Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 3045)
Under Act No. 3045, 'motor vehicles' are defined as all vehicles propelled by any power other than muscular power, except road rollers, street sweepers and sprinklers, lawn mowers or vehicles which run only on rails or tracks. Trailers with two or more wheels attached to motor vehicles are classified as separate motor vehicles with no power rating.
An 'operator' includes every person operating a motor vehicle whether licensed or not. 'Operating' signifies running, driving, guiding, controlling, or conducting a motor vehicle.
Every owner of a motor vehicle must file an application stating personal and vehicle details within seven days after taking possession and annually not later than the last working day of February. The vehicle must be registered and the owner must pay the corresponding fees based on horsepower and gross weight.
Violating the registration or licensing provisions results in a fine of not less than 5 pesos nor more than 200 pesos. If the vehicle is for hire, imprisonment of up to six months may be imposed in addition to the fine.
Applicants must answer questions under oath, may undergo examination, and pay a fee of 5 pesos. The license is valid until the last working day of February. Renewal requires recent photographs. Licenses may be suspended or revoked for incompetence or unlawful use.
Yes, the Act distinguishes an owner operating their own motor vehicle not for hire as not requiring a chauffeur's license for operation.
Tourists using their own motor vehicles for 45 days or less are exempt from fee payments but must register their vehicles. If they stay longer, they pay one-tenth of the annual fees after the initial 45-day period. Tourists need not present a personal cedula but must declare their status and expected duration of stay.
Motor vehicles with more than three wheels must display two number plates (front and rear). Vehicles with fewer than four wheels must display one rear plate. Plates must be kept visible and legible. Temporary permits without plates may be issued. Violations carry fines of 10 to 200 pesos.
Penalties range from fines (5 to 200 pesos), imprisonment (up to six months), or both. Operators driving under the influence of intoxicants while on duty face fines from 5 to 200 pesos and imprisonment from 15 days to 6 months. Speeding beyond prescribed limits is penalized and may include mandatory usage of speed control devices.
The Director of Public Works has broad authority including vehicle registration, issuing licenses and number plates, suspending or revoking licenses, fixing carrying capacities, setting speed limits, enforcing safety and vehicle condition standards, levying fees, and appointing deputies for enforcement.