Land Transportation and Traffic Code (R.A. No. 4136)

Motor Vehicle

Any vehicle propelled by any power other than muscular power using the public highways, excluding certain vehicles such as road rollers, trolley cars, and tractors used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

Passenger Automobiles

Pneumatic-tire vehicles of various types, including touring cars, sports cars, and sedans.

Articulated Vehicle

A motor vehicle with a trailer attached in such a way that part of the trailer rests upon the motor vehicle.

Driver

A licensed operator of a motor vehicle.

Professional Driver

A driver hired or paid for driving or operating a motor vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public.

Owner

The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name the vehicle is registered.

Dealer

A person, association, partnership, or corporation involved in the making, manufacturing, constructing, assembling, or selling of motor vehicles.

Garage

A building where two or more motor vehicles are kept ready for hire to the public.

Gross Weight

The measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum allowable carrying capacity in merchandise, freight, and/or passengers.

Highways

Public thoroughfares, boulevards, driveways, and other designated public places, excluding private grounds.

Commissioner of Land Transportation

The chief of the Land Transportation Commission or their designated representatives, responsible for the administration and enforcement of the Act.

Parking

The act of bringing a motor vehicle to a stop on the shoulder or proper edge of a highway and remaining inactive for a significant period of time.

Tourist

A foreigner who travels for pleasure or culture.

Land Transportation Commission

An office under the Department of Public Works and Communications responsible for the implementation and enforcement of the Act.

Duty to Register

The requirement for all motor vehicles and other vehicles to be properly registered before being used or operated on public highways.

Dealer's Reports

Information and reports required from dealers regarding the sale, importation, manufacture, and other transactions involving motor vehicles.

Change of Motor Number

Prohibition on altering or tampering with the original or registered serial or motor number of a motor vehicle.

Encumbrances of Motor Vehicles

Mortgages, attachments, and other encumbrances on motor vehicles that must be recorded and properly noted on the certificates of registration.

Applications and payments for registration

The process of applying for and making payments for vehicle registration either in person or by registered mail.

Registration Classification

The different classifications under which motor vehicles can be registered, such as private passenger automobiles, private trucks, and private motorcycles.

Laborers on private trucks

The conditions under which laborers can ride on private trucks, including the maximum number allowed and the weight restrictions.

Vehicles "for hire"

The definition of a vehicle that is considered "for hire" and the restrictions on using vehicles registered under certain classifications for hire.

Tourists bringing their own vehicles

The rules and requirements for tourists bringing their own motor vehicles to the Philippines, including the duration of their stay and the need for registration.

Schedule of registration fees

The fees required for the registration of motor vehicles, based on factors such as weight, type of vehicle, and purpose of use.

Permissible weights and dimensions of vehicles

The maximum weights and dimensions allowed for motor vehicles operating on public highways, including limits for wheels, axles, and overall size.

Special permits

The circumstances under which special permits may be issued for vehicles that exceed the limits set for weights, dimensions, or load.

Additional fees

The additional fees charged for specific actions or circumstances related to registration, such as changes in registration, replacement of lost documents, or certification of data.

Payment of taxes upon registration

The requirement to provide proof of payment of taxes, customs duties, or other charges before the registration of a motor vehicle can be accepted.

Issuance and use of certificates of registration

The process of issuing certificates of registration for motor vehicles and the authority and purpose of these certificates.

Motor Vehicle Classification

The classification of a motor vehicle that determines the registration fee required for operating it on public highways.

Suspension of Registration Certificate

The authority of the Commissioner to refuse registration or suspend the registration of a motor vehicle that is found to be unsightly, unsafe, overloaded, improperly marked or equipped, or otherwise unfit to be operated.

Excessive Damage to Highways

The capability of a motor vehicle to cause significant damage to the highways, leading to its registration suspension.

Violation Warnings

The number of warnings given to the owner of a motor vehicle for violations of the Act within a twelve-month period, which may result in the suspension of the registration certificate.

Underweight Motor Vehicle

A motor vehicle that is found to be below the required weight, leading to the suspension of its registration certificate until the weight difference is paid.

Denial of Re-registration

The possibility of denying the re-registration of a motor vehicle for one year after two suspensions have been imposed.

