SUBJECT 2. ROAD AND TRAFFIC RULES (RULES AND REGULATIONS)

SECTION 37. Driving on Right Side of Highway

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. 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.

SECTION 39. 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.

Cutting an Overtaken Vehicle

No driver shall drive to the right side of the highway after overtaking before his motor vehicle is safely clear of such overtaken vehicle.

SECTION 40. 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 upon suitable and audible signal being given by the driver of the overtaking vehicle. The driver shall not increase the speed of his vehicle until completely passed by the overtaking vehicle.

SECTION 40. 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 free of oncoming traffic for a sufficient distance ahead to permit such overtaking or passing to be made in safety.

SECTION 40. Restrictions on Overtaking and Passing (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. On a highway within a business or residential district, having two or more lanes for movement of traffic in one direction, the driver of a vehicle may overtake or pass another vehicle on the right.

SECTION 40. Restrictions on Overtaking and Passing (c)

No driver shall overtake or pass another vehicle proceeding in the same direction at any railway grade crossing.

Overtaking at an Intersection

No driver shall overtake or pass another vehicle in the same direction at any intersection of highways except on a highway having two or more lanes for movement of traffic in one direction, where the driver of a vehicle may overtake another vehicle on the right.

SECTION 42. Right of Way (a)

When two vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same time, the driver of the vehicle on the left shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right, except as otherwise provided. The driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed shall forfeit any right of way they might otherwise have.

SECTION 42. Right of Way (b)

The driver of a vehicle approaching but not having entered an intersection shall yield the right of way to a vehicle within such intersection or turning left across the line of travel of such first-mentioned vehicle, provided the driver of the vehicle turning left has given a plainly visible signal of intention to turn.

SECTION 42. Right of Way (c)

The driver of any vehicle upon 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 regulated by a peace officer or traffic signal. Pedestrians crossing a highway outside of a crosswalk must yield the right of way to vehicles.

Right of Way on "through highway" or railroad crossing

The driver of a vehicle upon a highway must bring their vehicle to a full stop before traversing any "through highway" or railroad crossing. If no hazard exists, the vehicle may be slowed down to 5 miles per hour (8 kph) instead of stopping.

SECTION 43. Exception to the Right of Way Rule (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.

SECTION 43. Exception to the Right of Way Rule (b)

The driver of a vehicle upon a highway shall yield the right of way to police, fire department vehicles, and ambulances when such vehicles are on official business and sound an audible signal of their approach.

SECTION 45. Turning at Intersections (a)

Vehicles turning right must go to the rightmost lane and stay on the right lane after turning.

SECTION 45. Turning at Intersections (b)

Vehicles turning left must choose the leftmost lane and stay on the left lane after turning.

SECTION 45. Turning at Intersections (c)

The center of the intersection shall mean the meeting point of the medial lines of the highways intersecting one another, except when occupied by a monument, grass plot, or any permanent structure other than a traffic control device.

Yellow Box Prohibitions

Do not block the intersection even when making a turn, do not make a U-turn, yield the right-of-way to those inside the yellow box, never communicate or exchange pleasantries with fellow motorists, do not park within 6 meters of intersections, and do not load/unload passengers or goods within the yellow box.

SECTION 46. Parking Prohibited in Specified Places

No parking in intersections, on crosswalks, within 6 meters of intersections, 4 meters from driveway entrances, within 4 meters from a fire hydrant, in front of a private driveway, or on the roadway side of an unmoving or parked vehicle. No parking at any place where signs of prohibitions have been installed.

SECTION 47. Parked Vehicle

Whenever a motor vehicle is parked unattended on any highway, the driver must turn off the ignition switch, stop the motor, and notch the hand brake effectively.

SECTION 51. Hitching to a Vehicle

No person shall hang onto, ride on, or hitch onto any moving vehicle. No driver shall knowingly permit anyone to hang onto or ride on the outside or rear end of their vehicle or allow anyone on a bicycle, roller skates, or similar device to hold onto their vehicle.

