Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2159)
Under Act No. 2159, 'motor vehicles' are all vehicles propelled by any power other than muscular power, except traction engines, road rollers, street sweepers and sprinklers, lawn mowers, and vehicles which run only on rails or tracks.
The term 'operator' includes every person operating a motor vehicle whether he is licensed or not to do so.
A motor vehicle must be registered in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the person operating it must be licensed to operate such motor vehicle under the Act.
The statement must include the owner's name, residence, address, a brief description of the vehicle including the name, style or type, maker's name or title, maker's number if any, number of wheels, character and amount of motive power, and other information as required by the Director of Public Works.
The person is subject to a fine of not less than five nor more than fifty pesos, or imprisonment for not more than six months, or both.
Every person operating a motor vehicle must have a license issued under the Act; owners who desire to operate their vehicles must also obtain a license.
Applicants must answer questions under oath regarding their identity, competence, and physical senses, and may be required to submit to an examination. A license is issued upon payment of a fee if the director believes the applicant is qualified.
No license shall be issued to any person under eighteen years of age, and no person under eighteen is permitted to operate a motor vehicle on any highway.
The operator must immediately stop and, if requested, give their true name and address, as well as the name and address of the owner. Failure to do so is punishable by fine or imprisonment.
Number plates must be issued by the Director of Public Works and be displayed conspicuously; motor vehicles of more than three wheels must bear two plates, front and rear, and others must bear one at the rear. Plates must be kept clean and legible.
Violating these provisions is punishable by a fine of not less than five nor more than two hundred pesos or imprisonment from one to six months.
They must keep a correct, exact, and legible record of every motor vehicle that leaves their premises including details about the operator, renter, and times of departure and return. Failure to do so can lead to fines and revocation of license.
Yes, municipal councils can prescribe reasonable regulations not inconsistent with the Act for the conduct, control, and operation of garages and to determine where motor vehicles for public hire may occupy public streets or places while not in use.
The Director can examine and inspect motor vehicles and refuse registration or suspend/revoke registration if found unsafe until defects are remedied.
Yes, ambulances, police patrol wagons, and fire wagons are exempt from certain provisions but not from reckless or unsafe operation liabilities.