Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 95-219)
The Early Warning Device (EWD) refers to a pair of reflective, collapsible equilateral triangle plates—one red and one yellow—used as a safety accessory for motor vehicles to alert others in the event the vehicle is stalled, disabled, or parked for more than 30 minutes on a street or highway. Each triangle must be at least 40 cm on each side and weigh at least 1.25 kilos with specific visibility and positioning requirements.
All motor vehicles except motorcycles are required to have a pair of Early Warning Devices at all times.
The reflective portion must be an equilateral triangle with each side at least 40 cms long and 5 cms wide. It must be collapsible and visible from at least 400 meters under adverse weather conditions using high beam lighting. The triangle should lean slightly backwards from 5 to 10 degrees perpendicular to the roadway for maximum visibility.
When a motor vehicle is stalled, disabled, or parked for more than 30 minutes on a street or highway, the yellow warning device must be placed at least four meters in front of the vehicle, and the red warning device must be placed at least four meters behind the vehicle.
EWDs can be homemade or procured from any source at the vehicle owner's discretion, provided they adhere to the specified requirements. No accreditation of any supplier or brand is required.
Operating a motor vehicle without carrying the required Early Warning Device is subject to a fine of P100.
Failure to install the EWD when the vehicle is stalled or disabled along a street or highway results in a fine of P300 and suspension of the driver's license for 30 days.
If failure to install the EWD results in an accident, the driver’s license may be suspended for up to two years or revoked, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The re-imposition of the EWD as a mandatory requirement took effect on August 1, 1995.
Any official or employee of the Land Transportation Office who violates any provision of the Memorandum Circular shall be dealt with administratively.
The requirement was implemented following the ratification of the United Nations Conference on Road Traffic agreement through Presidential Decree No. 207, LOI 229, Administrative Order No. 1 of 1976, and is enforced under the Implementing Rules and Regulations of LOI 229 and Department Order No. 93-693.