Use of Red Flag

Whenever the load of a vehicle extends more than one meter beyond the bed or body of the vehicle, it must be displayed at every projecting end of such load, not less than 30 cm in length and width. Red lights may be used instead of it, visible at least 50 meters away, and should be turned on after sunset and before sunrise. Lights must also be on in certain weather conditions.

Mufflers

Every motor vehicle propelled by an internal combustion engine must be equipped with it. It shall not be cut out or disconnected in cities, municipalities, or densely populated areas. No motor vehicle shall emit unnecessary or disagreeable odors, smoke, or noise.

Tires of Motor Vehicles

No motor vehicle with metallic tires shall operate on any public highway. Solid tires must be thick enough to prevent metal rims from coming in contact with the road.

Duty of Driver in Case of Accident

In the event of an accident, the driver must show their driver's license, provide their name and address, and the name and address of the vehicle owner. The driver must not leave the scene unless they are in imminent danger, report the accident to the nearest officer, or summon medical help.

SECTION 52. No Driving or Parking on Sidewalks

No person shall drive or park a motor vehicle on any sidewalk, path, or alley not intended for vehicular traffic or parking.

SECTION 54. Obstruction of Vehicle Passage

No person shall drive a motor vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct or impede the passage of any vehicle. While discharging or taking on passengers or loading/unloading freight, a vehicle must not obstruct the free passage of other vehicles.

Expressway

A high-speed road with controlled entry and exit. It has lane dividers to separate traffic in both directions and usually has two or more lanes in each direction. Often called tollways because drivers usually need to pay to pass through.

South Luzon Expressway (SLEX)

An expressway that serves the southern part of Luzon.

North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)

An expressway serving the northern part of Luzon.

Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR Tollway)

An expressway connecting Batangas and the SLEX.

Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX)

A tollway that connects Subic, Clark, and Tarlac in Luzon.

Tarlac Pangasinan La Union Expressway (TPLEX)

An expressway connecting Tarlac, Pangasinan, and La Union.

Manila Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX)

A tollway connecting Manila and Cavite.

Two-lane Expressway

An expressway with two lanes, one in each direction.

Lane 1 (Left Lane) - Two-lane Expressway

The passing lane for overtaking slower vehicles.

Lane 2 (Right Lane) - Two-lane Expressway

The lane for all vehicles to travel, unless overtaking.

Three-lane Expressway

An expressway with three lanes.

Lane 1 (Left Lane) - Three-lane Expressway

The passing lane for overtaking vehicles.

Lane 2 (Center Lane) - Three-lane Expressway

The lane for cars, buses, and freight vehicles with cargo less than one and a half tons.

Lane 3 (Right Lane) - Three-lane Expressway

The lane for freight vehicles with cargo heavier than one and a half tons, and special/construction equipment vehicles.

Four-lane Expressway

An expressway with four lanes.

Lane 1 (Left Lane) - Four-lane Expressway

The passing lane for overtaking slower vehicles.

Lane 2 (Inner Left Lane) - Four-lane Expressway

The lane for cars, medium buses, and freight vehicles with cargo under one and a half tons.

Lane 3 (Inner Right Lane) - Four-lane Expressway

The lane for large passenger buses and freight vehicles with cargo over one and a half tons.

Lane 4 (Outer Right Lane) - Four-lane Expressway

The lane for special and construction equipment vehicles.

Expressway Road Signs

Signs that help guide and inform drivers on expressways.

Direction to Expressway Signs

Signs that indicate the direction of entry to an expressway.

Prohibition Signs

Signs that indicate what vehicles are not allowed on the expressway (e.g., bicycles, motorcycles, or vehicles without taillights).

Proper Lane Direction Signs

Signs informing drivers of the correct lane to be in for taking the right exit based on their destination.

Special Signs (200m from Toll Exit)

Signs placed 200 meters before toll exits, including "Wrong Way - Turn Back," "Reduce Speed Now," and "Check Brakes."

Toll Road Signs

Signs that inform drivers about approaching toll plazas, warning them about the toll lanes and rates.