10 Things Every Motorist Should Know, Says the MMDA

Whether you’re visiting the Philippines for an important business function or a long-awaited tropical vacation, we recommend renting your own vehicle. This way, you control your time and can spontaneously navigate the busy streets whenever you want to.

When you rent a car in Manila, however, remember that you aren’t responsible for just the vehicle. As a motorist, you have to know local laws, road knowledge, and behavior on the road. Be aware of the traffic scene by familiarizing yourself with pointers straight from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

1. MMDA enforcers cannot stand together in groups of two or more when catching an offending motorist. They can only do so during special operations, like catching groups of smoke-belching public utility vehicles.

2. Swerving is technically not a traffic violation. But the MMDA reminds motorists to swerve with proper precaution to avoid reckless driving offenses. On a related note, swerving may count as a Disregarding Traffic Signs offense when there are signs in the area that clearly prohibit swerving.

3.Traffic enforcers should not automatically confiscate a driver’s license. They may only do so if the driver has been involved in a traffic accident, has accumulated at least three unsettled violations, or has been apprehended for serious violations like using a fake license or allowing another person to use their license.

4. The yellow lanes along EDSA are for city buses. Private vehicles cannot use the lane except when they are about to turn — and only when they shift lines along proper transition lanes.

5. The MMDA Central Admin issues a written mission order for every traffic enforcer. When one apprehends you or issues a ticket, you are free to ask for their mission order to verify their authority.

6. Traffic enforcers must issue a Traffic Violation Receipt (TVR) in complete uniform and with visible nameplates. They must issue a TVR efficiently and without arguments to avoid traffic congestion.

7. An apprehending traffic enforcer may issue a TVR for the towing fee of impounded vehicles. If you do not claim the vehicle after the payment due date, the officer may issue a separate TVR indicating how many days the vehicle has been in the impounding area.

8. Traffic enforcers have to flag down vehicles and lead them to the roadside courteously informing the driver of their violation. This prevents obstruction of traffic flow.

9. Traffic enforcers cannot demand that the driver alight from the vehicle during apprehension. They strictly cannot ask for or receive bribe money, either.

10. During a traffic apprehension, foreign motorists may present either an international driver’s license or a foreign license in lieu of a local driver’s license. The traffic enforcer is responsible for verifying the validity of the said license.

By familiarizing yourself with the way the MMDA operates, you will be better prepared for the metro’s busy traffic scene. With that said, you’re ready to drive down most any street in Metro Manila.

RentCarManila.com is your go-to provider of car rentals in the metro. Contact us, today, and we’ll arrange a comfortable and hassle-free ride during your stay.

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