from Old Italian traffico,
from trafficare “to carry on trade”, of uncertain origin.)

 MANAGEMENT – It refers to the skilful use of means to accomplish a purpose.

 OPERATION. Pertains to a course or series of acts to affect a certain purpose; manner of action; or a
vital or natural process of activity

 TRAFFIC WAY – Refers to the entire width between boundary lines of every way or place of which
any part is open to the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic as a matter of right.

 ROADWAY –refers to the part of a road that is designed for vehicular traffic. It typically includes the
paved or improved surface where vehicles travel, such as lanes for cars, trucks, and other vehicles.

 SHOULDER – It refers to either side of the roadway, especially along highways.

 MOTOR VEHICLE – Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using
the public highways.

 DRIVER – Shall mean any and every licensed operator of a motor vehicle

 RIGHT OF WAY – The principle referring to the legal or customary precedence which allows one
vehicle to cross or pass in front of another.

Why Traffic Management is necessary?

With the advent of science and technology, new and modernized traffic facilities are introduced.
However, despite of these modernizations, traffic congestion persists to exist. The only way to at least
cope up with the prevailing traffic related problems is a coordinated traffic management. Traffic
management is therefore designed to make the traffic

CAUSES OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION

1. Physical Inadequacy – this is characterized by lack of roads, narrow bridges, railroad crossings, lack
of traffic facilities, etc.

2. Poor Control Measures – this is characterized by ineffective mechanical control devices, inefficient
traffic officers, and poor implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.

3. Human Errors – many traffic congestions are caused by slow drivers or poor driving habits,
pedestrian mistakes, officers’ errors, poor planning, poor legislation; and traffic accidents which are
mostly attributed to human errors.

4. Poor Maintenance – oftentimes motor vehicles are stalled in traffic ways because of unrepaired
diggings, cracks on road pavement or unfinished road pavement concreting.

SCOPES OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

In connection with the above stated causes of congestion, authorities conceived that a systematic and
effective traffic management is needed which includes but not limited to the following: 1.

1. All public surface facilities traversing and parking and all types of conveyances for the movement
of persons and things.

2. All agencies having responsibilities for ascertaining traffic flow requirements, planning,
approving, funding, construction and/or maintaining these public facilities for such movements.

3. All agencies responsible for licensing, approving, restricting, stopping, prohibiting or controlling
the use of these facilities.

AGENCIES INVOLVED IN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

All agencies having responsibilities for ascertaining traffic flow requirements, planning, approving,
funding, construction and /or maintaining these public facilities for such movements.

1. Department of Transportation through the Land Transportation Office is responsible in the

implementation of RA 4136 particularly on the issuance of driver’s license, registration of
vehicles, and approval of franchise for public transportation through LTFRB.

2. City or Municipal Engineering office- in the local level, these offices’ are responsible for the
planning, construction and maintenance of traffic facilities within their respective locality.

3. Department of public works and highways- the office responsible for the planning,
construction and maintenance of traffic facilities particularly those categorized as national
highways and other major roads.

4. Legislature- responsible in the approval of proposed project with regards in traffic

management.

5. Philippine National Police- through its TMG the Traffic Management Group is responsible
primarily for the direct enforcement of traffic laws, rules and regulation.

6. Academic Institutions- Schools, both public and private are responsible for the basic traffic
education by integrating in their respective programs.

7. Courts- responsible for the adjudication of traffic related cases file before them.

8. Public Information Offices- provides necessary updated information to the public by creating
traffic safety campaigns.

9. Media- government and privately owned publications and radio and television broadcasting
companies provide necessary and updated traffic related information to the public through
their respective programs.

THE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT

 For clear understanding of the various areas of traffic management, the following pillars are
conceived:

A. TRAFFIC ENGINEERING

- The science of measuring traffic and travel, the study of the basic laws relative to
the traffic law and generation.

- It refers to the professional practice of planning, deciding, and operating traffic

system to achieve safe and efficient transportation of persons and goods.

Functions of traffic engineering

 Fact finding, surveys and recommendations of traffic rules and regulations.

 Supervisions and maintenance to the application of traffic control devices.

 Planning of traffic regulations

Agencies involved in traffic engineering

 DPWH- its scope is national which includes the responsibility for

determining traffic law, pattern, draw origins and destination,
planning, approving, funding and construction of:

a. National roads which connects cities and municipalities

b. Yearly maintenance and repair programs which include road widening and re-design the
roads.

