Title
Installation of Early Warning Devices on Vehicles
Law
Lto Memorandum Circular No. Rtl-mc-02412
Decision Date
Mar 22, 2002
Roberto T. Lastimoso mandates the strict installation and use of Early Warning Devices (EWD) on motor vehicles to enhance road safety, imposing fines and penalties for non-compliance to prevent accidents and traffic hazards.

Law Summary

Specifications of Early Warning Devices

  • EWD must be triangular, collapsible reflectorized plates in red and yellow.
  • Each side of the triangular plate must be at least 40 centimeters long and 5 centimeters wide.
  • Reflectorized panels should be backed by metal sheets, with a metal stand.
  • The triangle must be visible under adverse weather conditions from at least 400 meters away when illuminated by high beam headlights.
  • It should lean backward 5 to 10 degrees perpendicular to the roadway for maximum visibility.
  • The lower edge of the reflectorized triangle must be at least 7 centimeters above the road surface.
  • It must weigh at least 1.25 kilograms, concentrated at the base to prevent displacement by air currents caused by fast-moving vehicles.
  • No accreditation of suppliers or brands is required; homemade EWDs are allowed if specifications are met.

Public Information Dissemination

  • Regional directors are tasked with informing the public about the EWD specifications.
  • Information dissemination includes stressing the EWD as a mandatory requirement for motor vehicle registration.

Fines, Penalties, and Registration Requirements

  • No registration of motor vehicles (except motorcycles) by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) unless equipped with the specified EWD.
  • Failure to install EWD when a vehicle is stalled or disabled on a roadway results in a fine of ₱300.00 and suspension of the driver's license for 30 days.
  • If failure to install EWD causes an accident, the driver's license may be suspended for up to two years or revoked depending on the case.

Penalty Provisions for Officials and Employees

  • LTO employees or officials responsible for registering motor vehicles without EWD (except motorcycles/tricycles) face administrative sanctions.
  • Any violation of this Circular by LTO officials or employees will result in administrative action.

Repeal and Amendment of Previous Orders

  • All prior orders, circulars, or memoranda inconsistent with this Circular are repealed or amended accordingly.

Effectivity

  • The Circular shall take effect after publication in the Official Gazette or a general circulation newspaper, or upon submission of three copies to the UP Law Center.
  • Strict compliance with these provisions is mandated.

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