History Of Transportation,

Motor Vehicles And

Locomotives In The Philippines
And In Other Countries
Transportation - best discovery that made everyone's life easier and convenient.

TRANSPORTATION". It came from the Latin word Trans meaning "ACROSS" and
Porto meaning "TO CARRY". Transportation is the movement of goods and persons
from place to place and the various means by which such movement is
accomplished.
Going back to the history of transportation does not only focus of remembering the
past by to know and familiarize ourselves on the curiosity of what was the mode of
transportation and how it is before.

Originally people used to travel on foot up to learning to use animal and the
discovery of the wheel up to the invention of motorized vehicles.
HISTORY OF TRANSPORTATION

Transportation - trans por ta tion /tran(t)spər täSH(ə)n/

Movement of conveying of persons and goods from one place to another

he term "transport" came from Middle English, Old French transporter, meaning "to carry" or
"convey across". It is derived from the Latin transporto, from trans-, meaning "across" and porto,
meaning "to carry".

Transport or transportation is the movement of humans, animals, and goods from one location
to another. In other words, the action of transport is defined as a particular movement of an
organism or thing from a point A (a place in space) to a point B.

,
 The term "nomad", from the Greek "to pasture" was originally used to refer to pastoralist - groups
that migrate in an established pattern to find pasture lands for their domestic livestock. However,
the term has since been generalized to include all non-settled populations, of which there are
three types.
 The first type comprises foraging populations who wander in search of their food. It is estimated
that 99 percent of all humanity once lived in this way.

The second, the most significant numerically and historically, comprises the pastoral nomads
who move with their families, belongings and herds of cattle, camel, sheep and goats through an
annual cycle of pastures whose availability is determined by the alternation of hot and cold or wet
and dry seasons.

The third type comprises gypsies, tinkers, and similar itinerants in urban and complex societies.
What worth nothing is how man traveled during ancient period. It is believed that early human
beings traveled to places by foot, carrying their loads on their backs or on their heads, while others
pulled crude sleds. They used every means to make their transportation with the least time and
effort.
1. Pre-Spanish period
Our country is a big archipelago of 7,500 islands, and a very long total coastline (estimated at
the world's fifth longest). Each major island has a mountainous interior, with narrow or
fragmented plains and valleys along the coasts and in the interior, and crisscrossed by very
numerous rivers.

our ancestors moved by raft or native outrigger boat powered by paddles and sails, hopping
from island to island or coastal point to point. They reached interior valleys by trekking along
estuaries and rivers (by water and on foot) and through trails across mountains. They eventually
settled along or near the coasts, lakes, rivers and major creeks where there was enough access
to land, water, and food sources. Most of these communities were economically self-sufficient
and politically independent. However, impelled by locally evolving class structures, growing
populations and diminishing resources, these communities gradually formed among
themselves regular ties of trade, intermarriage, peace pacts and war rivalries.
These further helped shape the major overland and inter- island travel routes and the regular
movements of people and goods along said routes. Around the 10th century CE, certain
communities in locations with defensible harbors and sufficient supply of food and water evolved
into entrepots, e.g. the Manila area, Sugbu (Cebu), Butuan and Sulu areas among others. These
attracted traders from within the Philippine archipelago, as well as from the Malay archipelago,
mainland Southeast Asia, and Arabia. Eventually, by the 13th century, South China traders using
better boats broke the Arab trade monopoly and became dominant. The local ruling classes, by
controlling the ports and key points along the route, grew fat on tribute paid by traders, on
payments for settling trade disputes, and on profits from their own trading expeditions. Growing
trade further fueled economic and population growth and class stratification, which in turn further
reinforced regular trade routes, both inter- island and inland.
2. Spanish Period
. As early as 1591, Spanish rule was already entrenched in 236 encomiendas in 10 broadly defined
provinces from Ilocos to Panay. From these first bulwarks, Spanish forces fanned out to pacify
tribes, punish rebellious ones, impose reduction (resettlement into pacified towns), collect tribute,
requisition goods, and harness corvee labor. All these required the building of ships, ports and
wharves, and inland roads, bridges across rivers, and horse trails across mountains. Many Spanish-
period trade and travel routes were merely expanded and interconnected versions of pre-Spanish
routes.

The colonialists selected Manila as their seat of government and trade because of its already
established population, its strategic position vis-a-vis trade routes, its fine harbor, and its easy
access to the nearby regions' rich human and natural resources. The emergence and growth of
Manila and its immediate suburbs as the dominant economic, political, and cultural center of the
country throughout the Spanish period are well-documented. Other colonial centers, new towns,
and political-military comandancias build their own military garrisons, religious houses and
residencia; maintained communications with Manila; enforced tribute and corvee labor (which they
shipped to Manila or to where it was needed); built public works and operated ferries.
The Manila-Acapulco galleon trade and increased visits to Manila of Chinese traders (who
fanned out to outlying provinces as merchants and artisans) further impelled the growth of
regular shipping and overland transportation between Manila and the provinces throughout the
1600s. The Spanish colonialists monopolized trade and operated shipping lines. Ship-building
became a major industry, with shipyards in Cavite, Panay, Albay, Marinduque and Masbate. The
need for rope, rigging and canvas sails turned Bicol and Ilocos respectively into plantation
economies producing abaca and cotton, with direct links to Manila, while iron (for ship fittings)
was exported from China and Japan. By the 1700s, the Spanish-instituted colonial and feudal
system had taken deep roots and served to determine the patterns of population distribution,
growth and migration, the local class structure, other features of the social economy, and
modes of governance throughout the country. From 1760s onwards, a major push for expanded
agriculture resulted in a vast hacienda system producing export crops such as tobacco, indigo,
cotton, sugar cane, abaca, cacao and copra, in addition to traditional commodities such as rice,
and the semi-handicraft processing of textiles, alcohol and tobacco products. Tightly linked to
all these was a system of transportation that gradually expanded to serve the growing needs of
the social system.
The rapid growth of export crops and mainly Manila- based foreign trade-especially starting in
the 1825-1834 period, and after the Suez Canal opened in 1869-further fueled domestic inter-
island and inter-province (overland) trade throughout the 19th century. Expanding trade and
incipient manufactures encouraged labor migration between provinces and to the cities;
incipient commuting emerged within Manila itself, between the walled city and its arrabales
(districts) and nearby towns. All these resulted in some advances in the country's transport
system. Since most trade and transport were across the seas and along the coasts, the earlier
impetus was in maritime, inter-island and riverine transport by various kinds of watercraft, from
big steamers to native boats with outriggers (paraw) to flat-bottomed cascos. Even within the
Manila area, rivers (e.g. Pasig and Marikina rivers), esteros (tidewater channels) and man-made
canals (e.g. Canal de Maypajo, Canal de la Reina) served as major arteries of trade linking
outlying areas and the Intramuros and Port of Manila, with the cascos as the workhorse
watercraft. Note: We could not find major sources of the country's Spanish-period shipping for
our research beyond the Manila-Acapulco galleons and other foreign shipping. A study on
Philippine ports notes that only the Ports of Manila, Cebu and Iloilo were equipped and allowed
to handle the loading and unloading of big ships in the 1875-1898 period.
3. Railways
In 1875, the Spanish government authorized a Manila committee to propose railways
projects.