 Provincial Government- similar with the function of DPWH but limited to traffic facilities in the
municipalities within the province.

Objectives of traffic engineering

1. to prevent traffic accident

2. to achieve efficient, free and rapid flow of traffic

3. to simplify police enforcement actions and performance

4. to show good police actions and performance makes engineering plans effective

5. Present the close relationship of the pillars of traffic in the improvement of traffic problems.

When and Where Traffic engineering are applied?

1. Habitually congested commercial areas

2. Heavily traveled thoroughfares

3. Congested local areas and intersections

4. during special occasions and events

5. during disasters or emergencies

B. TRAFFIC EDUCATION

 Mainly involves making the rules known and motivating each individual to follow the
traffic rules and regulations. Traffic rules are meant to encourage a traffic flow which is
as safe and smooth as possible.

 It is the process giving training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety
knowledge.
Levels of traffic safety education

1. Imparting knowledge concerning traffic safety

2. Training and practice in the actual application of traffic

3. Developing traffic safety morality

What is road safety?

 Refers to reduced risk of accident or injury on the roads.

AGENCIES RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAFFIC EDUCATION

1. SCHOOLS

 Elementary; focused on safety and guide stressing traffic safety and discussion about safety
rules and accident

 Secondary; should be geared towards school safety organization

 Higher education; courses regarding traffic safety subjects

For your information:

"The WHO, however, estimated that in 2030, traffic accidents will be 5th leading cause of death”

Lawmakers are pushing for the passage of a measure requiring all private and public elementary and
secondary schools to include the subject Road and Traffic Safety Education in their curriculum. Reps.
Rufus Rodriguez and Maximo Rodriguez, Jr. filed House Bill 6098 to be known as the Road Courtesy,
Discipline and Traffic Safety Education Act as they stressed the need to start early in instilling discipline,
road courtesy and obedience to traffic laws.

Over the past three years, traffic accidents in the Philippines have seen a concerning trend.

YEAR NUMBER OF DEATHS

2021 11,114

2022 11,487

2023 86,000 in metro Manila alone

This increase is attributed to various factors, including the lifting of pandemic-related mobility
restrictions and ongoing challenges such as overspeeding, driving under the influence, and poor road
conditions(philkotse.com BusinessMirror)

These behaviors significantly contribute to the high number of road incidents. Additionally, poor road
conditions and inadequate driver training also play crucial roles in causing accidents.

1. PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS

 This will be attained by means of information dissemination to the community to provide

them a awareness regarding on the safety of ourselves while in the road.

SAFETY CAMPAIGN- This is a mass publicity aimed to make road users behave more safely. This focuses
on attitudes and or specific behaviors.

CLASSIFICATION:

2. According to its purpose- categorized as informational and behavioral

3. According to kind of appeal- simply feeding the public with authenticated factual data.

2. CITIZEN SUPPORT GROUPS

 A non-governmental organization such as rotary groups, etc. that Responsible in the

development of organized traffic education seminars among road users to instill traffic
awareness.

3. LAND TRANSPORTATION OFFICE

  This office responsible in the conduct of seminars and training among road users before
they will be granted for driver’s license.

 ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF DRIVING TASKS

1. COLLECTION OF INFORMATION which includes:

1.1 perceptual scanning

1.2 Identification

2. PROCESSING OF INFORMATION which includes:

2.1 predicting

2.2 decision making

FOUR BASIC TYPES OF INSTRUCTION METHODS used in Driver Education Programs:

1. Comprehensive- this method places the student into real life of driving situation from the
beginning.

2. Traditional Instruction- instruction that depends on the instructor-student communication

3. Commentary driving method- the student is accompanied by an instructor. The instructor will
give comment about the driving skill of the student.

4. Simulated conditions- known also as “On and Off Road training”

Simulator; is a static machine with all the important features of car used in driving method.

 Way back April 2020, the LTO had issued a memorandum circular for the new requirements
needed prior an applicant can get their student permit.

 MANDATORY 15 hour theoretical driving course

 According to the LTO, the seminar will be focused on traffic laws, and other driving essential
skills. Interested applicants can relax as the seminar is broken down into three 5-hour sessions
which they can attend on different scheduled dates.

 Each session will include the introduction to driving, traffic rules, and the land transportation-
related special laws where 13 traffic laws will be discussed.

 After the participants are done with the test and course they will receive a certificate of
completion, this will automatically be transmitted to the LTO by driving course centers.

