Registration of Motor Vehicles and Operators
- Motor vehicles cannot be operated on highways unless registered according to the Act and operated by licensed persons.
- Government vehicles are deemed registered if they bear appropriate signs and number plates issued free of charge.
- Vehicle owners must file registration statements with detailed vehicle information within 60 days after the law takes effect, or within 36 hours of acquisition thereafter.
- Registration requires fees: ten pesos for vehicles with more than three wheels, five pesos for others.
- Registration issues a certificate with detailed vehicle data and number plates to be displayed on vehicles per specifications.
Certificates of Registration and Number Plates
- Certificates contain registration date and comprehensive vehicle details; they remain with the vehicle upon ownership transfer.
- Vehicles with more than three wheels must display two number plates—front and rear; others must display one at the rear.
- Plates must be firmly fixed, clean, and legible.
- Ownership changes require notification to the Director of Public Works with a fee; failure may result in sanctions.
- Lost certificates or plates can be replaced upon payment of fees.
Dealer Registration and General Certificates
- Dealers may obtain a general certificate and number for all vehicles they own or control used in their business, paying a 20-peso fee.
- Dealer certificates cover specifics of business and vehicles handled, except vehicles privately used, which require separate registration.
- Lost dealer certificates or duplicates may be reissued upon proof and payment.
Licensing of Operators and Temporary Permits
- Operators applying to drive vehicles must provide personal and competency information; licenses are granted after meeting requirements and paying a fee.
- Temporary permits may be issued for learners for up to three months and require accompaniment by a licensed operator.
- No person under eighteen years may be licensed or operate a motor vehicle.
- Licenses must be signed by the licensee to be valid.
Prohibitions on Employment and Operation
- Owners, dealers, garage proprietors, and officials cannot employ unlicensed chauffeurs.
- Violations incur fines, with higher penalties including imprisonment for rental businesses.
Vehicle Inspection and Safety
- The Director of Public Works may inspect vehicles to ensure safety and proper equipment.
- Unsafe vehicles may be refused registration, suspended, or deregistered until defects are corrected.
- Operators and owners subject to fines or penalties for operating vehicles with suspended or revoked registrations.
Record-Keeping Requirements
- Dealers and garage proprietors must keep detailed logs of motor vehicles leaving or returning, including operator and renter information.
- Failure to maintain records can lead to fines and suspension of licenses.
Restrictions on Certificates, Plates, and Licenses
- Loaning, selling, or borrowing certificates, number plates, or licenses unlawfully is prohibited and punishable by fines or imprisonment.
- Use of false or deceitful plates or marks is also penalized.
Rules of the Road and Operational Conduct
- Reckless driving, excessive speeds, blocking passage, and endangering persons or property are prohibited.
- Penalties include fines and imprisonment.
- Specific directional rules are prescribed for meeting and overtaking other vehicles.
- Operation on sidewalks or pedestrian paths is forbidden.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is punishable by significant fines and imprisonment.
Post-Accident Duties
- Operators involved in accidents must stop and provide personal and vehicle identification upon request.
- Failure to comply results in fines or imprisonment.
Vehicle Equipment and Lighting Requirements
- Vehicles must have adequate brakes and approved signaling devices.
- Horn usage is required as a warning, particularly at crossings or when overtaking.
- Lighting requirements specify headlights and rear lamps visible for prescribed distances during low visibility hours.
Interaction with Animals and Streetcars
- Operators must stop or slow down for horses or other animals upon signals to avoid frightening them and assist if requested.
- Special caution must be exercised near streetcars boarding or disembarking passengers.
Exemptions for Emergency Vehicles
- Ambulances, police patrols, and fire wagons are exempt from certain operational rules but not from reckless operation liability.
Noise and Pollution Controls
- Engines must be stopped when vehicles are unattended.
- Mufflers must not be disabled in populated areas.
- Emission of excessive smoke or noise causing nuisances is prohibited.
Unauthorized Use and Mischief
- Operating a vehicle without owner permission or a chauffeur without authority is forbidden.
- Placing injurious materials on highways is prohibited.
Tire Regulation
- The Director of Public Works may ban the sale and importation of tire types damaging to public roads.
- Dealers are notified and violations constitute misdemeanors.
Enforcement and Penalties
- Failing to show license or permit upon official request is punishable by fines.
- Multiple convictions can lead to license revocation and ineligibility to be licensed for up to two years.
- Legal actions under this Act do not preclude prosecution for related offenses elsewhere.
Administrative and Procedural Provisions
- Courts and justices must report convictions and judgments related to this Act to the Director of Public Works.
- Weekly official publications will announce licenses and registration status changes.
- Documents are to be indexed and made accessible as prescribed.
- The Director may appoint deputies and prescribe regulations to facilitate enforcement.
Criminal Offenses Related to Fraud
- False representation, forgery, or fraudulent use of licenses, certificates, or plates is punishable by fines or imprisonment.
Appropriations and Administrative Powers
- A permanent appropriation is established to implement the Act.
- The Director may hire necessary personnel and acquire resources to enforce the provisions.
Superseding Effect and Effective Date
- This Act supersedes conflicting laws and local regulations concerning motor vehicle registration and operation.
- Registered vehicles and licensed operators are authorized to operate throughout the Philippine Islands.
- No additional fees beyond those fixed by this Act may be demanded, except lawful taxes.
- Municipal councils may regulate garage operations and parking of vehicles for public hire.
- The Act takes effect 60 days after passage.