Question & AnswerQ&A (DPWH-DOTC-DILG JOINT CIRCULAR, DECEMBER 12, 2001)
The main purpose is to provide efficient and coordinated use of weighbridge and portable axle load weighing stations to enforce Republic Act No. 8794 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations, preventing overloaded trucks and trailers from traveling on national roads and bridges to avoid unnecessary damage.
Republic Act No. 8794, known as "An Act Imposing A Motor Vehicles User's Charge On Owners Of All Types Of Motor Vehicles and For Other Purposes," enforces penalties for overloaded vehicles.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) through the Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG) are the agencies involved.
Each weighbridge or portable axle weighing station shall have five (5) DPWH personnel, one (1) LTO personnel, and one (1) PNP-TMG personnel assigned per shift.
The stations are manned 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays, divided into three shifts: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM, 4:00 PM–12:00 AM, and 12:00 AM–8:00 AM.
The allowable dual-wheel axled load limit is 13,500 kilograms, and trucks exceeding 150% of the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW) are disallowed from proceeding on the road.
The DPWH staff identify and document overloaded vehicles, notify LTO and PNP-TMG personnel, who then take proper action such as issuing a Temporary Operator’s Permit with an imposed penalty.
A penalty amounting to twenty-five percent (25%) of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) applicable to the vehicle at the time of infringement is imposed, except for overloads less than five percent (5%) which are waived.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) personnel or duly deputized DPWH or PNP-TMG personnel at the weighing station issue the Temporary Operator’s Permit.
The Philippine National Police-Traffic Management Group (PNP-TMG), under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), disallows vehicles from proceeding if they exceed the maximum allowable load limits as determined at the weighing stations.