Who will be conducting these seminars?

 Only LTO accredited driving schools are allowed to issue the 15-hour long course. A driving
school center is required to first get a 90-day provincial permit before they can apply for a two-
year permit. In order to get the provincial permit, the driving center will have to pay P5,000.
Permit renewals will cost P3,000 to renew for another two years.

 Driving school instructors, on the other hand, will have to pay a P1,000 accreditation fee that is
valid for two-years. These instructors must also score no less than 85 percent on the theoretical
part of the LTO driving exam. It is done to ensure that the instructors are knowledgeable about
the subject matter.

C. TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT
 - This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules
and regulations. The following are the various agencies that are involved in enforcement
of traffic laws:

Agencies involved in the enforcement of traffic laws:

LTO (Land transportation office) = responsible for the following:

 Vehicle registration

 Vehicle inspections

 Drivers

 Publish to the police stolen/wanted vehicles

Legislative Bodies- responsible in passing and/or amending laws or ordinances.

Police Traffic Enforcement- TMG Traffic management Group, government personnel who are duly
authorized for the direct enforcement of traffic laws such as:

A. MMDA (Metro Manila Development Authority)

B. LTO Flying squad

The Highway Patrol Group (HPG) is a specialized unit of the Philippine

National Police (PNP) tasked with maintaining order on the nation’s
highways and roads. Here are its primary functions:

1. Traffic Law Enforcement: The HPG enforces traffic laws and

regulations, including those related to speeding, illegal parking, and other
road offenses.

2. Road Safety: It works to ensure road safety by monitoring and addressing

hazardous driving behaviors and conditions.

3. Accident Response: The HPG is responsible for responding to and investigating traffic accidents,
providing assistance, and managing the scene to ensure a swift resolution.

4. Criminal Activities: It addresses criminal activities that occur on highways, such as vehicle theft
and smuggling, and works to prevent and respond to these crimes.

5. Public Awareness: The HPG promotes road safety awareness and educates the public about safe
driving practices

D. TRAFFIC ECOLOGY OR TRAFFIC ENVIRONMENT

- This is one of the recent pillars which include the study of potentially disastrous
population explosion, changes in urban environment due to the scale and density of new
 urban concentration and new activities carried out, air pollution, water pollution and
crowding.

Laws and statutes concerning traffic ecology:

1. PD 1181 – Providing for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution from motor
vehicles.

2. LOI 551 – Directing the Law enforcement agencies to implement the pollution control
program.

3. RA 8749 – otherwise known as the “Clean Air Act.” The law providing for the regulation of
motor vehicles emitting toxic gases like the use of the diesel and leaded gasoline.

What are the environment effects of the urbanization of transportation?

 NOISE- The ill effect of noise is one of the major considerations in the evaluation of the
consequences of traffic urbanization to the environment.

 VIBRATION- Effect can be severe, particularly when there are heavy trucks and when the
building is old.

 AIR POLLUTION- it is one of the more difficult problem because of the complexity of the issues
involved.

 DIRT- these are foul and filthy substances related to motor vehicle use such as empty can of oils,
grease materials, etc.

 VISUAL INTRUSION- this can have positive and negative effects. The appearance of an elevated
expressway or railway above a neighborhood is one of the aspects most frequently complained
of.

 LOSS OF PRIVACY- from drivers and others being able to look at one’s house and garden
frequently disliked environment effect.

 RELOCATION- There must be programs that are designed to cover compensation for those who
relocate as a consequence of transport investment, whether property owner or tenants.

 DISTRACTION DURING PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTION- in some cases, benefits offset the
distraction cost, which are experienced by people during construction of new facilities, loss of
business, excess noise, dirt and vibration during construction.

 ACCIDENT EXPERIENCES- these are evaluated by well established procedures of which perhaps
the only major controversial aspect is the valuation given to human life.

 PEDESTRIAN JOOURNEY- the opportunity to make the roads safe and enjoyable for pedestrians’
ad efficient for vehicles and set of roads.

 CONGESTION- in order to reduce traffic congestion there should a construction of diversion

roads or highways.

E. TRAFFIC ECONOMY

- This is the most recent pillar of traffic management which deals with the benefits and
adverse effect of traffic to our country. Traffic operation is designed to expedite the
movement of traffic. Traffic congestion adversely affects the economic status of the
commuting public.
 - This refers to the economic aspects related to the movement of vehicles, goods, and
people through a transportation network.

