Big Picture in Focus: ULOb.

Explain different laws, decrees, codes, rules, and

regulations affecting all kinds or modes of transportation

Metalanguage

The most essential terms relevant to the study of this course and to demonstrate ULOb are
operationally defined to establish a common frame of reference as to how the texts work in the
course. You will encounter these terms as we go through the study of course. Hence, to be able
to fully appreciate the topics presented in this course, unlocking the meaning of these terms is
crucial.

o 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 bourne by the motor vehicle.

o DEALER - Every person, association, partnership, or corporation making, manufacturing,

constructing, assembling, remodeling or setting up motor vehicles and every such entity
acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes, styles, or kinds of motor vehicles.

o DRIVER - Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor vehicle.

o DRIVER’S LICENSE - A document issued to a qualified driver who possesses the

statutory qualification as provided.

o GARAGE - 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.

o LATERAL PLACEMENT - It is the proper positioning of the motor vehicle while traversing
on a traffic way or while on parked.

o MOTOR VEHICLE - Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular
power using the public highways, but excepting roads rollers, trolley cars, street-
sweepers, sprinkles, lawn movers, bulldozers etc.

o OBSTRUCTION OF TRAFFIC – Is done by operating a motor vehicle in such a manner

as to obstruct, block or impede the passage of another vehicle is prohibited.

o PROFESSIONAL DRIVER - Every and any driver hired for driving or operating a motor
vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public.

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 o RIGHT OF WAY - This principle refers to the legal and customary precedence (priority in
place or time) which allows a vehicle to cross or pass in front of another.

o STUDENT DRIVER’S PERMIT - This kind of license is issued to persons who desire to
learn how to drive. A student driver cannot operate a motor vehicle without the presence
of a qualified instructor who is a Professional license holder.

Essential knowledge

To perform the aforesaid big picture (unit learning outcomes) for the second three (3) weeks of
the course, you need to fully understand the following essential knowledge that will be laid down
in the succeeding pages. The topics presented in this section is taken from the approved
textbook of the course. Please note that you are not limited to exclusively refer to the resources.
Thus, you are expected to utilize other books, research articles and other resources that are
available in the university’s library e.g. ebrary, [Link] etc.

1. Traffic Laws, Rules and Regulations and Other Related Statutes

 Republic Acts:
• R.A 4136 (June 20, 1964) - The basic law regulating land transportation in the
Philippines.

• R.A 6539 (August 26, 1972) – Known as the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972, it serves
as the law penalizing carnapping. Repealed by R.A 10883.

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R.A 5448 – An 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.

• R.A 8749 (Clean Air Act of 1998) - Regulates emission of toxic gases of both
gasoline and diesel engines and bans the use of leaded gas for gasoline engines.

• R.A 8750 (Seatbelt Law) - It provides for the attachment of seatbelts for all types of
motor vehicles and imposes penalty for the non-compliance thereof.

• R.A 7294 – The law creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority
(MMDA).

• R.A 8794 – The law penalizing imposing penalties on overloaded motor vehicles.

• R.A 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013) – A law penalizing
persons driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and similar
substances and other purposes.

• R.A 10883 – Shall be known as the New Anti-Carnapping Law of 2016, repealing
R.A 6539.

• R.A 10913 – Anti-Distracted Driving Act

• R.A 10916 – Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016

• R.A 11229 – Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act

• R.A 11235 – Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act

 Presidential Decrees:
• P.D 96 - Regulating the attachment and use of sirens, bells, horns, blinkers, etc. and
limiting their use to vehicles belonging to the AFP, NBI, LTO, PNP, BJMP, BFP,
Hospitals and fire volunteers.

• P.D 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 207 - Declaring as part of the laws of the Philippines the Vienna Convention on
Road Traffic, Signs and Signals.

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• P.D 612 - Requiring compulsory insurance for all types of motor vehicles against third
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.

• P.D 1605 - Granting the Metropolitan Manila Commission certain powers related to
traffic management and control.

