A driver’s license entails a great deal of responsibility. Obtaining a driver’s license may represent freedom and independence for some people.

Driving for the first time can be both thrilling and terrifying. Earning your license, on the other hand, should not be taken lightly and should be treated as a serious responsibility.

A variety of factors influence the success of your first driving experience. As a responsible driver, you must keep in mind that these factors include a combination of your proper driving attitude and a roadworthy motor vehicle.

For new drivers who are not aware, we have traffic laws that we need to follow at all times.

Traffic laws are implemented to ensure not only an orderly flow of traffic and driver discipline, but also the public’s safety on the road.
At the very least, you should be aware of the laws in place to keep the roads safe and orderly. If you think you need to brush up on some of the Philippines’ driving laws, take a look at this refresher.

Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136)

All motor vehicles are required to be registered in a national registry under RA 4136. It also established the requirements for registration and fees for all car owners.

Aside from that, drivers were required to apply for both professional and non-professional licenses under this law. The penalty fees for failing to comply with the commission’s registration and licensing requirements were also established by RA 4136.

RA 4136 also set the penalties for the following traffic violations:

• Overtaking and passing a vehicle
• Right of way and signaling
• Turning at intersections
• Reckless driving
• Right of way for police and other emergency vehicles
• Tampering with vehicles
• Hitching to a vehicle
• Driving or parking on sidewalk
• Obstruction of traffic

The penalty fee for violating any of the provisions from RA 4136 ranges from PHP 100 to PHP 500.

Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (RA 10586)

The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013 (RA 10586) is one of the Philippines’ most serious driving laws. Aside from the financial penalties, driving under the influence can cause injury or death to all parties involved, including the driver, passengers, and pedestrians.

But how can cops tell if a driver is under the influence? They can be used to describe the following signs and factors:

• Excessive speed
• Weaving Lane straddles both sides of the road.
• Sudden halts
• Swinging
• Coordination issues
• The smell of alcohol on a person’s breath is obvious.

Signs that you used dangerous drugs

Suspected drivers will be put through a battery of tests to see if they are driving while intoxicated. Breath analyzers, field sobriety tests, and chemical tests are examples of these tests. If you are found guilty, you will be required to pay the following penalties:

If there were no physical injuries or homicide, the penalty ranges from PHP 20,000 to PHP 80,000 and three months in prison.

If the violation resulted in physical injuries, the penalty imposed by Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code or the penalty imposed by the next subparagraph, whichever is higher, plus a fine of PHP 100,000 to PHP 200,000.

If the violation resulted in homicide, the penalty outlined in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code, as well as a fine ranging from PHP 300,000 to PHP 500,000, will be imposed.

Violations of this law may result in the permanent revocation of your license for a period of at least 12 months. For as little as the first offense, professional drivers’ licenses could be permanently revoked.

We hope that being aware of the fines and penalties will assist you in your daily driving as well as in the unfortunate event that you are arrested. Please be cautious when driving.