Three lines were suggested, totaling 1,730 km of track:

the Manila-Dagupan line (which was to be extended later to Laoag);

the Manila-Bicol line, which would reach Albay;

and the Manila-Batangas route that would reach Taal town.

In 1878, a Manila public works official proposed a streetcar system (tranvia) with five lines,
with Plaza San Gabriel in Binondo as main hub.

The lines were to run to Intramuros via what is now Jones Bridge;
to Malate church; to Malacanang; to Sampaloc; and to Tondo.

The system was built by a Spanish firm (La Compania de Tranvias de Filipinas) from 1885 to
1889. The Malacanang line was later dropped in favor of the Malabon line, which started
operating in 1888 to serve Malabon's cigar-making factories, milkfish ponds, and a British-
owned sugar mill.

The Malabon line ran on four German-made steam locomotives with eight coaches (nine
passengers each), while the other four lines were horse-drawn omnibuses for 12 seated and
8 standing passengers. The system became very popular with commuters.
Dagupan was probably chosen as the northern terminal of the railway because it was the
single most important shipping point through which rice and other farm products from
Pangasinan and northern Tarlac were gathered and shipped to Manila.

Prior to the railway era, the Manila-Dagupan line referred to steamers regularly plying that
marine route.

While the steam engine started to make itself felt in long- haul land transport, traditional
horse, mule and carabao power continued to predominate the field.
There were more horse carriages in Manila than in any other Asian city (which relied more
on human-drawn rickshaws).

In the 1880s, there were more than 1,000 horse-drawn calesas and nearly as many
carromatas and carabao carts in Manila alone.

Meanwhile, within and between the towns not directly served by watercraft and the
railway, the masses continued to rely on ages-old foot-based and horse-based modes of
transport along Spanish camino reals connecting major towns, and through each major
town's street system. Spanish trails were also built across mountains to connect military
garrisons especially in unpacified regions. Otherwise, people especially in the vast rural
areas walked, carried bamboo poles on which hung heavier cargo (or hammocks for
people who couldn't walk), or rode on horseback, alongside pack mules and carabao-
pulled sleds and carts.
VARIOUS ANCIENT MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

MANPOWER

Early man, who had no domesticated animals, carried his own burdens. More so today,
manpower is important in transportation in many parts of the world.

1. Carrying pole in China and other parts of the far east, the carrying pole, balanced on one
shoulder is a popular carrying device. On islands of the Pacific, the ends of the pole are
supported by two men, with goods suspended from the pole in between.

2. Back Load and Tumpline In many parts of the world, goods are carried on the back. In
Subtemala, pots are carried on a wooden framework supported by a tumpline across the
forehead. In the Andes, the load is held on the back by a strap passing over the chest.
3. Sledge on Rollers - The moving of heavy burdens was to place them on sledge with
rested on a series of rollers.

4. Sledge on runners - a simple sledge, probably man drawn, was use at the end of the
Old Stone Age in Northern Europe, as evidenced by fragments of wooden runners
survived.

5. Travois - This travois, as the pole arrangement called, serves as a platform on which the
burdens are placed.
ANIMAL POWER

The domestication of animals greatly increased the potential power available for transportation.
Pack animals were introduced as conveyances mainly to save labor. A man can tend several
pack animals moving together, each of which (except dogs) can carry more than he usually can.
Little advantage in speed is gained unless part of the animals carrying capacity is sacrificed.

1 . Ox-Cattle, which were first domesticated in Mesopotamia, were used as draft animals to
draw war chariots. Oxen are still used as draft animals in many regions of the world. In some
parts of Africa, they are used as pack animals for riding.

2. Reindeer - These were first domesticated in Siberia in the beginning of the Christian era. In
the Altai Mountains, they were ridden with saddles. Elsewhere, they drawn sledge somewhat
like the dog of the Far North.
3. Dog -, the first animal domesticated, is too slight to carry heavy loads. The plain Indians
sometimes packed light loads on dogs' backs, and piled goods on travois which the dogs dragged.
In the Far North, the dogs team drawing sledges are the chief means of transportation; and in parts
of Europe, the dogs are used to draw small carts.

4. Donkey - The donkey or ass, first domesticated in Middle East. Early dogs came to use as a back
animal before the domestication of the camel. Donkey caravans carry goods between the cities of
Southwest Asia and Egypt and the donkey is still the chief best of burden among the farmers of the
near East, the Mediterranean Area, and Mexico, where it was introduced from Spain
5. Llama - in pre-Columbian America, the llama was the only new world animal other than the
dog capable of domestication for use in transport. In the Andes, the llama was used as a pack
animal by the Incas and their Spanish conquerors, as it's by modern Andean people.