• P.D 98 - Regulating the issuance of license plates of all motor vehicles. (Modified by
P.D 109)

• P.D 1729 - Authorizing the of 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 face official Bureau of Land Transportation forms, documents, plates and
stickers.

 Memorandum Circulars:
• M.C 94-188 – Issuance of driver’s license to disabled persons
• M.C 92-192 – 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 to them.
• 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.

 Letters of Information:
• L.O.I No. 43 - Providing for the removal of all impediments on roads, streets and
highways such as construction, stalled or parked vehicles and other movable property
that obstruct free passage.

• L.O.I No. 112 - Prohibiting freight and cargo trucks from using roads, highways and
bridges whose capacity are in excess of specified load limits.

• L.O.I No. 229 - Requiring all motor vehicles owners, users or drivers to have at least
one (1) pair of Early Warning Device in their possession at all times.

• L.O.I No. 716 - Every motor vehicle to equip at least a pair of early warning device.

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• L.O.I No. 551 - Directing the law enforcement agencies to implement the Pollution
Control Program.

L.O.I No. 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 No. 1009 - All owners of private motor vehicles who desire to stop operating or
using their number plates and registration certificates to surrender to BLT (Now LTO).

• L.O.I No. 1071 - Owners and/or operators of motor vehicles authorized to pay the
annual premiums for the insurance of their motor annual premiums for the insurance
of their motor vehicles on quarterly basis.

 Department Orders:
• 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.

 Executive Orders:
• E.O 125 – Reorganization of DOTC, defining its powers and for other purposes.
• E.O 266 – Providing two separate units in the Office of the Asst. Secretary for Land
Transportation in the DOTC.
• E.O 202 – Creating the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board
(LTFRB).
• E.O 248 – Empowering the LTO to control and supervise operations of motor vehicle
driving schools.

 Other Special Laws:

• Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (B.P 344) – An act to enhance the mobility of disabled
persons by requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities
to install facilities and other devices.
1.1 Important Provisions of R.A 4136

 Definition of Terms (R.A 4136):

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1. Motor Vehicle - Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular
power using the public highways, but excepting roads rollers, trolley cars,
streetsweepers, sprinkles, lawn movers, bulldozers etc.

2. Passenger Automobiles - Shall mean all pneumatic tire vehicles of types similar to
those usually known under the following terms:

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a. Touring car h. Landaulet

b. Command Car i. Limousine
c. Speedster j. Sedan
d. Sports car k. Roadster
e. Sedan l. SUV
f. Cabriolet m. Truck
g. Coupe

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 the motor
vehicle and a substantial part of the weight of the trailer and of its load is
bourne by the motor vehicle.

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

5. Professional Driver - Every and any driver hired for driving or operating a
motor vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public.

6. Owner - The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle in whose name such
vehicle is duly registered with the LTO.

7. Dealer - Every person, association, partnership, or corporation making,

manufacturing, constructing, assembling, remodeling or setting up motor
vehicles and every such entity acting as agent for the sale of one or more
makes, styles, or kinds of motor vehicles.

8. Garage - 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 - The measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the

maximum allowable carrying capacity in merchandise, freight and/or
passengers as determined by the Commissioner of the LTO.

10. Highways - Every public thoroughfare, public, boulevard, driveway,

avenue, park, alley, Callejon, but does not include private roadway owned
by private institutions, companies.

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11. Parking or Parked - Shall mean that a motor vehicle is parked or parking
if it has been brought to a stop on the shoulder or proper edge of a highway,
and remains inactive in place or close thereto for span of time.

12. Tourist - A foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure or
culture.

 Selected Provisions of R.A 4136:

1. Exceeding Registered Capacity (Overloading, Sec. 33, RA 4136) -

Passengers, freight or cargo load of a motor vehicle should not be more
than its registered carrying capacity. All registered passenger automobiles
for hire are required to have the registered passenger capacity marked
plainly and conspicuously on the sides of the vehicle, with letters and
numbers not less than 5 cm in height.

2. Cargo Carrying Devices - The construction of device for carrying cargo at

the rear or sides of trucks may be allowed, subject to the approval of the
Commissioner, but must not exceed 100 kgs.

