Legal authority and policy basis
- The regulation is issued pursuant to Republic Act No. 7924, which mandates the MMDA to regulate transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.
- It is enacted to rationalize the use of thoroughfares and promote safe and convenient movement of persons and goods in Metro Manila.
- The regulation targets horn tooting as a practice that affects the smooth flow of traffic along major thoroughfares.
- The regulation recognizes that horn tooting creates noise that can affect human eardrums and disturb people in school and hospital zones, and in commercial and residential zones.
Coverage: where and whom it applies
- The prohibition applies to all Public and Private Utility Vehicles plying along EDSA and other major thoroughfares of Metro Manila.
- The regulation governs the conduct of drivers of covered utility vehicles.
- The regulation contains specific exceptions for certain vehicles and urgent medical needs.
- The prohibition does not apply to ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol cars, military vehicles, and vehicles carrying person/s needing immediate medical attention.
Definitions governing enforcement
- Horn Tooting means unnecessary blowing of horns, or blowing the horn continuously, or when there is more than a single or a short sound of the horn.
- Emergency Situation refers to situations requiring immediate attention, including:
- A patient who is seriously ill inside the vehicle; and
- A driver tooting the bus’ horn to indicate alarm or during actual emergency, such as warning jaywalkers to get out of the way to avoid road accidents.
Core prohibition on horn tooting
- Horn Tooting is strictly prohibited along EDSA and other major thoroughfares of Metro Manila.
- The prohibition applies except during Emergency Situations as defined in the regulation.
Penalties and payment
- A driver who violates the regulation is penalized with a fine of FIVE HUNDRED PESOS (P500.00) per offense.
- The fine must be paid at the official redemption centers of the MMDA.