Number Plates

Plates issued by the Commissioner to owners of registered motor vehicles, indicating the year of registry and distinguishing different classes of vehicles.

Temporary Permit

A written permit issued by the Commissioner or his deputies, allowing the operation of a motor vehicle with means of identification other than number plates when no plates are available.

Use of Number Plates

The requirement for motor vehicles to display number plates in conspicuous places, one in the front and one in the rear, that are clean, cared for, and firmly affixed.

Transfer of Number Plates

The prohibition of transferring number plates from one motor vehicle to another, except for dealer's number plates used successively on various motor vehicles in stock.

Duty to Procure License

The obligation of every person to obtain a license before operating any motor vehicle, and the prohibition of operating a motor vehicle with a delinquent, invalid, suspended, or revoked license.

License for Enlisted Men

The licensing requirement for enlisted men operating government-owned motor vehicles, with no license or delinquency fees collected, and the authorization to operate private-owned motor vehicles.

Operation of Motor Vehicles by Tourists

The allowance for duly licensed tourists to operate motor vehicles during their stay in the Philippines, with a limitation of ninety days, and the possibility of prohibiting further operation if found incompetent.

Application for Driver's License

The process of filing an application with the Commissioner or his deputies to obtain a license to drive motor vehicles, accompanied by a fee and required information.

Issuance of Driver's License

The issuance of a driver's license to an applicant who possesses the necessary qualifications and is proficient in operating motor vehicles, upon payment of a fee and submission of photographs.

Use of Driver's License and Badge

The entitlement of a license holder to operate motor vehicles described in the license, the requirement for licensed professional drivers to display a driver's badge while operating public service motor vehicles, and the prohibition of transferring or lending a license to another person.

Driver's Records

The obligation of a driver to notify the Commissioner of any change in address or employment within fifteen days.

Renewal of License

The requirement to renew a driver's license before the last working day of the birth month, with delinquent licenses becoming invalid and subject to additional fees for renewal.

Suspension and Revocation of Driver's License

The authority of the Commissioner to suspend or revoke a driver's license for various reasons, including improper conduct, involvement in crimes, or multiple convictions for violations of traffic laws.

Driver's Bond

The requirement for a driver to post a bond before reinstating a suspended or revoked license, to ensure the satisfaction and payment of any claims or executions against the driver.

Confiscation of Driver's Licenses

The authority of law enforcement officers to confiscate the license of a driver apprehended for violations, issuing a receipt allowing the driver to operate a motor vehicle for a limited period, with failure to settle the case leading to license suspension and revocation.

Student-driver's permit

A permit issued to persons not under eighteen years of age who want to learn to operate motor vehicles.

Driver's license

A license to operate motor vehicles that can only be obtained after undergoing instruction in the operation of motor vehicles for at least a month and having a valid student-driver's permit.

Valid student-driver's permit

A student-driver's permit that is still within its six-month validity period.

License to operate vehicles in other countries

A license obtained in another country that allows the holder to pay for a driver's license without presenting a student driver's permit.

Duly licensed driver

A driver who holds a valid driver's license and is responsible for any violation or injury caused by a student driver under their direction.

Imitation and false representations

The act of making or using a driver's license, badge, certificate of registration, number plate, tag, or permit that imitates or resembles those issued under the law, or with the intent to sell or deceive others.

False or fraudulent statements

Knowingly making one or more false or fraudulent statements in an application for vehicle registration or a driver's license.

Exceeding registered capacity

Operating a vehicle with more passengers or freight than its registered carrying capacity.

Conductor

The person exclusively liable for violations related to exceeding registered capacity in public utility trucks or buses.

Carrying of passengers and freight on top of vehicles

Prohibiting passengers from riding on the cover or top of vehicles, but allowing baggage or freight to be carried on the top of a truck under certain conditions.

Riding on running boards

Prohibiting any person from riding on the running board, step board, or mudguard of a motor vehicle, except for repair or adjustment purposes or to collect fares.

Passenger or freight capacity marked on vehicle

Requiring all passenger automobiles and motor trucks to have their registered passenger and weight capacities marked on both sides of the vehicle.

Tires of motor vehicles

Prohibiting the operation of motor vehicles with metallic tires on public highways and requiring solid tires to be of sufficient thickness to prevent the metal rims from coming in direct contact with the road.