3. Riding on Running Board - It is strictly prohibited except for conductors

collecting passengers fare.

4. Riding on Top of 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
the vehicles stability.

5. Required Motor Vehicle Accessories - Every motor vehicle when

operated on a traffic way should have the following specified accessories:

• Tires • Motorcycle and other vehicle

• Brakes lights
• Horns • Park lights
• Headlights • Windshield wipers
• Taillights • Use of red flag
• Stop lights • Mufflers

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

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• Hanging on to or riding on the outside or rear end of any vehicle.

• Holding on to any moving vehicle whether on foot or otherwise.
• Driver allowing any person to hang on to or ride outside of or at the rear
end of the vehicle.

7. Driving While Under the Influence of Liquor or Other Prohibited Drugs

8. 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.
Applies even when loading or unloading passengers.

9. Duties of a 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 should observe the following:
a) Stop immediately
b) Show your driver’s license to inspecting traffic law enforcer
c) Give your 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

10. When can a driver leave the area of incident without being liable for
a Hit-andRun?
a) His life is in immediate danger of being harmed by another person
by reason of the accident;
b) He surrenders to proper authority;
c) He summons assistance of a physician or nurse to aid the victim;

1.2 Registration of Motor Vehicles

According to R.A 4136, all motor vehicles shall be registered by its owner before
the district and regional offices of the Land Transportation Office.

CLASSIFICATION OF REGISTERED MOTOR VEHICLES:

1. Private (Not for Hire) – These motor vehicles are used for personal use of
their owners.

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2. Public utility Vehicles (PUV/For Hire) – These are registered primarily for
conveyance of passengers and commercial goods. (e.g. passenger jeepneys,
taxis, vans, etc.)

3. Government – These are motor vehicles owned by the government and are
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY.

4. Diplomat – These are issued to foreign diplomats and consuls assigned in the
Philippines.

PLATE NUMBERS

Upon registration, motor vehicles are assigned with plate numbers. Letter and
numerical prefixes as well as assigned colors are based on the date, place of
registration and purpose of the motor vehicle.

Starting January 2013, the Land Transportation Office has adapted a new
dimension and appearance of plate numbers, including security features such as
holograms and registration bar codes to replace old series plate numbers for
automobiles with three (3) letters and three
(3) numbers and two (2) letters with four (4) numbers for motorcycles (1981-2014)
such as the following:

 Private/Not for Hire – Current mandatory plates are on Black lettering with
White background, with the first letter indicating the place of registration. (All
plates released from 2013-2016 starts with the letter A, with the region of
registration below the alpha-numeric registration, until reverted back to
regional letter designations based from 1981 in 2017.)

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 Public Utility Vehicles/ For Hire – Black lettering with Yellow background,
with place of registration as the first letter.

 Government – Red lettering with White background starting with the letter S.

 Diplomatic or Other Exempted (International Organizations) – Current

standard is six
(6) digits on Light Blue lettering with White background.

Ambassadors – “1000” on their plates at all times

Diplomatic Corps – “1001” to “9999” on their plates

 Trailers – Trailers have separate registration plates, having the same color
coding for either private or public transport plate numbers. The first letter block
indicates the place of registration, while the middle letter block indicates either
private or public use. (e.g. LUA1001 for private registration, GZB-1002 for
public registration)

 Electric Vehicles – Currently having the White symbols with Orange

background.

 Motorcycles – Private motorcycles under the new design has black characters
on a white background, with the letters “MC” for single motorcycles stamped
on the upper portion of

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the plate. Current designation has two (2) letters with five (5) numbers. (Current
format: AA 1111)

 Tricycles – Private and public tricycles have the same design with single
motorcycles except that it has “TC” stamped on the upper portion of the plate.

 Department of Tourism (DOT) Accredited Vehicles – Usually tour buses,

shuttle vans or airport taxis, these vehicles are issued with plates that are
similar to public utility vehicles. A special sticker indicating their DOT
accreditation must be visible on the rear windows.

 Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP) – A project of the LTO since
2004, in the form of three (3) letters and two (2) numbers (e.g. MVP-88)

 Personalized (Vanity) Plates – For anyone desiring to have his/her own

personalized plate with the following conditions:

• Uniqueness – The plate does not match a registered vehicle anywhere

in the Philippines
• It must not have the same format to that of government vehicles

 Commemorative Plates – These plates are currently defunct and are only
allowed if it is placed near the registration plate and not substitute the default
position.

CURRENT DIMENSION, MEDIUM AND TYPEFACE OF PLATE

NUMBERS:

 CURRENT DIMENSION – 390mm x140 mm (2013)

 Characters are stamped on an aluminum plate which is then coated with

reflectorized paint.

 SLOGANS – Located at the bottom of the plate, it reflects the Medium-Term

Development Program (MTDP) Slogan of every President, from Fidel V.
Ramos to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. o PHILIPPINES 2000 – Fidel V. Ramos
o ANGAT PINOY 2004 – Joseph E. Estrada
o MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA – Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

 COMMON INSCRIPTION:

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o PILIPINAS (1981-1995, 2001-2004) o

PHILIPPINES 2000 (1995-2000) o ANGAT
PINOY 2004 (2000-2001) o PERLAS NG
SILANGAN (2001-2002)
o MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA (2003-2013)

 TYPEFACE:

From 1981 to 2013, the typeface or lettering of all plates by the LTO is based
on the Australian License Plate System. But in February 2018, the
government switched to FESchrift (Fälschungserschwerende Schrift) sans-
serif font style.

PREVIOUS GEOGRAPHICAL ASSIGNEMNT OF PLATE NUMBERS:

It is determined by the first letter block of the plate number:

• A – Region I and CAR

• B – Region II
• C – Region III
• D – Region IV-A & Region IV-B
• E – Region V
• F – Region VI
• G – Region VII
• H – Region VIII
• J – Region IX (Including Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi)
• K – Region X and Region XIII
• L – Region XI (LMA-LMT Series issued for Region XIII)
• M – Region XII (Including Maguindanao and Cotabato City in BARMM)
• N – NCR
• P – NCR
• R – Region III (Overflow)
• S – Government
• T – NCR
• U – NCR
• V – Region IV-A & Region IV-B (Overflow)
• W – NCR
• X – NCR (Overflow)
• Y – Region VII (Overflow)
• Z – NCR (Overflow)

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Starting 2010, with the exhaustion of all letters except I, O and Q, the LTO
implemented that these letters would be incorporated in the second block
(second letter) of NCR registered vehicles except the Z series. (e.g. NPO-532,
PQI-113, TIG-443, ULQ-477, etc.)

Upon the release of newly-designed plates in 2013, all private automobiles in

all regions were issued plates starting with letter A, until it was changed to
regional registration designation.

CURRENT GEOGRAPHICAL ASSIGNMENT OF PLATE

NUMBERS:

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SCHEDULE OF REGISTRATION:

Registration of motor vehicles should be done annually which follows the

numerical suffixes on their plate numbers.

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Middle digit of plate number - For 3-digit plate numbers

Second to the last digit of plate number – For 4-digit plate numbers

Note: Vehicles may be registered one month in advance of weekly deadline.

Letter Prefixes on Plate Numbers – Letters indicates:

• Place of initial registration of motor vehicle.

• Year of initial registration and approximate year model of the registered
vehicle could be determined from the order of the letters. The higher
the letters the recent the motor vehicle was registered and bought.

PROTOCOL PLATE NUMBERS:

These are special plates designated for high-ranking officials of the

government as a manifestation towards them or their respective positions.
These plates are currently Black D or DD plates reserved for their use.