It involves the study and management of how traffic flow impacts economic activities, such as:

a. Transportation Costs

- This includes the costs associated with moving goods and people from one place to
another. Fuel, maintenance, labor, and time all contribute to the overall cost.

b. Economic Impact of Congestion

- Traffic congestion can lead to increased costs for businesses and individuals due to
delays, wasted fuel, and reduced productivity. It can also impact the local economy by
making areas less accessible or attractive to businesses.

c. Infrastructure Investment

- The economy around building and maintaining transportation infrastructure, such as

roads, bridges, and public transportation systems, is also a critical component.
Investments in infrastructure can stimulate economic growth by improving connectivity
and reducing transportation costs.

d. Traffic Management and Economic Efficiency

- Efficient traffic management can enhance economic performance by reducing delays,

improving safety, and ensuring that goods and services are delivered on time.

e. Environmental and Social Costs

- Traffic can have broader economic implications, including environmental pollution,

health costs, and the impact on property values and urban development.

TRAFFIC LAWS, RULES AND

REGULATIONS

REPUBLIC ACT No. 4136- This Act shall be

known as the "Land Transportation and
Traffic Code."

- The provisions of this Act

shall control, as far as
they apply, the
registration and
operation of motor
vehicles and the
licensing of owners,
dealers, conductors,
drivers, and similar matters.

Definitions Of terms

A. 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. ( Means registered and licensed MV with two axles and four wheels,
congfigured for and primarily used to transport up to ten persons and rated at no more than
6000 pounds gross vehicle weight.
 B. 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 ( Vehicle which has a permanent or
semi-permanent coupling in its construction. This coupling works as large pivot point, allowing
it to bend and turn more sharply.

C. 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.

D. Dealer" shall mean every person, association, partnership, or corporation making,

manufacturing, constructing, assembling, remodeling, rebuilding, or setting up motor vehicles.

E. 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.

F. Gross weight" shall mean the measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum allowable
carrying capacity in merchandise, freight and/or passenger.

G. Highways" shall mean every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley
and callejon,.

H. 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.

Key Provisions of RA 4136

 RA 4136 outlines several key provisions to regulate land transportation and ensure road
safety.

 These provisions include guidelines for driver licensing, vehicle registration, and
adherence to traffic rules. They aim to create a structured and safe driving environment
by setting clear requirements and penalties.

ACCESSORIES OF MOTOR VEHICLE

 Tires of motor vehicles. - No motor vehicle with metallic tires shall be operated upon any public
highway, and solid tires whenever used shall be of sufficient thickness to prevent the metal rims
thereof from coming in direct contact with the road.

 Brakes - Every motor vehicle with four 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
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 devise in good working
order: Provided, however, That no horn or signaling device emitting an exceptionally loud,
startling, or disagreeable sound shall be installed or used on any motor vehicle.

 All authorized emergency vehicles, such as ambulance and police cars and fire wagons used for
emergency calls shall be equipped with a bell, siren, or exhaust whistle of a type approved by
the Commissioner, and no such device shall be installed or used in any other vehicle.

 Headlights. - Every motor vehicle of more than one meter of projected width, while in use on any
public highway shall bear two headlights, one on each side, with white or yellowish light visible
from the front.

o Additional lamps and light may be carried, but no red lights shall be visible forward or
ahead of the vehicle. Trucks, buses, trailers, and other similar vehicles must carry, while
in use on any public highway during night-time, colored riding lights on each of the four
corners not more than ten centimeters from the top.
  Taillights. - Every motor vehicle and trailer shall, during the above-mentioned hours, also bear on
each side in the rear a lamp showing a red light visible at least one hundred meters from the rear
of the vehicle and a lamp throwing a white light upon the number plate issued for such vehicle.

 Motorcycle and other vehicle lights. - Every motor vehicle of less than one meter of projected
width shall be subject to the preceding provisions of this section, except that one headlight and
one taillight shall be required. No signal light shall be necessary.

 Lights when parked or disabled. - Appropriate parking lights or flares visible one hundred meters
away shall be displayed at a corner of the vehicle whenever such vehicle is parked on highways or
in places that are not well-lighted or is placed in such manner as to endanger passing traffic.

 Windshield wiper. - Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a mechanically or electrically
operated device for wiping off raindrops or other moisture from its front windshield.