6. Elephant - The Carthaginians used African elephant in their war against Rome but in recent
centuries, these animals have not been tamed. In India, elephants are formerly used in the war and are
still employed to some extent for ceremonial procession and big games hunting. In Burma and
Thailand, these huge animals are widely used in the lumber industry.
7. Horse - Around 2000 B.C. horse drawn chariots appeared in southwest Asia and 1000 years
later, the Persians arrived with calvary which gave mobility and power to the German tribes who
invaded Europe and the Central Asian conqueror Genghis Khan. In the Europe, horses are used
to draw wheeled vehicles for riding for sometimes until the introduction of mechanized vehicle

8. Camel - There are two kinds of camel, the two-humped Bactrian camel of Central Asia and
the one-humped dromedary of Arabia have long been used for transport. The Bactrian camel
has plodded along the caravan roots between China and Iran for at least 2000 years. It is also
used to draw carts that the dromedary, which has less endurance but it is fleeter and special
fast-paced riding camel is bred by the Arab nomads.

9. Yak - A long-haired type of cattle that leaves at high altitude of Tibetan plateau and in the
neighboring mountain regions is ridden and used as a pack animal at heights where horses and
ordinary animal could not survive
WIND POWER

Man realized the energy from the mass of moving air and learned to utilize such powers to lift
rather than to drag. The paved way to invention of air lifted transportation vessels.

1. Ancient Chinese kite - kites had been flown as a popular past time in the Far East since the
beginning of the history. Based on a Korean tradition, the kite was first used for transport when a
Korean general employed one in bridge building. By means of a kite, a cord was conveyed
across the river where heavier ropes were fastened and finally the bridge cable. In the late 10th
century, several European armies experiment with kites in transporting men.
2. Da Vinci's Ornithopter - The great renaissance artist, scientist and engineer, Leonardo Da
Vinci, made study of the flight of the birds and his notebook sketched the number of ornithopter
(a.k.a. orthopter) which derives its principal support and propelling from flopping wings like
those of a bird. It was not until the 19th century the rigid wings were envisaged.
3. Montgolfier Balloon the Montgolfier brother of France Joseph Michel and Jacques Entienne
have successfully released several balloons when they proposed to use two condemned
prisoners for the first ascent with passengers. Pilatre de Rozier, a natural historian protested this
and claimed the honor for himself. In 1783, he and the Marquis d' Arlanoes became the first men
to make a free balloon ascent. The balloon constructed of linen and inflated with hot air
traveled 9000 yards and remained in the air for 20 minutes.
4. Siemens' Rocket Plane - Ernst Werner Von Siemens who later achieved fame as an electric
industrialist, in 1847 designed rocket plane which was to be propelled by the explosive force of
gunpowder. Similarly, Siemens' rocket plane was never carried beyond the design stage.

5. Lilienthal Glider - otto Lilienthal, a German inventor who also made a study of the flight of
birds and experimented with ornithopters, going so far as to build a model ornithopter. His chief
work was with gliders. However, in 1891, he made the first of a number of a glider flights which
were to extent a profound influence on the development of aviation.
6. Santos Dumont's Airship - one of the pioneers of lighter-than-air craft was Alberto Santos Dumont, a
Brazilian who experimented with the steam powered balloons in Paris. He made his first balloon
ascent in 1897 and in 1898 completed the construction of his first airship. He, then built several other
airships and in 1901, made a 30-minute round trip flight between St. Louis and the Eiffel tower.
7. Wright Brother Flying Machine - inspired by Lilienthal's glider experiments, Orville and Wilber
Wright began studying the problems of heavier-than-air flight. They built biplane kite then over 200
different wing types which they tested in a wind tunnel of their own invention, before they conducted
their first man-carrying powdered machine. This flew successfully at Kitty Hawk, North Carolina on
December 17, 1903. By 1909, airplanes became sufficiently accepted to justify beginning commercial
manufacture of the machine.
8. Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis - following the initial flight of the Wright brother's airplane, the
development of the aviation was rapid. The first airmail was delivered in 1911 and World War 1 gave
an impetus to plane design and the training of pilots. During the 1920's many new records were set.
A feat which particularly captured popular imagination was the first solo flight from New York to
Paris, made by Capt. Charles A. Lindbergh in May 1927 in a plane specially built for the flight, the
spirit of St. Louis.
ROADS AND VEHICULAR TRANSPORT

As a man, from ancient time to the 20th century, sought to make their transport facility more
efficient, they have always endeavored to move people to move people and property with the
least expenditure of time, effort, and money.

It was stated in the preceding man first traveled by foot. Then, primitive man supplemented
their own carrying of goods and possessions by starting to domesticate animals training them
to bear small loads and pull crude sleds.

The following are some of the inventions and innovations and important events that lead to
modern land transportation:
A.WHEEL

It was invented probably in Western Asia. Such invention was a milestone and great step
forward in transportation.

As wheel was perfected, crude carts and wagons began to appear in TIGRIS-EPHRATES
VALLEY about 3500 B.C., and later in CRETE, EGYPT, and CHINA.

The wheel was one of man's great inventions. It enabled him to transport burdens beyond the
power of man or animals to carry or drag, and permitted much greater facility of movements
than the simple sledge on rollers which had to be continually picked up and moved by hands
as the sledge is advanced.
1. Solid wheels on fixed axle. This ancient cart represent an early step in the evolution of
wheeled vehicles. Its solid wheels, which were made of a single piece of wood, rotated on
single axle.
2. Sumerian chariot with flank wheels - This chariot, of about 2400 B.C., had solid wheels built
up of three pieces, wan so was more durable than the one-piece wheel.
3. Greek Quadrica with spoked wheels drawn by four horses, was a light and elegant vehicle for
gentleman about 250 B.C. It had spoked wheels and axles of irons or bronze, handles for aid in
mounting, and seat formed by a board placed across the handles.
4. Roman Carpentum a closed, two-wheeled cart, was favored vehicle when Roman women
journeyed outside the city.

