Title
100% Smoke-Free Public Utility Vehicles Policy
Law
Ltfrb Memorandum Circular No. 2009-036
Decision Date
Dec 21, 2009
The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board mandates a 100% smoke-free policy in all public utility vehicles and transport terminals, enforcing strict signage requirements and penalties for non-compliance to protect public health from the dangers of second-hand smoke.
A

Mandatory Posting of No Smoking Signs in Public Land Transportation Terminals

  • Terminal operators, administrators, managers, and owners must post at least one No Smoking sign at each entrance.
  • At least one additional sign must be prominently displayed in the waiting areas.

Mandatory No Smoking Signage in Public Utility Vehicles

  • Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) holders must prominently display No Smoking signs inside their vehicles.
  • Location and size requirements vary by vehicle type:
    • Jeepneys: One sign (3.5 sq. in) at the back of the windshield, another sign (10 sq. in) behind the front row seats.
    • Taxis/FX and similar vehicles: One sign (3.5 sq. in) on the glove compartment at the front right side, another sign (10 sq. in) behind the driver’s seat.
    • Buses: One sign (3.5 sq. in) at the back of the windshield, another sign (10 sq. in) behind driver’s seat facing passengers, or similarly prominent location.
    • Other vehicles: Signs of equivalent sizes in prominent locations visible to passengers.
  • The signs must visually depict a burning cigarette crossed out with a red bar occupying at least 90% of the sign or 70% accompanied by clear textual warnings such as “STRICTLY NO SMOKING” or its equivalent.

Prohibition on Designation of Smoking Areas

  • Smoking areas may not be designated in indoor areas or nearby entrances, exits, or congregational spaces within terminals or vehicles.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Operators and drivers of PUVs are responsible for posting appropriate No Smoking signage.
  • Drivers must warn violators and may ask non-compliant passengers to leave the vehicle.
  • Terminal administrators and owners must post signage and enforce the smoking prohibition among passengers.

Penalties for Violations

  • 1st Offense: Fine of P500 for failure to post signs or for other infractions.
  • 2nd Offense: Fine of P5,000 and suspension of Certificate of Public Convenience where applicable.
  • 3rd Offense: Fine of P10,000 and cancellation of the Certificate of Public Convenience.

Implementation and Partnerships

  • LTFRB will collaborate with government agencies, civil society, and private entities, excluding tobacco industry representatives, to implement and promote the smoke-free policy.
  • Provision of stickers, posters, and information materials will be done to assist indigent PUV operators and drivers.

Effectivity and Supersession

  • This Circular supersedes any inconsistent prior issuances.
  • Effectivity is 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation or the official gazette.

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