10 things you need to know when driving in Metro Manila

http://ph.yfittopostblog.com/2011/02...r-should-know/


QUEZON CITY, METRO MANILA — For first-time drivers in the metro, here are some helpful tips that you ought to know to drive wisely in the road, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Francis Tolentino.

The list is published by MMDA to educate drivers and motorists of their rights and to know what an enforcer must or must not do. The MMDA encourages drivers to print out a copy and place it in the vehicle for easy reference.

1. MMDA enforcers are not allowed two work in groups of two, especially when apprehending a motorist, except for special operations like running after colorum buses.

2. Swerving or changing lanes is not a traffic violation. But it becomes a reckless offense if done carelessly and without the use of hand signals. A list of traffic violations and penalties is also available at the MMDA website.

3. Private vehicles cannot use the yellow lanes in EDSA except when they are about to turn, provided that they started shifting lanes using the transition lanes some 50 meters away from an intersection. Only city buses are allowed to use the yellow lanes (first and second lanes in EDSA) while provincial buses must use the third lane.

4. Before apprehending, the traffic enforcer should flag down the vehicle and lead it to the roadside where it will not obstruct traffic. The traffic enforcers should courteously inform the driver of his violation.

5. Traffic Enforcers are not allowed to ask drivers to alight from their vehicles during apprehension for a violation. Most importantly, traffic enforcers must not ask or receive bribe money.

6. A driver’s license cannot be confiscated by a traffic enforcer during apprehensions unless you commit administrative violations or are involved in a traffic accident that require attending a minimum two-hour of seminar at the Traffic Academy.

When your license is confiscated, the enforcer must inform you of the reason and ticket validity. Refusal to surrender your driver’s license can result in the detachment of your plate.

7. Apprehended drivers can ask the traffic enforcer’s mission order from the MMDA Central Admin Office. The order includes his area of responsibility, time of duty, official function and whether he is authorized to issue tickets.

8. Traffic enforcers should issue a traffic violation receipt (TVR) in complete uniform, with visible nameplates, and without delay or argument on the road.

The enforcer can issue another TVR for the towing fee. If the owner of the impounded vehicle fails to release his vehicle after payment of the fine, the officer shall issue a separate TVR indicating the number of days the vehicle remained at the impound area.

9. When apprehended, a driver can show these valid IDs: plastic card ID, temporary driver’s license, temporary operator’s permit, international driver’s license, and foreign license.

10. Know the MMDA hotlines and contact details to report erring personnel. To report duty violations of MMDA traffic enforcers, report his name and submit a complaint within five days of the apprehension to the Traffic Adjudication Board (TAB), MMDA Bldg. Edsa cor. Orense St. Guadalupe Nuevo, Makati City.

You can also e-mail complaints against erring enforcers to email@mmda.gov.ph and attach photos or videos and details of the incident.

When involved in an argument with an enforcer, call or text the MMDA hotline 136. Or contact the Metrobase at 0917-5618711 to send inspectors where the argument is occurring for investigation.