 Use of red flag. - Whenever the load of any vehicle extends more than one meter beyond the bed
or body thereof, there shall be displayed at every projecting end of such load a red flag not less
than thirty centimeters both in length.

 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.

o 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.

DRIVER’S LICENSES

LICENSE TO DRIVE

It shall be unlawful for any person to operate any motor vehicle without having in his possession a
valid driver’s license. The license shall be carried by the driver at all times when operating a vehicle. A
tourist duly licensed to operate motor vehicle in their country maybe allowed to operate vehicles during
their sojourn in the Philippines but not after 90 days.

CLASSIFICATION OF DRIVER’S LICENSE

Professional Driver’s License

- Issued to any person at least 18 years old used as a source of income or employment.
Non-Professional

- Issued to any person at least 17 years old usually used not as a source of income.

Student Driver’s permit

- Issued to any person not under 16 years old valid for 1 year.

- When operating a vehicle, a student driver shall always be accompanied by duly

licensed drivers.

DUTY TO PROCURE LICENSE

 No person shall operate any motor vehicle without first procuring a license to drive a
motor vehicle for the current year, nor while such license is delinquent, invalid, suspended
or revoked.

 The license shall be carried by the driver at all times when operating a motor vehicle, and
shall be shown and/or surrendered for cause and upon demand to any person with authority
under this Act to confiscate the same.

USE OF DRIVER’S LICENSE

 It shall be unlawful for any duly licensed driver to transfer, lend or otherwise allow any
person to use his license for the purpose of enabling such person to operate a motor
vehicle.

RENEWAL OF LICENSE

 Any license not renewed on or before the last working day of the month when the
applicant was born shall become delinquent and invalid, except when the license is
surrendered to the Commissioner or his deputies before the last working day of the
month of his birth in order to avoid payment of the delinquency fees.

 The fee for renewal of delinquent license shall be five pesos in addition to the basic fee
as hereinabove prescribed.

What is RA 10930?

 Republic Act No. 10930 is a Philippine law that amends the provisions of RA 4136, otherwise
known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, to extend the validity period of driver’s
licenses and impose stricter penalties for violations related to their issuance.

 The law mandates that driver’s licenses are valid for five years, with a possibility of ten years
for those with clean records.

REVOCATION OF DRIVER’S LICENSE

a. The Commissioner may suspend for a period not exceeding three months or, after hearing,
revoke any driver's license and may order any such license to be delivered to him whenever
he has reason to believe that the holder thereof is an improper person to operate motor
vehicles, or in operating or using a motor vehicle in, or as an accessory to, the commission of
any crime or act which endangers the public.
 b. Whenever during any twelve-month period a driver shall have been convicted at least three
times for the violations of any provisions of this Act or of any regulation issued by the
Commissioner or any municipal or city ordinance relating to motor vehicle traffic not in
conflict with any of the provisions of this Act, the Commissioner may, in his discretion,
REVOKE OR SUSPEND the license of such driver for a period not exceeding two years.

CONFISCATION OF DRIVER’S LICENSES

 Law enforcement and peace officers duly designated by the Commissioner shall, in
apprehending any driver for violations of this Act or of any regulations issued pursuant
thereto, or of local traffic rules and regulations, confiscate the license of the driver concerned
and issue a receipt prescribed and issued by the Commission therefor which shall authorize
the driver to operate a motor vehicle for a period not exceeding seventy-two hours from the
time and date of issue of said receipt.

 Failure of the driver to settle his case within fifteen days from the date of apprehension will
cause suspension and revocation of his license.

Restriction codes/DL Codes

- Drivers are assigned a restriction code that designates which type of vehicle they can
operate. Restriction codes are based on the kind of vehicle and their gross vehicle
weight.

- A new restriction code system which is similar to the European and United Kingdom
version is now in use since January of 2021. A driver approved of driving a manual
transmission (MT) vehicle is allowed to also drive automatic, whereas those approved
for automatic transmission (AT) can not drive manual.

