Revised Motor Vehicle Law of 1932, Philippines

Law Summary

Definitions

"Motor vehicles": Vehicles on public highways propelled by power other than muscular power; excludes certain machinery and rail vehicles
"Passenger automobiles": Pneumatic tired vehicles for up to 8 passengers, excluding those primarily freight-carrying
"Chauffeur": Licensed operator of a motor vehicle
"Professional chauffeur": Paid driver, including owners driving for hire
"Operator": Person controlling a vehicle, licensed or not
"Owner": Includes actual owners, immediate family over 18, and lawful possessors; excludes renters with chauffeurs
"Dealer": Entity manufacturing, assembling, selling, or dealing in vehicles
"Garage": Building housing vehicles for hire (excluding street stands and public stations)
"Gross weight": Vehicle weight plus max allowable load
"Highways": Public thoroughfares including streets, boulevards, parks; excludes private or institutional roads
"Director of Public Works": Chief or authorized representatives managing the law
"Parking": Motor vehicle stopped and inactive for appreciable time; short stops to load/unload/exchange passengers excluded
"Tourist": Person traveling for pleasure or short sojourn in the Islands

Administration

Director of Public Works administers the Act with defined powers
Can set rules for licensing, registration, vehicle limits, load distribution
May require modifications to vehicles violating width regulations
Maintains records, indexes, issues documents, and public notices
Designates deputies with full authority
Can acquire vehicles and employ staff for enforcement
Authorized to arrest violators and inspect vehicles
Police and Constabulary have duty to enforce the Act
Deputies and police may issue warnings for minor violations

Registration of Motor Vehicles

Mandatory registration for all motor vehicles on public highways
Registrations not renewed by last working day of February are delinquent
Dealers must monthly report vehicle sales details
Changes to factory or motor numbers must be reported within 7 days
Mortgages on vehicles must be reported within 7 days, signed by parties
Owners must apply within 7 days of possession and notify changes of ownership or residence within 48 hours
Applications can be filed by mail with date based on postage stamp
Classification includes private passenger, trucks, motorcycles, public utilities, taxis, garages, hire trucks, undertakers, dealers, government vehicles, tourists, and special
Certain classifications require certificates or permits from Public Service Commission

Registration Fees

Annual fees vary by vehicle type, capacity, tire type
Fees for public utility, garage, hire vehicles are double those for private
Dealers pay no registration fees but pay for dealer plates
Government vehicles registered free on request
Tourists exempt from fees the first 90 days
Vehicles not used on public highways are exempt
Special permits may be issued for excess weight, width, and other special cases with additional fees
Additional fees apply for changes, transfers, duplicates, and documents issuance
Partial year registration fees are prorated based on quarter of application

Registration Certificates and Number Plates

Certificate issued upon registration for each vehicle
Certificate is proof of registration, must be carried and presented on demand
Authorizes use on all public highways in the Philippines
Vehicles must not be used contrary to registered classification and fees
Director may suspend or refuse registration of unsafe, overloaded, or unsightly vehicles
Suspension periods vary; repeated violations may bar re-registration for a year
Dealer certificates allow stock vehicles to be operator for demonstration without separate registration
Number plates issued with annual tags and must be displayed properly on vehicles
Dealer plates issued for demo vehicles with fees; must not remain on vehicles sold

Licensing to Drive

Driving requires valid license; must carry license when operating vehicle
Enlisted men operating government vehicles licensed without fee, marked "For Government Vehicles Only"
Tourists may drive up to 90 days without license but must register vehicle
License application annual, includes fee, examination, and health check
Professional chauffeurs require photographs and badges
No licenses issued to persons under 18
Owners prohibited from employing unlicensed chauffeurs
License renewed annually by February; late renewal incurs higher fees
Suspension or revocation possible for incompetence, unlawful acts, repeated convictions
Bonds required upon reinstating suspended/revoked licenses, amount varies by offense
Temporary permits and student permits issued under specified conditions

Illegal Use of Documents

Transfer or use of documents by unauthorized persons prohibited
Only authorized officials may seize license or plates without owner consent
Forgery, falsification, or fraudulent representation of documents punishable

Passengers and Freight Regulations

Operators must carry trip cards recording trips for passenger vehicles for hire
Garage owners must keep trip records
No overloading passengers or cargo beyond registered capacity
No passengers allowed on truck tops or running boards except in limited circumstances
Vehicles for hire must mark their passenger capacity and trucks must mark weight limits

Vehicle Accessories and Lighting

Metal tires must be smooth; solid rubber tires sufficiently thick
Brakes and horns required; horns must not be excessively loud
Emergency vehicles may have special signaling devices
Vehicles over one meter wide require two headlights with white or yellow light
Headlights must not dazzle; must be dimmed in certain conditions
Tail lamps with red light required at rear
Lighting required also in poor visibility and weather
Motorcycles require one headlamp and tail lamp
Other vehicles must have lights visible front and rear
Windshields must have rain/moisture clearing devices
Loads extending beyond vehicle must display red flags or lights

Use of Motor Vehicles

Unauthorized use or tampering prohibited
Unlicensed persons not allowed to drive
Malicious damage to vehicle or highway prohibited
Vehicles must be stopped and motor off when unattended
Mufflers required; no unnecessary noise or smoke
Reckless or unsafe driving banned
Speed limits prescribed for various road types and vehicles
Municipalities may designate through streets, install signs
Provincial/local authorities cannot enact speed or weight limits different from Act

Traffic Rules

Full stop required before crossing through streets or railroads
Must stop behind streetcars loading/unloading passengers
Must stop for frightened animals on signal
Overtaking vehicles must signal; slower vehicles must yield
Right-of-way rules at intersections specified
Drive on left side unless safety requires otherwise
Horns to be used only when necessary
Operators of for-hire vehicles prohibited from drinking on duty
No obstruction of traffic; no driving on sidewalks
Operators involved in accidents must stop, provide license and information
Exemptions apply to emergency vehicles but no reckless operation permitted

Penalties

Fines range from 10 to 200 pesos depending on offense
Imprisonment up to 6 years for accidents causing death or serious injury by reckless driving
Specific penalties for operating without license, registration, or with invalid credentials
Using private vehicles for hire without permission carries penalties and license suspension
Multiple convictions can lead to longer suspensions or permanent revocation
Courts must report violations to Director of Public Works
Convictions under this Act do not preclude prosecution for other offenses

Collection, Taxes, and Fund Allocation

Fees and fines collected as prescribed jointly by Public Works and Revenue authorities
No fees beyond those fixed by Act allowed for motor vehicle operation on public highways
Vehicles remain subject to existing property taxes
Toll fees allowed with government approval and proper posting
Municipalities may regulate garages and parking; may not tax public service vehicles
Unpaid fees constitute a lien against the vehicle value
Collected funds allocated to road and bridge construction and maintenance with specific distribution formulas

Repealing and Effectivity

Conflicting laws and ordinances repealed
Public Service Commission retains authority over public service motor vehicles
Act effective January 1, 1933