Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. RTL-MC-02412)
All motor vehicles, except motorcycles, must be equipped with at least one pair of Early Warning Devices (one red and one yellow) at all times.
An EWD must be installed at least four meters away from the front and rear of a motor vehicle whenever it is stalled, disabled, or parked for 30 minutes or more on any street, highway, expressway, or limited access road.
The EWD should be triangular, collapsible reflectorized plates in red and yellow, with sides at least 40 cm long and 5 cm wide, backed by metal sheets, with a metal stand, visible from at least 400 meters even in adverse weather conditions, leaning backward 5 to 10 degrees, with the lower edge at least 7 cm above the road, and weighing at least 1.25 kilos concentrated at the base.
Yes, homemade EWDs are allowed provided they adhere properly to the specified standards in the memorandum.
Failure to install an EWD when a vehicle is stalled or disabled along the road results in a fine of P300.00 and suspension of the driver's license for 30 days.
If failure to install an EWD causes an accident, the suspension of the driver's license can be up to 2 years or revocation depending on the case's circumstances.
No, the Land Transportation Office shall not register any motor vehicle, except motorcycles, unless it is equipped with the prescribed EWD.
Any LTO official or employee who facilitates registration without EWD or violates the provisions shall face administrative sanctions.
The reflectorized triangle must be visible at a distance of at least 400 meters under high beam even in adverse weather conditions.
The EWD should lean slightly backwards from five to ten degrees perpendicular to the roadway to maximize visibility from its reflectorized sides.