Brakes

Requiring every motor vehicle with four or more wheels to be equipped with a dual hydraulic brake system or safety valve devices to ensure braking capabilities in case of hydraulic line failure.

Horns

Requiring every motor vehicle to be equipped with a horn or signaling device in good working order, with restrictions on loud or disagreeable sounds.

Headlights

Requiring motor vehicles to have two headlights, one on each side, with white or yellowish light visible from the front during specific hours and conditions.

Taillights

Requiring motor vehicles and trailers to have rear lamps showing red lights and lamps throwing white light on the number plate during specific hours.

Stop lights

Requiring motor vehicles to be equipped with at least one lamp throwing a sustained bright red light when the brakes are applied, with buses, trucks, and trailers having a larger stop light with the word "stop" inscribed.

Motorcycle and other vehicle lights

Requiring motor vehicles of less than one meter width to have one headlight and one taillight, with additional lamps complying with regulations.

Lights when parked or disabled

Requiring appropriate parking lights or flares to be displayed when a vehicle is parked in poorly lit areas or in a manner that endangers passing traffic.

Windshield wiper

Requiring every motor vehicle to be equipped with a device for wiping off raindrops or moisture from the front windshield.

Use of red flag

Requiring the display of a red flag or red lights when the load of a vehicle extends more than one meter beyond the bed or body, with exceptions during specific hours.

Mufflers

Requiring every motor vehicle with an internal combustion engine to be equipped with a muffler and prohibiting the cutting out or disconnection of the muffler.

Restriction as to speed

Requiring drivers to drive at a careful and prudent speed, not endangering life, limb, or property, and specifying maximum allowable speeds for different types of roads and conditions.

Driving on right side of highway

Requiring drivers to pass to the right when meeting oncoming vehicles and to the left when overtaking vehicles going in the same direction, with exceptions for specific circumstances.

Classification of highways

Allowing provincial, city, and municipal authorities to classify highways for traffic purposes and provide appropriate signs, subject to approval.

Overtaking a vehicle

Requiring drivers to pass at a safe distance to the left when overtaking another vehicle, with exceptions for specific circumstances.

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 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.

Section 41(a)

Restrictions on overtaking and passing - 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.

Section 41(b)

Restrictions on overtaking and passing - 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 driver of a vehicle may overtake or pass another vehicle:Provided, That 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 41(c)

Restrictions on overtaking and passing - The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake or pass any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction, 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, 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 on the right. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a driver overtaking or passing upon the right another vehicle which is making or about to make a left turn.

Section 41(d)

Restrictions on overtaking and passing - The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake or pass, or attempt to pass, any other vehicle, proceeding in the same direction, between any points indicated by the placing of official temporary warning or caution signs indicating that men are working on the highway.

Section 41(e)

Restrictions on overtaking and passing - The driver of a vehicle shall not overtake or pass, or attempt to overtake or pass, any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction in any "no-passing or overtaking zone."

Section 42(a)

Right of way - 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 hereinafter provided. The driver of any vehicle traveling at an unlawful speed shall forfeit any right of way which he might otherwise have hereunder.

Section 42(b)

Right of way - 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 therein to the 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 as required in this Act.

Section 42(c)

Right of way - 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 being regulated by a peace officer or by traffic signal. Every pedestrian crossing a highway within a business or residential district, at any point other than a crosswalk shall yield the right of way to vehicles upon the highway.

Section 42(d)

Right of way - 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.

Section 43(a)

Exception to the right of way rule - 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(b)

Exception to the right of way rule - 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.

Section 43(c)

Exception to the right of way rule - The driver of a vehicle entering a "through highway" or a

Negligence

Failure to exercise reasonable care or caution resulting in harm or injury.

Reckless driving

Operating a motor vehicle with a willful disregard for the safety of others.

Fast driving

Operating a motor vehicle at an excessive speed.

Conviction

A formal declaration of guilt by a court of law.

Revised Penal Code

A set of laws that defines crimes and their corresponding penalties in the Philippines.

Concurrently

At the same time.

Clerks of court

Officials responsible for administrative tasks in a court of law.

Certificate

A document that provides official information or proof of a particular fact.

Violations

Acts that go against the provisions of a law or regulation.

Regulations

Rules or guidelines set by an authority to govern a particular activity.