Land Transportation and Traffic Code Overview

Motor Vehicle: Any powered vehicle using public highways except certain specified exceptions.
Passenger Automobiles include various typical vehicle types and modified bodies with carrying capacity under 9 passengers.
Articulated Vehicle: Motor vehicle with a semi-trailer.
Driver: Licensed operator; Professional Driver: person paid or hired to drive.
Owner: Legal registrant; includes heads of government offices for government vehicles.
Dealer: Entities involved in making, selling or handling vehicles.
Garage: Building for 2+ vehicles ready for hire, excluding public service stations and street stands.
Gross Weight: Vehicle weight plus maximum allowable load.
Highways: All public thoroughfares except private property.
Commissioner and Deputies: Officials enforcing the Act, appointed by the President.
Parking: Vehicle stopped and inactive for an appreciable time on highway edges.
Tourist: Foreign visitor traveling for pleasure or culture.

Creation of Land Transportation Commission under Public Works and Communications.
Composed of a Commissioner, Deputy, and specified officials and regional directors.
Commissioner issues regulations, handles records, arrests for violations, and inspects vehicles.
Police forces have primary enforcement duty but must submit cases to Commission.

Mandatory motor vehicle registration before operation on public highways.
Renewal deadlines differ by classification; failure results in delinquency and invalidity.
Dealers must report sales and transactions.
Motor number changes prohibited except with Commission approval.
Encumbrances (mortgages, attachments) must be recorded and noted in registrations.
Applications and payments may be made personally or via registered mail.
Classification includes private, public utility, dealer, government, tourist, and special permits.
Private vehicles cannot be used for hire; public utility vehicles require certificates/permits.
Tourist vehicles allowed 90-day operation without registration if displaying foreign plates and registered locally.

Based on shipping/manufacturing weight or allowable gross weight.
Different rate schedules for private automobiles, trucks, motorcycles, and motor vehicles for hire.
Diesel vehicles and vehicles for hire incur increased fees.
Dealer registration free, but dealer plates have fees.
Government vehicles registered free.
Partial year original registration fees prorated by quarter.
Tax payment proof required before original registration.

Certificate of registration issued after inspection and fee payment.
Certificate shall be carried as proof and presented upon request.
Suspension of certificate possible for unsafe, unsightly, or improperly equipped vehicles.
Number plates issued for a fee; plates must be displayed front and rear, legible and clean.
Dealer plates may be used on various stock vehicles but not after sale.

No operation without a current valid driver’s license.
Licenses for government vehicle operators exempt from fees but limited to government use.
Foreign tourists with valid licenses allowed to drive up to 90 days.
Application includes health check, vision and hearing tests; examination may be required.
License issued upon passing examination and fee payment; photo and thumbprint recorded.
Professional drivers require badges while operating public service vehicles.
License suspension or revocation possible for violations or unsafe operators.
Bond may be required before reinstatement.
Licenses can be confiscated upon apprehension; student-driver permits available.

Making, using, selling or representing counterfeit or suspended licenses, plates, or permits prohibited.
False statements in vehicle registration or licensing applications prohibited.

Operators cannot exceed registered capacity of vehicles.
Public utility conductors licensed and liable for violations.
No passenger rides permitted on vehicle tops or running boards except under specified conditions.
Registered capacity must be conspicuously marked on vehicles.

Metallic tires prohibited; brakes require specific hydraulic safety standards.
Horns must be operable and not produce excessive noise.
Lighting systems defined for headlights, tail lights, stop lights, motorcycle lights, parked and disabled vehicle lights.
Windshield wipers required.
Red flag or light signals required for overhanging loads.
Mufflers required and must function to minimize noise and pollution.

Speed limits specified for various road types; exemptions for emergency vehicles.
Uniform speed limits nationwide; local ordinances cannot set conflicting limits.
Drivers must keep right except when overtaking or turning.
Highways classified by local boards subject to Commission approval.

Passing on left generally required, with exceptions allowing passing on right in multi-lane or special situations.
Drivers to yield to overtaking vehicles upon audible signals.
No passing in hazardous places, near intersections or railway crossings without proper control.
No overtaking in no-passing zones or where road work warning signs are placed.

Vehicle on driver’s left yields to right unless stated otherwise.
Drivers traveling unlawfully forfeit right of way.
Pedestrians given right of way at marked crosswalks.
Yield requirements for vehicles entering highways, emergency vehicles, and at intersections.
Signals required before starting, stopping, or turning including hand or mechanical signals.

Proper lane use prescribed for turns.
Parking prohibited in intersections, crosswalks, near fire stations or hydrants, private driveways, and where signs prohibit.
Parked vehicles must stop engine and apply hand brake.

Reckless driving prohibited.
Drivers must yield to emergency vehicles with audible signals.
Prohibition on tampering with vehicles.
No hitching onto moving vehicles.
No driving or parking on sidewalks.
Driving under influence prohibited.
No obstruction of traffic; passenger/freight operations must not impede others.
Drivers involved in accidents must provide identification and aid victims unless in danger.

Detailed fines for late registration, driving without license, invalid registrations, driving under influence, and other violations.
Higher penalties and imprisonment for repeated or serious violations.
Liability and penalties for illegal use of registration or license documents.
Fines for use of private vehicles for hire.
Imprisonment or fines for non-payment.
Multiple penalties can apply for concurrent offenses.
Court clerks to report convictions to Commission.

Fees and fines collected regulated by the Commission and Auditor General.
Local governments prohibited from imposing additional fees except authorized tolls.
Unpaid fees and fines constitute liens on vehicles; enforcement by warrants.
Collected monies deposited in specialized Highway Special Fund.
A portion of funds allocated for Land Transportation Commission maintenance.