5. Italian cocchio 1288 - A traveling wagon in which the passengers were protected by a
covering of leather or cloth fixed over a wooden framework.
B. WHEELED VEHICLES
Wheeled vehicles could not use the narrow paths and trails used by animals, and early roads
were soon built.

C. THE ROMANS
The romans were the major road builders in the ancient world. The Romans road network
reached a total of about 50,000 miles (80,000 kilometers), with FEEDERS roads branching out
from the main highways. It is was costly because its deep foundation, formed by layer after
heavy stones, was necessary to make roads that would carry heavy traffic for many years.
D. John L. Macadam - did not abandon the theory of feeder road building and perfected the
macadamized road in England about 1815. He is also known to be the father of Modern Road.

“McAdam’s method involved layering broken stones of various sizes onto a roadbed. These
stones were then carefully compacted and arranged to create a solid, level surface. Larger
stones were placed at the bottom, forming a stable foundation, while smaller stones were used
for the upper layers. This arrangement allowed for proper drainage and prevented the road
from becoming waterlogged.
In addition to the stone layers, McAdam introduced the use of a binding material, typically
smaller stones or gravel, to fill the gaps between the larger stones. This binding material served
to strengthen the road’s surface and improve its load-bearing capacity.”
E. After the fall of the Romans - In the 15th century, land haulage generally declined because
highways suffered from inadequate maintenance. Such improvements however, as the horse
collars (10 th century), the addition of springs to coaches, new methods of road construction,
and the introduction of toll roads (18th century)all continued to ease and speed land travel.

F. Significant improvement of road vehicle - began with the adaption of COACH SPRING about
1650.
G. In the mid18th century, English roads were so bad that the coaches could average only
about 4 mph (6.4 km/h) and the mail was usually carried by boys on horses.

H. John Palmer - he introduced his first fast mail coach in March of 1785 and by 1800, the
English system was in full swing.
I. The invention of Bicycle - in the early 19th century served as a nursery of automobile
builders. One of the modern ancestors of the modern bicycle was the HOBY HORSE, or Dan
horse. The wheels were made of wood, with tires of iron, and the riders pushed themselves
along with their feet on the ground.
1.German Baron KARL VON DRAIS in 1817 introduced a steerable wheel, creating the
"draisienne" or "dandy horse".
2. In 1838, KIRKPATRICK MACMILLAN, a Scottish blacksmith made the first machine with pedals,
which were attached to and drove the rear wheel by means of cranks.

J. Pneumatic tires - (inflated by air) by a Scot, John Boyd Dunlop appeared in late 19th century
(about 1888)

K. Motor Vehicle - the first mode of transportation to challenge the railroads.

1. Frenchman ETIENNE LENOIR - made possible the introduction of motorized carriages by his
invention in the 1860's and 70's, of the INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE.

2. NICOLAUS OTTO and GOTTLIEB DAIMLER - pioneered the manufacture of gas engines, and
later Daimler became a successful automobile manufacturer.

3. Rudolph Diesel - A German engineer, developed an internal combustion engine which is

similar to the gasoline engine but requires no electrical ignition system or carburetor and uses
other form of liquid fuel, the diesel fuel.

4. The AUTOMOBILE found its greatest popularity in the US, where the first horseless carriage
appeared in 1890's.
5. In 1808, HENRY FORD introduced the MODEL T, which was proved so popular that by 1914,
Ford adapted MASS PRODUCTION methods to meet the demand.

6. In 1956, FELIX WANKEL, a German mathematician, developed an advance type of engine,

named after him, that operates very differently from gas and diesel engines. It is started by a
moving crankshaft.
From Ford era, the demand of vehicles become great for the transportation of goods,
products, communications and people. Hence, man started manufacturing large cargo
trucks and buses for mass transportation.

Presently, the introduction of the Light Trail Transit (LRT), the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)
flyovers, pedestrian and vehide culverts, rock sheds and other modern traffic ways was
contributed to the expeditious movement of traffic users.
THE THREE MODES OF TRANSPORTATION

1. LAND
2. WATER
3. AIR LAND TRANSPORTATION

Land transport is the transport or movement of people, animals or goods from one location
to another location on land. The two main forms of land transport can be considered to be
rail transport and road transport.

WHAT IS THE FIRST MODE OF TRANSPORT?

Walking is the first mode of transport before we humans learned to use animals like horses,
donkeys etc. for transportation
4000 BC-3500 BC: the first river boats

Who invented the first boat?

Archaeological discoveries lead us to believe the first river boats were invented in Ancient
Egypt in 3500 BC. Ancient Egypt, Ancient Sumer, the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia used
began using river boats, which they made out of wood, around 4000-3000 BC to trade.
These early river boats continued to change and develop, with later civilizations creating
stronger boats that could tackle the rougher seas and allow them to travel greater distances.
THE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION: STEAMBOATS AND SHIPS

Large sailing ships and boats allowed people to travel the seas, but it was during the
Industrial Revolution that the first steamboats and motor motor-powered ships were
invented. The first steamboat was built in 1807 in America. The invention of large steam-
powered boats was a significant development in the history of transportation as it allowed
people to travel and trade longer distances with greater ease. The first motor-powered ship
was invented in the early 1900s, these ships became essential to trading around the globe.

AIR TRANSPORTATION

As people began to understand more about the Earth's atmosphere in the 17th and 18th
centuries, they discovered the possibility of using the air for transport and travel. This initially
came in the form of the hot air balloon. 1783: The First Hot Air Balloon Using heated air, a
large balloon and a large basket, the first hot air balloon was invented in 1783 in Paris,
France, and was the world's first human flight technology.
Who invented the Aeroplane?

