Law Summary
Persons Liable
- Includes operators of public utility motor vehicles and owners of private motor vehicles (natural or juridical persons).
- Applies to vehicles stalled or illegally parked on any public road in Metropolitan Manila.
Penalties for Stalled Vehicles
- Fine of Two Hundred Pesos (P200.00) for vehicles that stall due to mechanical defects beyond driver’s control.
- Additional towing fees imposed for removal to impounding areas, payable to government or authorized private entities.
- Towing fees are differentiated based on vehicle type and weight:
- Trucks (4,000 kilos or more): P1,200 for first 4 kilometers plus P200 per additional kilometer.
- Cars, jeeps, pick-ups (less than 4,000 kilos): P800 for first 4 kilometers plus P200 per additional kilometer.
Penalties for Illegal Parking
- Fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) for deliberate illegal parking violations.
- Higher towing fees than those for stalled vehicles, acknowledging intentional violation:
- Trucks (4,000 kilos or more): P1,400 for first 4 kilometers plus P400 per additional kilometer.
- Cars, jeeps, pick-ups (less than 4,000 kilos): P1,000 for first 4 kilometers plus P400 per additional kilometer.
Enforcement and Fee Collection
- Both government agencies and private towing entities authorized to collect towing fees.
- Reference point for towing fee calculations is the impounding area.
- Emphasizes recovery of vehicles through payment of fines and towing fees.
Legal Authority and Implementation
- Regulation promulgated by the Metropolitan Manila Council under Section 6 of R.A. 7924.
- Signed and adopted by the Chairman and members of the council, including mayors of various Metro Manila cities.
- Reflects consensus among Metro Manila local government units to strengthen traffic law enforcement.
Important Legal Concepts
- Distinction between stalled vehicles (mechanical failure) and illegal parking (intentional wrongdoing).
- Graduated penalties and fees reflecting severity and nature of the violation.
- Collaboration between government and private sectors for towing enforcement.
- Use of fines and fees as deterrents to encourage compliance with traffic laws and regulations within Metro Manila.