Law Summary
Definitions
- Stalled Vehicle: A motor vehicle unable to move under its own power on public thoroughfares, including dilapidated or junked vehicles.
- Illegally Parked Vehicle: Vehicles parked in violation of laws or ordinances, especially in designated "No Parking" zones.
- Prohibited areas include national roads, intersections, fire stations/access points, fire hydrants, pedestrian crosswalks, sidewalks, near bridges, and any areas with official "No Parking" signs.
- Attended Illegally Parked Vehicle: Vehicle with driver present and able to move vehicle immediately.
- Unattended Illegally Parked Vehicle: Vehicle without the driver present or unable to be moved promptly by the driver.
Coverage
- Applies to all towing services in Metro Manila, whether private, government-operated, or owned by LGUs or the MMDA.
- Includes tow trucks owned or operated by vehicle repair shops, business establishments, transport groups, and private associations.
Scope of Work
- Towing services must respond within 15 minutes upon report or directive to remove stalled or illegally parked vehicles.
- Must maintain designated impounding areas ensuring vehicle safety; subject to MMDA inspections.
- Tow trucks should be strategically pre-deployed for rapid response.
Vehicle and Operating Standards
- Towing services must register annually with the MMDA and obtain numbered stickers for their tow trucks.
- Required documents for registration include vehicle registration, franchise certificates, emission tests, business permits, clearances for personnel, drug and psychological tests, and a P100,000 surety bond per tow truck.
- Tow trucks must undergo biannual pollution tests and monthly maintenance checks.
- Mandatory equipment includes towing bar, spare tire, jack, fire extinguisher, warning devices, and signboards.
- Operation is 24/7 with proper company identification markings on vehicles and uniforms, including courteous conduct from personnel.
Accreditation Guidelines
- Must have at least two compliant wreckers for light and heavy vehicles.
- Must present operational and performance records.
- Surety bonds of P100,000 per tow truck are compulsory.
- Annual accreditation fees range from P5,000 for up to two trucks and P2,000 per additional truck.
- Must submit ownership and equipment documentation; MMDA tow trucks must be painted white.
Towing Regulations
- Towing companies are liable for damages incurred during towing.
- Attended illegally parked vehicles are issued Traffic Violation Receipts (TVRs) but not towed.
- Unattended illegally parked vehicles must be towed and issued TVRs.
- Flat tires require moving to an emergency lane or towing, with no tire changes allowed on the road.
- Vehicles stalled from empty fuel tanks may be towed to the nearest gas station with applicable fees.
- Vehicles stalled due to engine trouble towed if unmovable or owner refuses to relocate.
- Vehicles clamped on tow trucks are not subject to owner intercession.
Towing Procedures
- Tow trucks respond immediately and report arrival to METROBASE with vehicle and tow truck information.
- Owners present must be notified via a Technical Inspection Report; if absent, notice given to traffic officers or responsible persons.
- Refusal to accept notices is documented.
- Tow truck crew must report towing progress and arrival at impound sites.
- METROBASE logs all towing operations and issues clearance.
- Vehicles on carnapping watch list are reported to authorities.
- Missing vehicles not logged are reported as possibly carnapped.
Monitoring and Enforcement
- Traffic enforcement units monitor towing operations for legality.
- Tow trucks without proper registration or MMDA stickers are stopped and questioned.
- Illegal towing results in fines, impoundment, and colorum operation charges.
- Reports of unauthorized towing are forwarded to law enforcement.
- Carnapping charges apply for unregistered tow trucks or unreported operations.
Impounding Yard Standards
- Construction and operation of impounding yards must comply with MMDA-prescribed guidelines.
Towing Fees and Penalties
- Fees for government and private towing services are standardized:
- Trucks (4,000 kg and above): P1,200 to P1,400
- Cars, jeeps, pickups (below 4,000 kg): P800 to P1,000
- Illegal parking incurs a P500 fine plus towing fees as applicable.
Pro Bono Services in Emergencies
- Accredited tow trucks provide free services during calamities such as fires, floods, and earthquakes.
Implementation and Authority
- The MMDA Traffic Operations Center supervises enforcement and implementation.
- Additional rules may be issued by the MMDA Chairman.
Repeal of Conflicting Issuances
- Previous inconsistent rules and regulations are revoked.
Effectivity
- The guidelines take effect immediately upon approval.