In 1902, the Wright Brothers invented the world's first controlled, powered aircraft, named
the Wright Flyer. The Wright Brothers invention is known as one of the most significant
events in the history of transportation. Aircraft continued to develop, with World War II
advancing the speed of aircraft production. An essential part of military operations, bomber
aircraft, such as the Lancaster, were invented. After the war ended, people began
developing commercial flight. The first commercial flight and aeroplane was flown by De
Havilland Comet in 1952
HISTORY OF MOTOR VEHICLE

During the 18th and 19th centuries, there were significant developments in transportation
due to the Industrial Revolution. Beginning in Britain, the Industrial Revolution saw the
development of advanced machinery and manufacturing that changed the way the world
produced and traded goods. Alongside these industrial developments, more advanced
modes of transport were also created to cater to the developing world. During the Industrial
Revolution, the first bicycle was made, the first motorways were invented, and the first car
was built.

The automobile was first invented and perfected in Germany and France in the late 1800s,
though Americans quickly came to dominate the automotive industry in the first half of the
twentieth century. Henry Ford innovated mass-production techniques that became standard,
and Ford, General Motors and Chrysler emerged as the "Big Three" auto companies by the
1920s.
Manufacturers funneled their resources to the military during World War II, and afterward
automobile production in Europe and Japan soared to meet growing demand. Once vital
to the expansion of American urban centers, the industry had become a shared global
enterprise with the rise of Japan as the leading automaker by 1980. Although the
automobile was to have its greatest social and economic impact in the United States, it
was initially perfected in Germany and France toward the end of the nineteenth century
by such men as Gottlieb Daimler, Karl Benz, Nicolaus Otto and Emile Levassor.
WHEN IS THE FIRST CAR INVENTED?

The first car with a gas engine was made in 1886 by Carl Benz. On January 29, 1886, Carl
Benz applied for a patent for his "vehicle powered by a gas engine." The patent - number
37435 - may be regarded as the birth certificate of the automobile
HISTORY OF LOCOMOTIVES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The first railroad in the Philippines was inaugurated on Nov. 24, 1892, nearly two decades
after King Alfonso XII of Spain issued a decree for the establishment of a railroad system in
Luzon.

Construction of the railroad began in 1888. The line covered 195 kilometers from Manila to
Dagupan in Pangasinan.

The line was founded as Ferrocarril de Manila-Dagupan. It became Manila Railroad Co.
(MRRCo) during the American colonial rule.

From Manila Central Station in Tutuban, construction moved northward to Tayuman, ending
in Dagupan. The Americans subsequently built a new line from Bulacan to Cabanatuan,
Nueva Ecija, in 1902.
Shortly after, the rail line was expanded to La Union in the north and Albay in the south. In
1964, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4156, MRRCo became Philippine National Railways (PNR),
a government-owned corporation.

In 1964, by virtue of Republic Act No. 4156, MRRCo became Philippine National Railways
(PNR), a government-owned corporation.

PNR was once Luzon's premier railroad operator, with over 797 km of tracks linking La Union
to Bicol, but decades of neglect, mismanagement and damage from natural calamities
gradually reduced its coverage.

Only a small segment of the PNR line-from Tutuban to Calamba, Laguna is still being used.

During the Commonwealth period, sugar cane in Negros was transported by imported steam
locomotives from haciendas to sugar mills. The steam engine locomotives plied one main
line to collect as much cane from around milling districts.
Other lateral lines that were part of a network of sugar farms had their own railroad systems,
albeit with smaller wagons for loading canes.

In 1906, the Philippine Commission authorized PNR to construct and operate rail lines in
other parts of the country.

Panay Railways Inc. (PRI) operated the railroad connecting Iloilo City to Roxas City in Capiz
through a 117- km track. PRI closed shop in the mid-1980s after encountering financial
difficulties.
Traffic Management
Lesson 1.3 Evolution of Motor Vehicles
Concept

Motorized transportation – is one of the greatest inventions that

appeared for the last three hundred years.

A. Steam Engine – was perfected in the 1760’s by James Watt. The

invention provided power for many industries and factories in England.
(Grolier)
B. By the end of 18th century, French, Scottish, and American
inventors attempted to apply the steam engine in water
navigation. (Grolier)
1. Frenchman Jacques Perier built an steamboat in 1775
2. Rober Fulton launched the steamboat Clermont on the Hudson
River in 1807.
3.The steamer Savannah crossed the atlantic in 1819 and by the
19th century, steam navigation replaced the sailing vessels.
C. Railroads – Horse-drawn wagons with wooden wheels and rails had been use in
English and European mines during the 17th Century. (Grolier)

1. Richard Trevithick and some other inventors adapted the primitive steam
locomotives to the mine railways between 1797 and 1813.

2. George Stephenson – built and equipped the 32-km Stockton and

Darlington railway, the first public railway in the world powered by steam
locomotive which eventually began railroad building in England.

