Common traffic violations in the Philippines

As per the stats released by the MMDA, a total of 110,668 violations were recorded back in 2018. The data also includes a breakdown of each traffic rule showing the number of motorists who failed to follow it. Given that, we were able to see and identify the common traffic violations in the Philippines that are often breached by many drivers in Metro Manila. 

Traffic signs are important on the road as the images convey information, instruction, or warnings amongst drivers. Every traffic sign should be followed, unfortunately, not all motorists conform to this rule. In 2018, a total of 44,433 traffic sign-related violations were recorded making it the most committed traffic rule compared to others. Those who failed to conform will then be charged with P150 for the first, second, and third violations.

There are two scenarios that can describe this violation. First is blocking the free passage of other vehicles on highways whilst unloading freight and taking or discharging passengers, the other one is driving in such a way that it obstructs the passage of another vehicle. In 2018, a total of 32,155 obstruction-related violations were recorded by the MMDA. The following violators will be charged with P150 for the first, second, and third violations.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the number coding scheme was in full implementation within Metro Manila, in fact, it was one of the most commonly committed traffic violations in the country. In 2017, about 13,702 motorists have violated the Unified Vehicle Volume Reduction Program or the number coding scheme. The penalty shall require drivers to pay P300 for the first, second, and third violations.

This is probably a common scenario along roads, malls, and other private establishments. As loading and unloading on prohibited areas could disturb the flow of traffic. In 2018, about 10,316 violations were recorded in relation to loading and unloading passengers in prohibited areas. This violation carries a penalty of P150 for the first, second, and third violations.

The MMDA has imposed a law in order to promote the proper usage of lanes on major thoroughfares. In 2017, the MMDA recorded a total of 7,654 Bus and PUJ drivers violated the ordinance. Aside from that, many private vehicles also use yellow lanes which also qualifies for a penalty, about 7,671 motorists were caught in the act last 2017. While private vehicles that are using the yellow lane are penalized with a P500 fine. 

For buses and PUJs who failed to conform with this policy, they are then to be charged with P1,000 for the first, second, and third violations.

The MMDA’s truck ban is currently suspended, though for context, what it really does is prohibit usually restricts large trucks, including 10-wheeler wing vans from driving on certain roads. This ordinance usually maintains the flow of trucks on the roads, because aside from the supposed build-up of traffic, these trucks might also cause potential accidents or rather hinder the safety of most local motorists. It also gives them a window to traverse the roads without impeding during rush hour. 

Traversing through E. Rodriguez Avenue, Taft Avenue, and España Street during the restricted hours warrants a penalty of P2,000. EDSA also prohibits cargo trucks to traverse, except on holidays and Sundays. Otherwise, the driver will be fined P500 for the first, second, and third offense.

This includes junked or dilapidated motor vehicles in Metro Manila or using any vehicle or even its attachments on a public road, thoroughfare, or street and deemed to be incapable of proceeding through its own motive power. In 2018, a total of 4,018 violations were recorded in relation to this traffic rule. Those who failed to conform will then be charged with P200 for the first, second, and third violations.

From the word itself, this violation is characterized by driving carelessly on the road which could cause a possible accident or damage to property. In 2018, a total of 3,113 violations were recorded for reckless driving. Reckless driving penalty in the Philippines will require violators a P500 penalty for a first offense, followed by the second offense which will be a P750 penalty, next will be the suspension of driver’s license, and finally, a revocation of driver's license along with a fine of P1,000.

Illegal parking is very common in the Philippines, which is why the government has imposed a rule on this in order to encourage the passengers to park properly. In 2018, 1,896 vehicles violated the traffic rule, while 2,883 vehicles were towed after not conforming with the policy.

Those who leave their vehicles on NO PARKING zones or areas will then be charged with a penalty of P200 for the first, second, and third offenses. While those who are to be towed will carry a penalty of P500 for the first, second, and third offense.