Ban on Loud Sirens and Flashing Devices on Vehicles

The decree targets indiscriminate and unregulated use of sirens, bells, horns, whistles, and similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds on highways.
The decree states that such unregulated use impedes and confuses traffic.
The decree declares that unregulated use undermines sound traffic discipline and control on highways.
The decree frames the prohibition as a measure to address a major problem in the maintenance of peace and order.

Presidential Decree No. 96 makes it lawful for the owner or possessor of any motor vehicle to use or attach devices that produce exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including domelights and similar signaling or flashing devices.
Permitted gadgets expressly include sirens, bells, horns, whistles, and other similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds.
Permitted signaling or flashing devices expressly include domelights, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.
The decree limits lawful attachment and use to qualifying vehicles designated for officials use by named government entities.

Authorized use is limited to motor vehicles designated for officials use by the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the National Bureau of Investigation, the Land Transportation Commission, the Police Departments, the Fire Departments, and hospital ambulances.
Use or attachment of the listed devices is lawful only when installed on those designated vehicles.
The decree treats attachment or use of such devices on other vehicles as a violation that triggers enforcement and penalties.

Any device or gadget installed or mounted on any motor vehicle, or used, in violation of the decree is subject to immediate confiscation.
A violation includes installing or using the devices listed by the decree on motor vehicles not designated for officials use by the covered entities.
Unauthorized use triggers both criminal prosecution and administrative consequences for the vehicle’s registration.

Unauthorized devices are subject to immediate confiscation.
For a second and subsequent offenses, the offender must be prosecuted for violation of the decree before the military tribunal.
Upon conviction in a second or subsequent offense, the offender must suffer imprisonment for six months and/or a fine of 600 pesos.

When an unauthorized gadget or device is installed, mounted, or used, the motor vehicle’s certificate of registration is subject to cancellation or revocation.
This registration consequence applies in addition to confiscation and prosecution for violations.

The Commissioner of Land Transportation is required to draw and promulgate such rules and regulations as are necessary to give effect to Presidential Decree No. 96.