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• 1 – President
• 2 – Vice President
• 3 – Senate President
• 4 – Speaker of the House of Representatives
• 5 – Chief Justice, Supreme Court
• 6 - Cabinet Secretaries
• 7 – Senators
• 8 – Congressmen (Representatives)
• 9 – Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
• 10 – Solicitor General, Justices of the Court of Appeals
• 11 – Chairman, Commission on Elections (COMELEC)
• 12 – Cabinet Undersecretary
• 13 –
• 14 – Chief, PNP (C/PNP) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff,
AFP (CSAFP)
• 16 – Region Trial Court Judges
• 17 – MTC, MCTC, MTCC and Shari’ah Circuit Court Judges

1.3 Provisions on Driver’s Licenses:

In the Philippines, driving a motor vehicle is NOT a right, but a privilege granted
by the Philippine Government through the LTO based from R.A 4136 and Batas
Pambansa Blg. 398. Because it is a privilege, it can be suspended or revoked by
the Government.

 Driver’s License – A document issued to a qualified driver who possesses the

statutory qualification as provided. It is also a public document which has a
legal presumption of genuineness.

 Duty to Procure Licenses – According to Sec. 19 of R.A 4136, no person

shall operate any motor vehicle without first procuring a license to driver for the
current year. To be effective, it must not be a delinquent, invalid, suspended or
revoked and must be carried at all times. It must be surrendered to a person
authorized by law for any lawful cause.

 Confiscation of Driver’s License – According to Sec. 29 of RA 4136, a

driver’s license may be confiscated for traffic violations, the rules and
regulations of the commissioner of the LTO, and of local traffic rules and
regulations.

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When a driver’s license is confiscated for any reason, the traffic enforcer must
issue a
Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) which is valid within 72 hours in which the
driver may continue to operate the vehicle. Failure to settle the case within 15
days will cause suspension or revocation of the license.

 TYPES OF LICENSES, PROCEDURES AND REQUIREMENTS

A driver is licensed by the LTO as a proof of his/her proficiency in driving, his

knowledge of the rules and regulations while operating a motor vehicle. Upon
proving proficiency and knowledge, he would be issued a document in the form
of the following licenses:

1. International Driver’s License (Sec. 21, RA 4136) – Bonafide tourists and

transients who are duly licensed to operate motor vehicles in their
respective countries may be allowed to operate vehicles during their stay
in the Philippines but not beyond ninety (90) days of their stay in the
country.

2. Military Driver’s License (Sec. 20, RA 4136) – Enlisted personnel of the

AFP operating motor vehicles owned by the government shall be licensed,
but no license or delinquency fees shall be collected.

All military licenses shall bear the words FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY plainly
marked or stamped in red inks across the face of the license. A Military
Driver’s License does not authorize to operate a privately-owned motor
vehicle.

3. Professional Driver’s License (PDL) – This license is issued to a driver

hired or paid for driving or operating a motor vehicle whether for private use
or public utility. Any person driving his/her own motor vehicle for hire is a
professional driver. The word PROFESSIONAL is highlighted in Red.

4. Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL) – This license is issued to

owners of privately owned motor vehicles or those not for hire or paid for
driving. To easily distinguish this from a professional license, the word
NON-PROFESSIONAL is highlighted in Green color.

5. Student Driver’s Permit (SP) – This kind of license is issued to persons

who desire to learn how to drive. A student driver cannot operate a motor

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vehicle without the presence of a qualified instructor who is a Professional

license holder.

 VALIDITY OR EXPIRATION OF LICENSE (RA 10930):

• Student Driver’s Permit – 12 months

• Non-Professional and Professional Driver’s License – 5 years
• International Driver’s License – 90 days

 CONDUCTOR’S LICENSE – Conductors of public utility vehicles (PUV’s) are

also mandated to procure a license from the LTO.

 DRIVER’S EXAMINATION – All driver’s license applicants must obtain the

passing score as follows:

1. Written Examination – It contains questions concerning proper driving

procedures, road rules and regulations, emergency procedures, etc.

The following are the numbers of questions:

a. Non-Professional = 40 questions
b. Professional = 60 questions

Examinees will have to pass the written examination with the following
marks:
a. Non-Professional = 30 out of 40 questions
b. Professional = 45 out of 60 questions

Before each examination, a Driving Skill Rater will provide a 30-minute

lecture on traffic rules and other driver information as a review for
applicants.

