Law Summary
Objectives and General Guidelines for Re-imposition
- Disseminate public information on EWD re-imposition.
- Issue authorized EWD specifications publicly.
- Do not mandate accreditation of suppliers or specific brands.
- Allow homemade EWDs if they meet specifications.
Mandatory Requirement for Early Warning Devices
- Mandatory carriage of a pair of EWDs (one red, one yellow) in all motor vehicles except motorcycles.
- EWDs must conform to specific physical dimensions and features.
Specifications of Early Warning Devices
- Reflective portion: Equilateral triangle, collapsible plates, each side at least 40 cm long and 5 cm wide.
- Visibility: Must be visible from at least 400 meters under adverse weather with high beam.
- Orientation: Triangle should lean backward 5 to 10 degrees to maximize visibility.
- Height: Lower edge at least 7 cm above road surface.
- Weight: At least 1.25 kilos concentrated at base to prevent displacement by air currents.
Acquisition and Presentation of EWDs
- EWDs may be homemade or commercially procured.
- Must be presented at LTO District Offices for original or renewal vehicle registration.
Installation of Early Warning Devices
- When a vehicle is stalled, disabled, or parked for 30 minutes or more on streets, highways, expressways, or limited access roads:
- Yellow EWD placed at least 4 meters to the front.
- Red EWD placed at least 4 meters to the rear.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Operating without carrying an EWD: Fine of PHP 100.
- Failure to install EWD when vehicle is stalled or disabled: Fine of PHP 300 and 30-day driver's license suspension.
- Failure to install EWD leading to an accident: Driver's license suspension up to 2 years or revocation depending on circumstances.
Effectivity and Enforcement
- EWDs required for registration of all motor vehicles except motorcycles effective August 1, 1995.
- LTO officials or employees violating the circular will face administrative sanctions.
- Strict compliance mandated by the Department of Transportation and Communications.