AN ACT TO COMPILE THE LAWS RELATIVE TO LAND TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC RULES

Case Overview and Summary

REPUBLIC ACT No. 4136

Title and Scope of Act (Sections 1-2):
- This Act shall be known as the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code".
- It controls the registration and operation of motor vehicles, licensing of owners, dealers, conductors, drivers, and related matters.

Definitions (Section 3):
- Defines terms such as "motor vehicle", "passenger automobiles", "articulated vehicle", "driver", "professional driver", "owner", "dealer", "garage", "gross weight", "highways", "Commissioner of Land Transportation", "parking", and "tourist".

Administration of Act (Section 4):
- Creates the Land Transportation Commission under the Department of Public Works and Communications.
- Outlines the powers and duties of the Commissioner, including:
  - Issuing rules and regulations (Section 4(1))
  - Maintaining records and issuing public notices (Sections 4(2)-(3))
  - Designating deputies and agents (Section 4(4))
  - Enforcing the Act, including making arrests, issuing subpoenas, and inspecting vehicles (Sections 4(5)-(6))
  - Coordinating with law enforcement agencies (Sections 4(7)-(8))

Registration of Motor Vehicles (Sections 5-18):
- All motor vehicles must be registered annually (Section 5)
- Registration fees based on vehicle type, weight, and use (Sections 7-8)
- Permissible weights and dimensions of vehicles (Section 9)
- Special permits and fees for overweight/oversized vehicles (Section 10)
- Additional fees for changes, replacements, and certifications (Section 11)
- Prorated fees for original registration within the year (Section 12)
- Proof of tax payment required for registration (Section 13)
- Issuance and use of registration certificates (Sections 14-15)
- Suspension of registration for defective vehicles (Section 16)
- Issuance and use of number plates (Sections 17-18)

Operation of Motor Vehicles (Sections 19-30):
- Requirement for driver's license (Section 19)
- Licensing for government vehicle operators and tourists (Sections 20-21)
- Driver's license fees and examination (Section 22)
- Issuance of driver's licenses (Section 23)
- Use of driver's licenses and badges for professional drivers (Section 24)
- Notification of address changes by drivers (Section 25)
- Renewal of driver's licenses (Section 26)
- Suspension and revocation of driver's licenses (Section 27)
- Driver's bond requirement (Section 28)
- Confiscation of driver's licenses by law enforcement (Section 29)
- Student-driver's permits (Section 30)

Illegal Use of Licenses, Number Plates, etc. (Section 31):
- Prohibits imitation, false representation, and fraudulent statements related to licenses, badges, certificates, plates, tags, or permits.

Passenger and Freight (Sections 32-33):
- Prohibits exceeding registered passenger or freight capacity (Section 32)
- Requires marking of passenger and freight capacities on vehicles (Section 33)

Accessories of Motor Vehicles (Section 34):
- Requirements for tires, brakes, horns, headlights, taillights, stop lights, motorcycle lights, parking lights, windshield wipers, red flags, and mufflers.

Traffic Rules (Sections 35-55):
- Speed limits and keeping to the right (Sections 35-37)
- Overtaking and passing vehicles, and turning at intersections (Sections 39-41)
- Right of way and signals (Sections 42-44)
- Turning and parking (Sections 45-47)
- Reckless driving, right of way for emergency vehicles, tampering with vehicles, hitching to vehicles, driving on sidewalks, driving under the influence, obstructing traffic, and duties in case of accidents (Sections 48-55)

Penalties (Section 56):
- Fines and penalties for various violations, including:
  - Late registration or renewal (Section 56(a))
  - Driving without a license or with a delinquent license (Sections 56(b)-(e))
  - Driving under the influence (Section 56(f))
  - Violations of specific sections (Sections 56(g)-(h))
  - Imitation or false representation of licenses, plates, etc. (Section 56(i))
  - Using private vehicles for hire (Sections 56(j)-(k))
  - Other violations (Section 56(l))
  - Subsidiary imprisonment for non-payment of fines (Section 56(m))
  - Penalties under the Revised Penal Code for accidents resulting in death or injury (Section 56(n))

Other Offenses and Duties (Sections 57-58):
- Allows prosecution for other offenses committed concurrently (Section 57).
- Requires court clerks to certify results of cases involving violations to the Commission (Section 58).

Collection of Fees, Taxes, and Fines (Sections 59-61):
- Regulates the collection of fees, taxes, and fines (Section 59(a))
- Prohibits additional taxes or fees by local governments, except for approved toll fees (Section 59(b))
- Establishes a lien on motor vehicles for unpaid fees and fines (Section 60)
- Allocates collected monies to the Highway Special Fund, with a portion for maintaining the Commission (Section 61)

Final Provisions (Sections 62-66):
- Prohibits local ordinances conflicting with the Act (Section 62)
- Repeals conflicting laws and ordinances, while preserving the Public Service Act (Section 63)
- Appropriates funds for the Commission (Section 64)
- Separability clause (Section 65)
- Effectivity clause (Section 66)