3. United States – although railroad began in England, it was in the US

where tremendous growth in rail trainsport system occurred that by 1840
more than 4,800 kms (3,000 mi) railroads were already operating in the
eastern states.
3
D. Significant improvement of road vehicle began with adaptation of COACH
SPRING about 1650.
E. In the mid-18th century, English Roads were so bad that the coaches
average only abouth 4 mph (6.4 km/h) and the mail was usually carried by
boys on horses.
F. John Palmer – introduced his first fast mail coach in March of 1785 and by
1800, the English coach system was in full swing.
G. The invention of Bicycle in the early 19th century served as a nursery of
automobile builders.
1. The German Baron Karl Von Drais in 1817 introduced a steerable wheel
2. In 1838, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, made the first
machine with pedals
H. Motor Vehicle – the first mode of transportation to challenge the railroads.
1. Ferdinand Verbiest, a Jesuit Missionary in China, build the first steam
powered vehicle around 1672 as a toy for Chinese Emperor.
2. In 1870-71, Nicolas Joseph Cugnot demonstrated his fardier a vapeur
(‘steam dray”), an experimental steam-driven artillery tractor.
3. By 1784, William Murdoch had built a working model of a steam carriage
in Redruth.
4. In 1801, Richard Trevithick ran a full-sized vehicle on the road in
Camborne.
5. In 1789, Oliver Evans was granted the first automobile patent in the
United States
6. In 1806, Swiss engineer Francoiz Isaa de Rivaz build an engine powered
by internal combustion of a hydrogen and oxygen mixture.
7. In 1815, Josef Bozek, Professor at Prague Polytechnic, built an oil-fired
steam car.
8. In 1826, Englishman Samuel Brown tested his hydrogen-fuelled internal
combustion engine using it to propel a vehicle up.

9. In 1838, Walter Hancock, built and operated steam buses in London.

10. In 1838, Christian Friedrich Schontein discovered in principle the hydrogen
fuel cell (diesel), one of the technologies hailed as a replacement for gasoline as an
energy source for cars.
11. Around 1844, Charles Goodyear invented the vulcanized rubber for tries.
12. Around 1845-46,the Scottish Robert William Thomson, invented the first
vulcanized rubber tire. His invention worked well but was costly to produce.
13.In 1858, Jean Joseph Étienne Lenoir also known as Jean J. Lenoir, a Belgian
engineer developed the internal combustion engine. It was Lenoir's invention
which is considered to be the first commercially successful of its kind.
14.In 1859, Gaston Plante invented the lead-acid battery and Anyos Jedlik invented
the electric motor in 1828-both inventions were contributory to the invention of
electric-powered cars
15.In 1860, Lenoir's Hippomobile with a hydrogen-gas-fuelled one-cylindered
internal combustion engine made a test drive from Paris to Joinville-le-Pont,
covering some nine kilometres in about three hours.
16.In 1867,Canadian Henry Seth Taylor demonstrated his 4-wheeled "steam
buggy" at the Stanstead Fair in Stanstead, Quebec.
7.In 1870, the Austrian inventor Siegfried Marcus put a liquid-fuelled internal
combustion engine on a simple handcart which made him the first man to propel a
vehide by means of gasoline - known as "the first Marcus car".
18.In 1871, Dr. J.W. Carhatrt, invented the first steam powered carriage-sized
automobile suitablefor use on existing wagon roads in the United States.
19.In 1873, French Amedee Bollee produced the first "real" automobile - self-
propelled steam road vehicles to transport groups of passengers.
20. On May 8, 1879, American George B. Selden filed for a patent which
included not only the engine but its use in a 4-wheeled car. He was
finally granted on November 5, 1895.

21.In 1882, Italy's Enrico Bernardi patented a 0.024 horsepower 122 cc

onecylinder petrol motor, fitting it into his son's tricycle, making it at
least a candidate for the first automobile, and first motorcycle; in 1892,
he enlarged the tricycle to carry two adults

22.In 1883, Marcus secured a German patent for a low-voltage ignition

system of the magneto type; this was his only automotive patent.

23.In 1884, a Edouard Delamare-Deboutteville vehicle was patented and

trialled.
24.In 1885, Karl Benz built his first automobile in Mannheim and he
was granted a patent for his automobile on 29 January 1886, He began
the first production of automobiles in 1888, after Bertha Benz,his
wife, had proved -with the first long-distance trip in August1888, from
Mannheim to Pforzheim and back.

25.In 1885, Daimle34.In 1897, Czech company Nesselsdorfer

Wagenbau later named Tatra, produced the first motor car in central
Europe and one of the first factorymade cars in world, the Prasident
automobil.
26.In 1887 (late 19th century), John Boyd Dunlop, developed the first
practical pneumatic tire (inflated with air) for bicycle and was granted
patent in 1888.

27.In 1888, marked the first production of automobiles in Germany by Karl

Benz, and in France by Emile Roger.

28.In 1889, Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach designed a vehicle

from scratch to be an automobile, rather than a horse-drawn carriage
fitted with an engine. They are also credited for the first motorcycle in
1866.
29.In 1889, Panhard et Lavassor of France was the first company formed
exclusively to build automobiles,which also introduced the first four-cylind
engine.

30.In 1890's, the first horseless-carriage appeared in the U.S.

31.In 1893, brothers Charles and Frank Duryea founded the Duryea Motor
Wagon Company, becoming the first American automobile manufacturing
company.

32.In 1893,German inventor Rudolf Diesel developed the diesel engine also
known as a compression-ignition engine is an internal combustion engine
that uses the heat compression to initiate ignition to burn the fuel.
33.In 1895,Andrea Michelin was the first person to use pneumatic tires on
automobile tires but not successfully.

34.In 1897, Czech company Nesselsdorfer Wagenbau later named Tatra,

produced the first motor car in central Europe and one of the first factory
made cars in world, the Prasident automobil

35.In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the MODEL T, which was proved so
popular that by 1914, Ford had adopted mass production methods to meet
the demand.

36.In 1911, Philip Strauss invented the first successful automobile tire with
with an air-filled inner tube (interior).
37.In 1956, Felix Wankel, a German mathematician, developed an
advanced-type of engine, named after him, that operates very differently
from gas and diesel engines. To date, man continuously manufacture large
cargo trucks and buses for mass transportation. Presently, the introduction
of the Light Trail Transit (LRT), the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), flyovers,
pedestrian and vehicle culverts, rock sheds and other modern traffic ways
contributed to the expeditious movement of traffic users
 LESSON 2.1
FUNDAMENTAL OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT
 Concept
Traffic Management is best understood by understanding
the following commonly used words and terminologies, Some of these are
defined according to their "operational definitions" and some are defined
based on their general definitions.
ARTERIAL HIGHWAYS/ROADS.These are high-capacity urban roads that
direct traffic from collector roads to expressways or freeways.

