MODULE 4:
DRIVER’S RE-ORIENTATION COURSE
1. ROAD TRAFFIC RULES
1.1. Selected Traffic Signs, Signals and Pavement Marking’s
1. Diagonal white lines
These are areas filled with diagonal white lines and bordered by solid white lines. However,
it is not regarded as a technical part of the actual roadway. But for emergencies, vehicles are
not expected to stay off there.
2. Solid white shoulder line
The solid white line is the edge of the roadway. Hence, you must not utilize any asphalt
or concrete surface beyond this line during driving.
3. Broken white line (lane driver)
This kind of road markings appears in two situations. One is on the two-lane road. It
signifies the center of the two lanes. One is used to mark the division between lanes on
multi-lane roads where it means to guide drivers of the different routes.
What’s more, it is legal to cross another lane when you would like to overtake or change
line, as long as you give way to those already in the street.
4. Solid white double center line
Remember that you cannot overtake this line, only if making a left turn over it when the
way is empty.
5. Solid white center lines
They are drawn so as to divide vehicles on a two-way multi-lane road. Unless no
oncoming traffic, drivers are discouraged from overtaking or changing lines.
6. Solid white lane divider
We often see the solid white lane dividers near intersections or crossroads. They imply
that drivers have to stay in the lane. You had better get into the turning lane 50 m before
the junction as a practice because it is easier to turn where the lane divider is still broken.
7. Solid yellow double center line
Aside from white lines, this line denotes that it is insecure about overtaking. In most
cases, you may find them around blind curves, in areas where fast-moving two-way
vehicles meet on an undivided road or somewhere on which there are no other lane
dividers.
8. Broken blue lane divider
Next up is a blue lane, which indicates the motorcycle lane, is broken and along
thoroughfares so as to keep the motorbikes safe from larger vehicles.
Riders may move into or out of it, yet bear in mind that this lane is preferably reserved
for motorcycles.
9. Directional arrows or lane arrows
As usual, drivers use these lane arrows or directional arrows to choose which lane to turn
in. Arrows can be single-headed (straight-headed), double-headed, or U-shaped.
One who is single-headed or straight-headed means that you must move on without
turning. You are directed to turn both right and left in your lane by a double-headed form.
The U-shaped arrows also suggest that a U-turn slot is just ahead of you. Take attention
of these specific markings because, according to some, they have meaning.
10. Broken yellow lane divider
Next, spots where automobiles can enter into the bus lane (or the bicycle lane, depending
on the region) due to EDSA turning off are indicated by the broken yellow lane divider.
A combination of a solid yellow line and a fractured yellow or white line is known as a
mixed double lane divider.
This type of road marking is frequently seen when feeder roads or lesser arteries join
major thoroughfares. You would be unable to cross this lane, but cars on the opposite
side could do so without being hit by approaching vehicles.
11. Solid yellow lane divider
You should pay attention to this road marking, especially while traveling along EDSA
(Epifanio de Los Santos Avenue), which serves as the primary roadway in Metro Manila
and is a limited-access highway around the capital city of Manila.
In other parts of the Philippines, these are only intended to be used by bicyclists, however
the solid yellow lane drivers indicate that they are bus lanes (bicycles).
12. Solid white horizontal line
This one informs the place where you must stop at a stoplight or stop sign.
13. Rumble strips
These rumble strips consist of many horizontal and narrowly spaced lines. Once
encountering them, you must be careful due to hazards, merging lanes, or blind curves
ahead. Indeed, it is high time to slow down.
14. Zebra crossing
Not just in the Philippines, but in many other nations as well, pedestrians always get
priority at zebra crossings. Remember that it is against the law to stop or park in this area
at a red light.
15. The yellow box
Another kind of road marking can often be seen in the crossings - the yellow box. Notice
that you are not allowed to stop or park within this area because this box informs the part
that must-by law-be kept open at all times.
In any case, even in the absence of a light or green light, this area must be kept clear.
Hence, it is better to wait until there is enough space for you to move.
1.2. Expressway Rules
What is an expressway?
Expressways or arterial high standards highways are limited-access thoroughfares that
come with interchanges and have no traffic lights as well as intersections for faster travel.
Managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), these roads usually
include facilities that collect toll fees for passage in an open or closed system.
In the Philippines, expressways have standard features such as guard rails, rumble strips,
signs, pavement markings, solid wall fence, speed radars, toll plaza, CCTVs, and rest or service
areas. These highways are a huge factor for the growth and mirror the development of a nation as
it provides access to different needs like employment, social, health, education, and other
services.
What is the speed limit on an expressway?
Expressways, as it is named, are developed for faster travel. However, to ensure
everyone’s safety, there are speed limits that every motorist should follow. In case you don’t
know, the minimum speed limit in all expressways is 60 kph while the maximum speed limit for
cars is 100 kph. On the other hand, the maximum speed limit for trucks and buses is 80 kph. For
those who will traverse NAIA Expressway (NAIAx), motorists should keep their speed at 60
kph. Failure to comply with the rules will result in being penalized under Republic Act 4136.
What are some driving tips for driving on the expressway?
Observe the proper speed limit, not too fast nor slow. Going below minimum and
above maximum speed could endanger you from having a violation. It’s best to stay
in the middle of the speedometer in order to achieve better speed momentum.
Stay in your lane. Whether you are situated anywhere on the highway, it is very
important to stay inside the boundaries of your lane. Avoid sudden lane departure as
this could cause imminent danger.
Always check your mirrors and activate your turn signals when in an attempt to
change lanes. With a fleet of fast-approaching vehicles on the highway, planning
your change lane is a must. Therefore, it is best to check your surroundings first
before you change your lane to avoid any potential danger.
Keep the passing lane open. This is a common error among local motorists of today.
Apart from being known as the fast lane, the passing lane is meant for overtaking and
not for average cruising. Perhaps, if that’s not your intent, then better stay in the
middle lanes and let those on the right pass you.
No to distracted driving. Distracted driving can actually be associated with several
practices. One common habit of many drivers is the usage of a smartphone while on
the road. Apart from endangering yourself, you’re also violating the Anti-Distracted
Driving Act.
Observe a safe following distance. Don’t stay too close on the vehicle in front of
you, as it is deemed to be dangerous at highway speeds. Distance your vehicle by
about one car away in order to avoid any potential accident.
Prepare your toll fee. Enjoy a less hassle trip by preparing your toll fee in advance.
Notably, you can now browse the following toll fee rates at the Toll Regulatory Board
website, for all the expressways in the country. Attaching an RFID sticker to your
vehicle can also help you achieve a more convenient trip than usual.
No line cutting at the toll. Be courteous. Have the right mind-set not to cut in line,
patience is the key.
Take a rest. Driving for about an hour and more could be a real pain in the leg.
Taking a break from driving at fuel stops or one-stop-shops should be done to
recharge yourself for the remaining kilometers to travel.
2. JAO 2014 - 01 AND DEMERIT POINTS
OINT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2014-01 (June 2, 2014): REVISED SCHEDULE
OF FINES AND PENALTIES FOR VIOLATIONS OF LAWS, RULES AND
REGULATIONS GOVERNING LAND TRANSPORTATION
The Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory
Board issued new rules prescribing penalties for the following violations:
Violations in Connection with Licensing
Violations in Connection with Motor Vehicle Registration / Renewal / Operation
Violations in Connection with Dimensions, Specifications, Weight and Load Limits
Violations in Connection with Franchise
All apprehensions are deemed admitted unless contested by filing a written contest within
five (5) days from date of apprehension. Failure of the driver to pay the corresponding penalty
within 15 days from date of apprehension shall cause the automatic suspension of his driver’s
license for a period of 30 days from the date of apprehension, in addition to the prescribed fines
and penalties.
TEMPORARY OPERATOR’S PERMIT (TOP)
Serves as a permit to operate a motor vehicle for a period of seventytwo (72) hours only.
All apprehensions are deemed admitted unless contested by filling a written contest within five
(5) days from date of apprehension. Failure of the driver to pay the corresponding penalty within
fifteen (15) days from the date of apprehension shall cause automatic suspension of his driver’s
license for a period of thirty (30) days from the date of apprehension, in addition to the fines and
penalties prescribed hereunder. The LTO shall resolve a contested case within five (5) days from
receipt of said written contest.