 ROAD TEST – The actual road test will be undertaken under the guidance of
a Driving Skill Rater. This test must be scheduled in advance, and the applicant
will have to provide the vehicle in which the road test will be conducted. The
applicant should make sure that the vehicle is in proper working condition and
is currently registered.

During the road test, the applicant will be rated according to proficiency
different aspects before, during and after driving including knowledge and
interpretation of road signs and markings, proper backing and parking
procedures.

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The applicant will be credited with a score of 100 points at the start of the test.
Each infraction of unsatisfactory performance will be listed down on the Road
Test Score Sheet, and the corresponding deductions made at the end of the
test. Passing grade is 70 points, or maximum deduction of 30 points.

 MANDATORY MEDICAL AND DRUG TEST:

All driver’s license applicants except for Student Driver’s Permit need to pass
a drug test conducted by duly accredited LTO Medical and Drug Testing
Centers. (Repealed by RA 10586)

 DRIVER’S RESTRICTION CODES – When a driver is issued a license, the

driver’s restriction code is indicated as follows:

• 1 – All motorcycles/tricycles
• 2 – Vehicles up to 4500 kgs. Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
• 3 – Vehicles above 4500 kgs. GVW
• 4 – Automatic clutch up to 4500 kgs. GVW
• 5 – Automatic clutch above 4500 kgs. GVW
• 6 – Articulated vehicle 1600 kgs. GVW and below
• 7 – Articulated vehicle 1601 kgs. Up to 4500 kgs. GVW
• 8 – Articulated vehicle 4501 kgs. and above GVW

 DRIVER’S CONDITION – These considerations while driving a motor vehicle

must be indicated in the driver’s license:

• A – Wear eyeglasses
• B – Drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
• C – Drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
• D - Daylight driving only
• E – Accompanied by a person with normal hearing

1.4 Other Traffic Laws and Rules:

 R.A 8749 – Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 (An Act providing for a
Comprehensive Air Pollution Control Policy and for Other Purposes)

 R.A 8750 – Seatbelts Use Act of 1999 (An Act Requiring the Mandatory
Compliance by Motorists of Private and Public Vehicles to Use Seatbelts
Devices and Requiring Vehicle Manufacturers to Install Seatbelt Devices in All
Their Manufactured Vehicles)
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 R.A 8794 – (An Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle User’s Charge on Owners of All
Types of Motor Vehicles and for Other Purposes)

 R.A 10586 – Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (An Act
Penalizing Persons Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol, Dangerous Drugs,
and Similar Substances, and for Other Purposes)

 R.A 10666 – Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 (An Act

Providing for the Safety of Children Aboard Motorcycles)

 R.A 10913 – Anti-Distracted Driving Act of 2017 (An Act Defining and
Penalizing Distracted Driving)

Prohibitions:
• Composing, sending or reading text messages
• Making or receiving calls
• Watching movies, TV shows or web videos
• Surfing the internet or performing calculations
• Reading e-books and emails
• Playing games via mobile apps or electronic device

 R.A 10916 – Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 (An Act Requiring the
Mandatory
Installation of Speed Limiter in Public Utility and Certain Types of
Vehicles) Covered Vehicles:
• Closed Van
• Hauler/Cargo Trailer
• PUV’s
• Shuttle Service
• Tanker Trucks
• Other vehicles determined and included by DOTr
 R.A 11229 – Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act of 2019 (An Act Providing
for the Special Protection of Child Passengers in Motor Vehicles and
Appropriating Funds Therefor)

1.5 General Rules of Road Use and Conduct

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 Speed Limit and Other Rules on Speed:

1. MAXIMUM ALLOWABLE SPEEDS – It shall be in accordance with the
specified speed limits on specific sections of highways and roads. (Sec.
35, R.A 4136)

 EXCEPTIONS TO THE SPEED LIMIT – The rates of speed prescribed

shall not apply to the following:

• A physician or his driver when the former responds to emergency

calls.
• The driver of a hospital ambulance on the way to and from the
place of accident or another emergency.
• Any driver bringing a wounded or sick person for emergency
treatment to a hospital, clinic, or any other similar place.
• The driver of a motor vehicle belonging to the Armed Forces
while in use for official purposes in times of riot, insurrection or
invasion.
• The driver of a vehicle, when he or his passengers are in pursuit
of a criminal.
• A law-enforcement officer who is trying to overtake a violator of
traffic laws.
• 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.