ARTICULATED VEHICLE. It means a combination of vehicles comprising a

motor vehicle and a semi-trailer coupled to the motor vehicle.

BUILT-UP AREA. It refers to an area with entries and exits especially sign
posted as such or otherwise defined in domestic legislation
CARRIAGEWAY.It means the part of the road normally used by vehicular
traffic (UN-VCRT, 1968). It is also known as ROADWAY

COLLECTOR HIGHWAY. It is also known as collector road or distributor

road which connects low-to-moderate highways or roads to arterial
highways such as those entering residential properties
COMBINATION OF VEHICLES. It means coupled vehicles which travel on
the road as a unit

CYCLE. It means any vehicle which has at least two wheels and is propelled
solely by the muscular energy of the persons on that vehicle, in particular
by means of pedals or hand-cranks.

DIRECTION OF TRAFFIC AND APPROPRIATE TO THE DIRECTION OF

TRAFFIC. These mean the right-hand side if, under domestic legislation,
the driver of a vehicle must allow an oncoming vehicle to pass on his left;
otherwise these expressions mean the left-hand side
DOMESTIC LEGISLATION. It is the entire body of national or local laws and
regulations in force in the territory (country).

DRIVER. It means any person who drives a motor vehicle or other vehicle
(including a cycle), or who guides cattle, singly or in herds, or flocks, or
draught, pack or saddle animals on a road (UN-VCRT,1968).

GIVE WAY. It means that a driver must not continue or resume his advance
or manoeuvre (maneuver) if by so doing he might compel the drivers of
other vehicles to change the direction or speed of their vehicles abruptly
 HIGHWAY. It means the entire width between the boundary lines of every
way dedicated to a public authority when any part of the way is open to
the use of the public for purposes of vehicular traffic,whether or not the
public authority is maintaining the way. Or, highway refers to any roads,
streets,boulevards, or avenues used as public thoroughfare.

INTERSECTION. It means any level crossroad, junction or fork, including

the open areas formed by such crossroads, junctions or forks.

LADEN WEIGHT. It means the actual weight of the vehicle as loaded, with
the crew and passengers on board
LANE.It means one of the longitudinal strips from which the carriageway
can be divided, whether or not defined by longitudinal road markings .

LEVEL-CROSSING. It means any level intersection between a road and a

railway or tramway track with its own track formation

LIGHT TRAILER. This means any trailer of a permissible maximum weight

not exceeding 750 kg (ls650 lb) MANAGEMENT. It refers to the skillful use
of means to accomplish a purpose.
MOPED. It means any two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle which is
fitted with an internal combustion engine having a cylinder capacity not
exceeding 50 cc and a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 km (30
miles) per hour.

MOTOR CYCLE. It means any two-wheeled vehicle, with or without a side

car, which is equipped with a propelling engine MOTOR VEHICLE. It means
any power-driven vehicle which is normally used for carrying persons or
goods by road or for drawing, on the road, vehicles used for the carriage of
persons or goods. This term embraces trolley-buses, that is to say,
vehicles connected to an electric conductor and not rail-borne.
MOTOR VEHICLE. It means any power-driven vehicle which is normally
used for carrying persons or goods by road or for drawing, on the road,
vehicles used for the carriage of persons or goods. This term embraces
trolley-buses, that is to say, vehicles connected to an electric conductor
and not rail-borne.

MOTORWAY. It means a road specialy designed and built for motor traffic,
which does not serve properties bordering on it, and which

(i) is provided, exept at special points or temporarily, with separate

carriageways for the two directions of traffic, separated from each other
either by a dividing strip not intended for traffic or, exceptionally, by other
means;
 (ii) does not cross at level with any road, railway or tramway track, or
footpath; and

(iii) is specially sign-posted as a motorway

OPERATION. Pertains to a course or series of acts to effect a certain

purpose; manner of action; or a vital or natural process of activity.

PARKED. A vehicle is said to be parked if it is stationary for the period

during which the vehicle is not limited to the time needed to pick up or set
down persons or goods
PERMISSIBLE MAXIMUM WEIGHT. It means the maximum weight of the
laden vehicle declared permissible by the competent authority of the
State in which the vehicle is registered

POWER-DRIVEN VEHICLE. It means any self-propelled road vehicle, other

than a moped in the territories of Contracting Parties which do not treat
mopeds as motor cycles, and other than a rail-borne vehicle.
ROAD. It refers to the entire surface of any street open to public
traffic.
1. National Roads- These are roads/streets interconnecting
provinces and/or cities.
2. Provincial Roads-These are roads/streets interconnecting
municipalities and/or cities within a province.
3. City Roads - These are roads/streets interconnecting barangays
with a city.
4. Municipal Roads-These are roads/streets interconnecting
barangays within a municipality.
5. Barangay Roads-These are roads/streets located within a
barangay which connect sitios or places within a barangay.
ROAD USERS. It shall mean any persons using the road including
drivers, pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters

ROADWAY. It refers to that part of the trafficway (road) over which

vehicles pass

RURAL ROADS. These are roads where speed limit is over 60kph.
Although there are high-speed roads in the urban area, for the
purpose of the line marking, they are defined as rural road

SEMI-TRAILER. It means any trailer designed to be coupled to a

motor vehicle in such a way that part of it rests on the motor vehicle
and that a substantial part of its weight and of the weight of its load
SHOULDER. It refers to either side of the roadway, especially along
highways.

SIDEWALK. It refers to the paved walkway along the side of a street.

It also means the area determined as follows:

(1) has a shoulder, a sidewalk is that portion of the highway between

the outside lateral line of the shoulder and the adjacent property
line capable of being used by a pedestrian.