The imposition of the fines and penalties shall be without prejudice to any criminal action
that may be instituted under existing laws, rules and regulations.
3. ROAD COURTESY AND DISCIPLINE
ROAD COURTESY 101
Courtesies on the road should involve acknowledging and tolerating few accountabilities
of your fellow driver’s actions. Nothing is resolved with strict assertiveness and being proud. It
is about the “give-and-take” relationship on the road or simply making adjustments and being
forgiving that will benefit everyone.
To Other Motorists:
Give proper signals to other motorists. It is very vital to signal your intention of stopping,
passing, turning, left or right, or slowing down to warn other drivers.
When parking, wait for vacant spaces and give consideration to those who came first. Park
orderly to give enough space to those incoming vehicles who would also be parking.
Extend assistance to other drivers who happens to have vehicle trouble along the road.
Give way to vehicles who would like to overtake your path, although you know that you
have the right-of-way.
Give proper courtesy to motorcyclists, bicyclists and other road users.
Check your distance with other vehicles. Avoid tail-gating.
To Passengers:
Driver’s should always be courteous and considerate to their passengers.
Be careful while driving. Follow strictly traffic signs and signals to avoid delay once
apprehended.
Do not slam your brakes or press your pedals too hard. Your passenger might not be able
to hold on and may bump around inside the vehicle.
Be sure your passengers have stepped-out of your vehicle safely before starting to move.
To taxi drivers, be honest to your passengers. Do not drive with tampered meters and
always give them their exact change.
Do not smoke while driving.
To public utility or for hire drivers, avoid cutting trips.
The Role of Passengers:
Passengers should never do anything to interfere with the driver and as much as possible
do not distract him while he is driving.
In looking for a street name or address, the passenger must assist the driver and do the
searching.
The passenger must handle the paying or change when approaching or at a toll booth.
Passengers should discourage the driver from reckless behavior.
If the driver’s decision is impaired by anger, alcohol or by any other reason, the passenger
may refuse to ride the car he/she is driving.
Pedestrians:
Children: They often forget the dangers of traffic when playing on sidewalks. They run
into the street without thinking. Be alert.
Older People: They may not see or hear very well and may not move of the way quickly,
so give them time to cross.
Handicapped People: Visually handicapped people crossing the roads with white cane are
pedestrians. The same are for persons confined in wheel chairs while crossing the streets.
They should be given the greatest possible caution and attention. When you see
handicapped people crossing the road, do NOT honk your horns.
4. RA 8794 – ANTI-OVERLOADING
The anti-overloading policy is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 8794 otherwise
known as “An Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle Users Charge on Owners of all Types of Motor
Vehicle and for Other Purposes”, which aims to promote motorist safety and prevent early
deterioration of roads cause by overloading.
PENALTY FOR OVERLOADING
Owner of a truck or trailer which is loaded in excess of the maximum allowable gross
vehicle weight (GVW) to pay a penalty in the amount equivalent to 25% of the MVUC
applicable to the vehicle at the time if infringement, provided that the penalty shall be waived for
the loading exceeding the GVW by a tolerance of less than 5%.
No vehicle shall be permitted to proceed on the roadway if either a dual-wheeled axle
load exceeds 13,500 kilograms or the vehicle load exceeds 150% of the maximum allowable
GVW
5. RA 10666, 10054 AND OTHER RELATED A, Al VIOLATIONS
REPUBLIC ACT No. 10666
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE SAFETY OF CHILDREN ABOARD MOTORCYLES
This Act shall be known as "Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015".
It is the policy of the State to defend the right of children to assistance, including proper
care and nutrition, and special protection from all forms of neglect, abuse, cruelty, exploitation,
and other conditions prejudicial to their development.
RA 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 prohibits any person
from driving a motorcycle on public roads with a child on board.
What are the roads covered by the law?
The law covers all public roads nationwide such as but not limited to national highways,
provincial roads, and municipal and barangay streets. This also includes roads where there is a
heavy volume of vehicles, there is a high-density of fast-moving vehicles, or where a speed limit
more than 60kph is imposed.
What type of motorcycles are covered by the law?