Restriction Code Category Description

A (Motorbikes) L1, L2, L3, L4, L5, L1 = Two wheels up to 50 kph,

L6, L7
A1 (Tricycles and L2 = Three wheels up to 50 kph
microcars)
L3 = Two wheel excess of 50 kph

L4 = Sidecar tricycle up to 50 kph

L5 = Three wheel symmetrical up to 50 kph

L6 = 4 wheels with weight up to 350 kg and max

speed of 45 kph

L7 = 4 wheels with weight up to 550 kg and max

speed of 45 kph

B, B1, B2 (Cars and light M1, M2 , N1 M1 = Vehicles up to 5,000 kg GVW with not more
trucks) than 8 passenger seats

M2 = Vehicles up to 5,000 kg GVW with more than 8

passenger seats
 N1 = Vehicles carrying goods up to 3,500 kgs GVW

C* (Large trucks) N2, N3 Vehicles carrying goods exceeding 3,500 kgs GVW

D* (Buses) M3 M3 = Passenger vehicles above 5,000 kgs GVW with

more than 8 seats

BE* (Articulated car) 01, 02 01 = Articulated vehicle not more than 750 kgs GVW

02 = Articulated vehicle exceeding 750 up to 3,500

kgs GVW

CE* (Articulated truck) 03 03 - Articulated vehicle exceeding 3,500 kgs GVW

Foreign driving license

- Foreigners who hold a valid driver's license issued by the road authority of their home
country can drive in the Philippines for up to 90 days upon arrival provided that their
license is written in English. If the license is not in English, an official English translation
from the local embassy of the issuing country is required.

- Holders of driving licenses issued by any ASEAN member-state government are allowed
to drive in the Philippines

ASEAN member states

- The Kuala Lumpur Agreement of 1985 authorizes holders of driving licenses issued by
the government of an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member state to
drive in any ASEAN country without the need for an international driving permit

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

 No motor vehicle shall be used or operated on or upon any public highway of the Philippines
unless the same is properly registered.

 Mandatory Registration: All motor vehicles must be registered with the LTO.

 Registration Process: Involves submitting documents and paying fees.

 Purpose: Allows the government to monitor vehicles and ensure they meet safety standards.

 License Plates and Documents: Registered vehicles receive plates and official documents.

 Display Requirement: Plates and documents must be shown on the vehicle at all times.

 Identification: Helps authorities track vehicles and their owners for traffic management and
enforcement.

 Regular Vehicle Inspections: Vehicles must pass safety inspections to ensure roadworthiness.

TABLE 1

MONTHLY SCHEDULE IS BASED ON THE LAST DIGIT OF THE PLATE NUMBER

 LAST DIGIT OF THE PLATE NUMBER (Monthly Schedule)

1 – January

2 – February

TABLE 2 3 – March

WEEKLY 4 – April

5 – May

6 – June

7 – July

8 – August

9 – September

0 – October

Note: Vehicles may be registered one month in advance

SCHEDULE IS BASED ON THE 2ND TO THE LAST DIGIT OF THE PLATE NUMBER

2ND TO THE LAST DIGIT OF THE PLATE NUMBER SCHEDULE / WEEKLY DEADLINE

1 2 3 1ST TO THE 7TH WORKING DAY

4 5 6 8TH TO THE 14TH WORKING DAY

0 7 8 15TH TO THE 21ST WORKING DAY

0 9 0 22ND TO THE LAST WORKING DAY

Below are examples of the registration schedule:

A. Newly designed license plate:

A.1. For four-wheeled vehicles ( 3 alpha characters and 4 numeric characters)

A.2. For two-wheeled vehicles ( 2 alpha characters and 5 numeric characters)

B. Old designed license plates:

A.1. For four-wheeled vehicles ( 3 alpha characters and 3 numeric characters)

A.2. For two-wheeled vehicles ( 2 alpha characters and 4 numeric characters)

VEHICLE CLASSIFICATION 1981 PLATE NUMBER COLOR SCHEME

1. PRIVATE

– Shall not be used for hire under any

circumstances (green & white plate no.)
 2. FOR HIRE

– Covered with certificates of public

convenience (yellow & black plate no.)

3. GOVERNMENT

– Owned by the Government of the

Phil. or any of its political
subdivision. (Red & white plate no.)

4. DIPLOMATIC

– Owned by foreign govt. or by their duly

accredited diplomatic officers in the Phil.
and used in the discharge of their official
duties. (Blue & white plate no.)

5. COMMEMORATIVE PLATES – plates issued to groups, organizations or associations subject to the approval of the
the President.

2014 SERIES (PLATE NUMBER)

In January 2014, the Land Transportation Office ventured on the plate standardization project with
modern security features which include holograms and bar codes, and also planned to phase out the old
plate format which has been in use since 1981.
  The alphanumeric symbols for private cars will be black on a white background

 Motorcycle plates would also be black on white, as

would those for tricycles used for personal purposes.