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 LATERAL PLACEMENT – It is the proper positioning of the motor

vehicle while traversing on a traffic way or while on parked.

• Proper positioning while traversing:

• Proper placement while on parallel parking:

• Proper placement while parked diagonally:

 OVERTAKING AND PASSING – Before overtaking another vehicle, the

driver must look at both side mirrors of any vehicle behind attempts to

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do the same. When clear or vehicles behind, he must put his signal light
to the left before overtaking. The driver should pass at a safe distance
to the left of the vehicle being overtaken, and shall resume driving on
the right side of the road with the signals light turned on to the right
during passing clear of the overtaken vehicle.

EXCEPTION –
On highways with
two (2) or more lanes where traffic goes one direction, another vehicle
may be overtaken on the right (Sec. 39, RA 4136)

 Vehicle 1 can use the right lane (outer) in overtaking and passing vehicle
2
• Vehicle 5 attempting to overtake vehicle 4 using the shouldering of the
road is not only a violation, but also a dangerous maneuver because
hitting something beyond the shoulder is a possibility.

The driver of the vehicle to be overtaken must give way to the

overtaking vehicle and must NOT INCREASE SPEED/ MATCH
SPEED of the overtaking vehicle.

 RESTRICTIONS IN OVERTAKING AND PASSING – To avoid

accidents, overtaking and passing on the following places are restricted:

o 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

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a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking or passing

to be made in safety.
o 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 driver of a vehicle may overtake or pass another
vehicle. o At any railway grade crossing, not at any intersection
of highways unless such intersection or crossing is controlled by
traffic signal, or unless permitted to do so by a watchman or a
peace officer.
o Between any points indicated by the placing of official temporary
warning or caution signs indicating that men are working on the
highway.
o In any “No passing or overtaking zone”.

 RIGHT OF WAY – This principle refers to the legal and customary

precedence (priority in place or time) which allows a vehicle to cross or
pass in front of another.

Rules on Right of Way:

1. In case of two vehicles approaching or entering an intersection at

the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right
of way; however, the driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful
speed forfeits this right (Sec. 42-A, RA 4136)

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

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

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within such intersection or turning therein to the left across the line
of travel of the first mentioned vehicle. (Sec. 42-B, RA 4136)

3. In case of a vehicle on a highway within a business or residential

district shall yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing such
highway within a crosswalk, except at intersections where the
movement of traffic is being regulated by a peace officer or by traffic
signal.

If there is no crosswalk, pedestrians shall yield the right of way to

vehicles on the highways. If there is, then the vehicle must give way
to crossing pedestrians on the crosswalk. (Sec. 42-C, RA 4136)

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4. The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall bring to a full stop such
vehicle before traversing any "through highway" or railroad crossing:
Provided, That when it is apparent that no hazard exists, the vehicle
may be slowed down to five miles per hour instead of bringing it to a
full stop.

Exceptions to the Right of Way Rule (Sec. 43, RA 4136) – The Right
of Way Rule does not apply in the following conditions:

a) The driver of a vehicle entering a highway from a private road or

drive shall yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on
such highway.

b) The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of

way to police or fire department vehicles and ambulances when
such vehicles are operated on official business and the drivers
thereof sound audible signal of their approach.

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c) The driver of a vehicle entering a "through highway" or a "stop

intersection" shall yield the right of way to all vehicles
approaching to either direction on such "through highway”

 STARTING, STOPPING OR TURNING RULES - The driver shall first

see that such movement can be made safely and if any pedestrian is
affected by such movement, he shall give a clearly audible signal by
sounding the vehicle’s horn.

