Question & AnswerQ&A (MMDA Resolution NO. 02-33)
The MMDA is authorized by MMC Ordinance No. 78-03 as amended to tow and impound illegally parked and stalled vehicles in Metro Manila.
The guidelines cover stalled vehicles (unable to proceed under their own power on public roads) and illegally parked vehicles (parked in prohibited areas as defined by law or ordinance).
Prohibited areas include all national roads in Metro Manila, within six meters of intersections or curved lanes, within four meters of driveways to fire stations, hospitals, clinics, near fire hydrants, on sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, and any areas declared as no parking zones by law or ordinance.
Attended illegally parked vehicles shall not be towed but the driver will be issued a Traffic Violation Receipt (TVR). Unattended illegally parked vehicles shall be towed and issued a TVR immediately upon arrival at the impounding area.
Towing services must register annually with the MMDA, submit necessary documents including business permits and clearances, have well-maintained tow trucks equipped with required devices, post a surety bond of PHP 100,000 per tow truck, and operate 24 hours.
Illegal towing or colorum (unregistered) operation will be charged, and the tow truck will be impounded with a TVR issued to the operator. If the towed vehicle is not recorded properly, the towing incident may be considered as carnapping.
Towing fees for government or private tow trucks are PHP 1,200 for trucks with gross capacity of 4,000 kilos and above, and PHP 800 for cars, jeeps, and pickups under 4,000 kilos. For illegally parked vehicles towed, fines and towing fees may be higher as indicated.
Towing services must respond and remove the stalled or illegally parked vehicle within the shortest time possible but not exceeding 15 minutes after receiving the report or directive.
The METROBASE coordinates towing operations by verifying tow truck registrations, logging towing incidents, issuing clearance to tow, and monitoring towing activities to prevent illegal operations.
Tow truck personnel must wear company ID cards, prescribed uniforms and shoes, maintain short haircuts, and exhibit utmost courtesy and proper decorum when dealing with the public and motorists.