This covers any two-wheeled motor vehicles having one or two riding saddles.
Are all children covered by the law? What are the exemptions?
A child refers to any person below 18 years old. However, a child may be allowed to
board a motorcycle on public roads if:
a. The child passenger can comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot peg of the
motorcycles.
b. The child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider.
c. The child is wearing a standard protective helmet or gear.
Are the children allowed to ride in the front of the rider?
Sitting in front of the rider is NOT allowed.
Who will enforce the law?
The DOTr – Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the lead implementing agency of the
Act. The LTO also has the authority to deputize members of the PNP, MMDA, and LGUs to
carry out enforcement functions and duties.
Why is this law important?
This is a proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of child passengers. It is
the policy of the State to protect children.
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 10054 (“MOTORCYCLE HELMET ACT OF 2009”)
AN ACT MANDATING ALL MOTORCYCLE RIDERS TO WEAR STANDARD
PROTECTIVE MOTORCYCLE HELMETS WHILE DRIVING AND PROVIDING
PENALTIES THEREFOR
The R.A No. 10054 or the Helmet Law was implemented by the government to reduce
fatal or life-threatening injuries of motorists due to road accidents. 4. The R.A No. 10054 or
the Helmet Law mandates that all motorists must wear the standardized protective
helmets
It is hereby declared the policy of the State to secure and safeguard its citizenry,
particularly the operators or drivers of motorcycles and their passengers, from the ruinous
and extremely injurious effects of fatal or life-threatening accidents and crashes.
Towards this end, it shall pursue a more proactive and preventive approach to secure the
safety of motorists, their passengers and pedestrians at all times through the mandatory
enforcement of the use of standard protective motorcycle helmet.
MANDATORY USE OF MOTORCYCLE HELMETS
All motorcycle riders, including drivers and back riders, shall wear standard protective
motorcycle helmets while driving, whether long or short drives, in any type of road and highway
at all times.
Standard protective motorcycle helmets are appropriate types of helmets for motorcycle
riders that comply with the specifications issued by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
EXEMPTION
Drivers of tricycles shall be exempted from complying with the mandatory wearing of
motorcycle helmets.
6. RA 8750 – Seatbelt
This Act shall be known as the "Seat Belts Use Act of 1999."
An act requiring the mandatory compliance by motorists of private and public vehicles to use
seat belt devices, and requiring vehicle manufacturers to install seat belt devices in all their
manufactured vehicles.
Republic Act 8750 mandates the installation and use of adult seat belts in the front and
rear seats of any private motor vehicle.
Passengers of all motor vehicles whether private of for hire seated facing forward in the front
row seats and those seated at the back row (the row of passenger immediately behind the driver)
of private cars, Sports Utility Vehicles (SUV) and for hire vehicles are required to wear seat belts
while inside a vehicle of running engine on any road or thoroughfare. Passenger seated at the
back row of the following private motor vehicles: jeeps, passenger vans/wagons, Asian Utility
Vehicles (AUV), buses trucks vintage cars and special purpose vehicles shall be exempted from
wearing or using seat belt devices while inside a vehicle of running engine on any road or
thoroughfare.
Seat belts are the best defence against impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers. Being
buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle; being
completely ejected from a vehicle is almost always deadly.
7. RA 8749 – CLEAN AIR ACT
This Act shall be known as the “PHILIPPINE CLEAN AIR ACT OF 1999”
AN ACT PROVIDING FOR A COMPREHENSIVE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
POLICY AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES
Republic Act No. 8749 is a comprehensive air quality management policy and program
which aims to achieve and maintain healthy air for all Filipinos.
The Clean Air Act of 1990 addressed five main areas: air-quality standards, motor vehicle
emissions and alternative fuels, toxic air pollutants, acid rain, and stratospheric ozone
depletion.
Section 2. Declaration of Principles.
- The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful
ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature.
- The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain sustainable
development while recognizing the primary responsibility of local government units to deal
with environmental problems.
- The State recognizes that the responsibility of cleaning the habitat and environment is
primarily area-based.
- The State also recognizes the principle that "polluters must pay".
- Finally, the State recognizes that a clean and healthy environment is for the good of all and
should therefore be the concern of all.