• When other motorists are affected (Sec. 44-A, RA 4136)

• Use of hand signal – The required signal shall be given by means
of extending the hand or arm beyond the left side of the vehicle
or by an approved mechanical or electrical signal device (Sec 44-
B, RA 4136)

 MAKING A RIGHT TURN – Here are the rules to be followed when

turning right:
• Signal your intention to turn right (100ft)
• Stay on the right lane of the road
• NEVER make a right turn from left lane
• At an intersection with a read traffic light make a right turn ONLY
after coming to a full stop to make sure that no vehicle is coming
from the left.
• If there is a sign prohibiting a right turn unless the light is Green,
DO NOT TURN RIGHT WHEN THE RED LIGHT IS ON.

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 MAKING A LEFT
TURN - Here are the
rules to be followed
when turning left:
• Signal
your intention
to turn left
(100ft)
• Stay
on the left lane of
the road
• NEVER make a left turn from right lane
• At an intersection with a traffic light, VEHICLES GOING
STRAIGHT HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. Wait for them to pass
first before you turn left.
• At an intersection with a traffic light, make a left turn only when
the green light is on or when there is a left turn signal light.

 MAKING A U-TURN ON A TWO-LANE ROAD:

• Make a right turn signal at least 100 ft before you start moving to
the right side of the road.
• Stay as close to the right side as possible.

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•

• Once all incoming traffic has passed you, initiate your U-turn.

 MAKING A U-TURN ON A FOUR LANE HIGHWAY:

 PEDESTRIAN RIGHTS AND DUTIES - Pedestrians have the right to

occupy or pass on spaces and portions designated as pedestrian
crosswalks. As part of the traffic system, pedestrians’ fundamental duty
is to observe and obey traffic rules and regulations, same as with
motorists to pedestrians.

 GENERAL PARKING RULES AND REGULATIONS:

• Motor vehicles should only park on designated parking areas

allocated for them.
• A parked vehicle may create an accident, kill someone or destroy
property.

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• Before leaving your vehicle, set the handbrakes, put the gear in
neutral and remove the key.
• If on an inclined road, after setting the handbrakes, put the gear
in either 1st or Reverse gear, whichever is appropriate. This
prevents other cars from pushing your car.

Parking on Cities – In cities or towns, unless otherwise directed by

city/municipal ordinance, motor vehicles must be parked within 12
inches of the curb. Further precautions while parking are the
following:

o Downhill with or without curb – Turn wheels to the right

o Uphill curb with curb – Turn wheels from curb (to the
left) o Uphill without a curb – Turn wheels to curb

Parking on a Highway – On rural roads, pull entirely off pavement

to park. Whenever practicable, turn on your parking lights.

Parking Prohibited in Specified Areas – No driver shall park a

vehicle, or permit it to stand, whether attended or unattended, upon
a highway in any of the following places and at any place where
official signs are erected.

o In front of a private driveway

o Within four (4) meters of the driveway entrance to any fire
station o Within an intersection
o Within four (4) meters of a fire hydrant
o Within six (6) meters of the intersection of curb lines o On
a crosswalk
o On the roadway side-by-side of any vehicle parked at the
curb or edge of the highway.

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Self Help

References:
1. Delizo, D.B. (2014). Traffic Management an Accident Investigation. Second
Edition. Quezon City: Wiseman's Books Trading, Inc.

2. Filipino Driver's Manual 2018 Volume 1. (2018). Retrieved from Land

Transportation Office:
[Link]
[Link]

3. Filipino Driver's Manual 2018 Volume 2. (2018). Retrieved from Land

Transportation Office:
[Link]

You can also access:

8. ProQuest Central: [Link]

a. Username: 33h3wsp28s
b. Password: welcome
9. ProQuest Ebook Central (formerly ebrary):

[Link]
danao-ebooks a. Username: umlic.dl2@[Link]
b. Password: umebook2
10. Gale Reference: [Link]
a. Password: Present
11. Oxford Reference:
[Link]
a. Username: minduniversity
b. Password: Oxford2018
12. Philippine E-Journals: [Link]
a. Username: adminum
b. Password: adminum

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