 For public utility vehicles (PUVs) would continue on

black on yellow with the authorized route also to be indicated.

 Tricycles used as PUVs would also continue with the black on yellow
scheme.

 Government plates, meanwhile, would have sport red

symbols on a white background, with the name of the
agency/office to be indicated.

 Diplomatic plates would continue carry blue

symbols on a white background.

2018 PLATE NUMBER SERIES

Private vehicles- Black text on white background

Public Utility- Public utility vehicles and other for-hire vehicles (e.g. commercial trucks, public transport
buses, taxis and jeepneys.) (Black text on Yellow background)

Vehicles for official government use (eg; police

cars, ambulances, and fire trucks) (Red text on white
background).

Diplomatic vehicles- Blue text on white background

Vehicles in diplomatic use

- 7 digit new diplomatic license plate with blue numbers on a white background.

- The first 3 digits of the plate will indicate the

assigned number of the country, diplomatic
missions, consular missions, and international
organization.

AUTOMOBILE AND MOTORCYCLE PLATE NUMBER PREFIXES IN THE 2018 SERIES

 Prefix Region

B Cagayan Valley

C, R, W Central Luzon

D, O Calabarzon

E Bicol Region

F Western Visayas

G Central Visayas

H Eastern Visayas

I, A* (*motorcycles only) Ilocos Region

Zamboanga
J Peninsula, Bangsamoro

K Northern Mindanao

L Davao Region

M Soccsksargen

N, P, Q, T, U, X National Capital Region

V Mimaropa

Y Cordillera Administrative Region

Z Caraga

Motorcycle classification by color strip and position

Motorcycle registration plates released since 2020 features color-coded strips to indicate the region
where they are registered, in addition to the registration area prefixes
 What is RA 8750?

RA 8750 refers to the Seat Belts Use Act of

1999—a law that requires all drivers and
front seat passengers in private and public
vehicles to use seat belts.

- The law also mandates that

vehicle manufacturers
install seat belts in all newly
manufactured vehicles.
The Land Transportation
Office (LTO) enforces this
law to protect citizens from
the harmful effects of vehicular accidents.

Understanding RA 10586
  RA 10586, known as the “Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013,” is a Philippine
law that prohibits driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and similar
substances.

 This law applies to all drivers, including those operating public and private vehicles,
ensuring road safety for everyone.

 The law addresses the serious issue of impaired driving, which can lead to accidents,
injuries, and fatalities.

 RA 10586 is necessary to promote responsible driving behavior and protect lives by

deterring individuals from driving while intoxicated. By implementing rigorous testing
and penalties, it helps reduce road accidents caused by drunk and drugged driving.

Key Provisions

Below are the major provisions of the law:

1. Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) Limits

 Non-professional drivers: 0.05%

 Professional drivers and operators of public utility vehicles: 0.0%

Stages of Alcohol Intoxication

Aside from setting a legal standard for BAC limits, the law also categorizes the alcohol effects into several
stages, each with increasing severity, according to the BAC levels:

 Subclinical Phase (0.02-0.05 BAC): Slight relaxation, mood swings, and decreased visual
functionality.

 Euphoria Phase (0.05-0.10 BAC): Lack of coordination, exaggerated behavior, and reduced
alertness.

 Excitement Phase (0.10-0.25 BAC): Poor judgment, slurred speech, and slow reactions.

 Confusion Phase (0.15-0.34 BAC): Severe confusion, muscle impairment, and erratic emotions.

 Stupor Phase (0.34-0.50 BAC): Semi-consciousness, diminished reflexes, and risk of passing out.

 Coma Phase (0.40-0.50 BAC): Cardiac distress, unconsciousness, and potential death.

 Death Phase (0.50 and above BAC): Cardiac arrest leading to death.

Probable Cause and Testing

 swerving,

 over speeding, or

 The smell of alcohol on a driver’s breath.

The Basics of RA 10666

- RA 10666, known as the “Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015,” mandates

specific safety measures for children riding motorcycles.

- It specifically prohibits driving a motorcycle

with a child on board in heavy traffic, fast-
moving vehicle zones, or areas with speed
limits over 60 kilometers per hour.

- It also requires that only the children who

can reach the motorcycle’s foot pegs, grasp
the rider’s waist, and wear a standard
 protective helmet can ride pillion on a motorcycle to help minimize risks and ensure the
child’s safety during the ride.

- Violations of this law result in fines ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 pesos, suspension of
the driver’s license, and eventually revocation for repeated offenses.

Closer Look at RA 10054 (HELMET LAW)

- RA 10054 is a law enacted in 2009

that requires all motorcycle riders,
including drivers and passengers,
to wear standard protective
helmets.

- The law applies to all types of

roads, ensuring that all motorcycle
riders are protected whether on a
short trip or a long journey.

- The act also includes penalties for

not wearing a helmet, with fines
increasing from Php 1,500 for the
first offense to Php 10,000 and confiscation of the driver’s license for the fourth offense.

Helmet Standards

- According to the law, all helmets must have the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or the
Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) sticker, indicating they meet the safety specifications
set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Types of Helmets Allowed

The law recognizes several types of motorcycle helmets allowed for use by riders. These types include:

 Full-Face: Covers the entire head and face.

 Open-Face (3/4): Covers the top and sides of the head but not the face.

 Half-Head: Covers only the top of the head.

GENERAL RULES OF ROAD USE and CONDUCT

HITCHING TO A VEHICLE

- No person shall hang on to, ride on, the outside or the rear end of any vehicle, and no
person on a bicycle, roller skate or other similar device, shall hold fast to or hitch on to
any moving vehicle, and no driver shall knowingly permit any person to hang on to or
ride, the outside or rear end of his vehicle or allow any person on a bicycle, roller skate
or other similar device to hold fast or hitch to his vehicle.

DRIVING OR PARKING ON SIDEWALK

- No person shall drive or park a motor vehicle upon or along any sidewalk, path or alley
not intended for vehicular traffic or parking.
DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INLUENCE OF LIQUOR OR ILLEGAL DRUGS

- No person shall drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or narcotic
drug.

OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC

- No person shall drive his motor vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct or impede the
passage of any vehicle, nor, while discharging or taking on passengers or loading or
unloading freight, obstruct the free passage of other vehicles on the highway.

SPEED LIMIT and KEEPING TO THE RIGHT

RESTRICTION AS TO 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 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 a speed as 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.

The rate of speed of any motor vehicle shall not exceed the following:

Passengers
MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SPEEDS Motor trucks and buses
Cars and Motorcycle

1. On open country roads, with no "blinds 80 km. per hour 50 km. per hour
corners" not closely bordered by habitations.

2. On "through streets" or boulevards, clear of 40 km. per hour 30 km. per hour
traffic, with no “blind corners," when so
designated.

3. On city and municipal streets, with light traffic, 30 km. per hour 30 km. per hour
when not designated "through streets".

4. Through crowded streets, approaching 20 km. per hour 20 km. per hour
intersections at "blind corners," passing school
zones, passing other vehicles which are
stationery, or for similar dangerous
circumstances.

(c) 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 accident or
other emergency;

c. Any driver bringing a wounded or sick person for emergency treatment to a hospital,
clinic, or any other similar place;

d. The driver of a motor vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces while in use for 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; and

g. The driver officially operating a motor vehicle of any fire department, provided that
exemption shall not be construed to allow unless or unnecessary fast driving of drivers
aforementioned.

DRIVING ON RIGHT SIDE OF HIGHWAY

- 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 vehicles coming
toward him, and to the left when overtaking persons or vehicles going the same
direction, and when turning to the left in going from one highway to another, every
vehicle shall be conducted to the right of the center of the intersection of the highway.

OVERTAKING A VEHICLE

- The driver of any motor vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same
direction shall pass at a safe distance to the left thereof, and shall not again drive to the
right side of the highway until safety clear of such overtaken vehicle except that on a
highway, within a business or residential district, having two or more lanes for the
movement of traffic in one direction, the driver of a vehicle may overtake and pass
another vehicle on the right.

DRIVER TO GIVE WAY TO OVERTAKING VEHICLE

- The driver of a vehicle about to be overtaken and passed by another vehicle approaching
from the rear shall give way to the overtaking vehicle on suitable and audible signal
being given by the driver of the overtaking vehicle, and shall not increase the speed of
his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

RESTRICTIONS ON OVERTAKING and PASSING

(a) The driver of a vehicle shall not drive to the left side of the center line of a highway in overtaking or
passing 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 such overtaking or passing to be made
in safety.

(b) The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake or pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction,
when approaching the crest of a grade, not upon a curve in the highway, where the driver's 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 traffic in one direction where the