(2) has no shoulder, a sidewalk is that portion of the highway

between the lateral line of the roadway and the adjacent property
line capable of being used by a pedestrian.
STANDING. A vehicle is said to be standing if it is stationary for the
time needed to pick up or set down persons or to load or unload
goods

THROUGH HIGHWAY. It means every highway or portion thereof on

which vehicular traffic is given the right-of-way,and at the
entrances to which vehicular traffic from intersecting highways is
required by law to yield right of-way to vehicles on such through
highway in obedience to either an authorized stop sign or a yield
sign, or other official traffic-control device.
THRUWAY OR THROUGHWAY. It is a highway that has limited
entrances and exits such as the expressways, freeways, or motorways.
It is known as autobahn in German-speaking countries and autostrada
in Italian-speaking countries. (thefreedictionary.com)

TRAFFIC. It refers to the movement of persons, goods, or

vehicles,either powered by combustion system or animal drawn, from
one place to another for the purpose of travel. [Early 16th century.Via
obsolete French trafique from Old Italian traffico, from trafficare 'to
carry on trade', of uncertain origin.]
TRAFFIC WAY. Refers to the entire width between boundary lines of
every way or place of which any part is open to the use of the public
for purposes of vehicular traffic as a matter of right or custom. It is
also synonymous to public way and road. (Moriyama,1943)

TRAILER. It means any vehicle designed to be drawn by a power-

driven vehicle and includes semi-trailers . See and compare also the
definition based on R.A. 4136 as stated

UNLADEN WEIGHT. It means the weight of the vehicle without crew,

passengers or load, but with a full supply of fuel and with the tools
which the vehicle normally carries (UN-VCRT, 1968).

URBAN ROADS. These are roads where speed limit is 60kph or less
 The intersection

In most American State laws, intersection is defined as the area

embraced within the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if none,
then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of two highways which join one
another at, or approximately at, right angles, or the area within which vehicles
traveling upon different highways joining at any other angle may come in conflict. It is
synonymous to crossroads, junctions, or crossings.

In a simpler language, intersection refers to the area of a roadway created when

two or more roadways join together at any angle, as described in one of the following
(1) If the roadways have curbs, the intersection is the area embraced within
the prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines.
(2) If the roadways do not have curbs, the intersection is the area embraced
within the prolongation or connection of the lateral boundary lines of the
roadways.
 Classifications of Intersections According to Number of Intersecting
roads:
1. 3-way Intersection-It is commonly known as the T or Y crossroad
which links three roads.

2. 4-way Intersection -It is the most common type which involved the
crossings of two roadways. It is either a regular intersection when the
two roads cross perpendicularly and it is called skewed intersection
when the two roads cross at different angles.
3. 5-way Intersection-It involves the crossing of five roads. This type is
the least common.

4. 6-way Intersection- It involves the crossing of three streets most

often two perpendicular roads and one diagonal road. This type is very
rare.

5. Staggered Intersection- It involves two successive T crossroads.

Classifications of Intersections According to Traffic Control:

1. Controlled Intersection - It is controlled by any traffic control devices.

a. Yield-controlled Intersection - It is usually controlled by a Yield sign or
Give Way sign.
b. Stop-controlled Intersection - A Stop sign is usually installed. Most
common are the two-way stops an most countries use the four-way stops
or the first-to-stop first-to-go rule.
c. Traffic Circle-Traffic flow here is directed by a circle, rotary island, or a
runabout sign.

2. Uncontrolled Intersection-This intersection has no traffic signals or

traffic signs. Crossing is by observing the right-of-way rule.
3. Box Junction - This type generally prohibits entry unless the
exit is clear.

4. Cloverleaf -A highway interchange at which two highways, one

crossing over the other, have a series of entrance and exit ramps
resembling the outline of a four-leaf clover and enabling vehicles
to proceed in either direction on either highway. It is the inherent
characteristic of the intersection as the point where two or more
streets, roads, or highways met which attributed to most traffic
problems or conflicts. It goes with it that when motor vehicles
cross each other's path,interlocking of traffic flows or sometimes
collisions occur because of occupying the space (intersection) at
one given time.
 What is Traffic Management?
Traffic management is the application of the processes and skills in
planning, organizing, staffing, directing, coordinating, and budgeting
to traffic affairs (Bragado, 1998). Traffic Management also refers to
the activities undertaken by a highway transportation agency to
improve roadway system safety, efficiency, and effectiveness for
both providers and consumers of transportation services (Sigua,
2008).
It also refers to the organization, arrangement, guidance and
control of both stationary and moving traffic, including pedestrians,
bicyclists and all types of vehicles (Underwood, 1990).

Considering these two definitions, it can be concluded that traffic

management is for the attainment of traffic efficiency.
"traffic management" refers to the active process of implementing strategies
to optimize traffic movement on roads, including using signs, signals, lane
markings, and real-time adjustments
 Types of traffic management.

The two distinct types of traffic management are the used or

utilization of:
1) traditional traffic engineering tools or devices, to regulate or
control traffic, such as traffic lights, traffic signs, or pavement
markings, traffic islands, and other devices that could control or
direct the flow of traffic (these will be discussed in latter
chapters/modules); and

2) advanced technology like the Intelligent Transportation System

(ITS). Examples of the ITS are the installation of road sensors for
emergency cars, global positioning devices on motor vehicles, and
road sensors attached to traffic signal lights.
 Why Traffic Management is necessary?

In every traffic management, three elements are necessary to

be considered. These are the road (trafficway) system, road users,
and the enforcement (and/or control) procedures. Failure to
coordinate these elements in a particular highway and/or
intersection may cause traffic-related problems.

With the advent of science and technology, new and

modernized traffic facilities are introduced. However, despite of
these modernizations, traffic congestions persist to exist. The only
way to at least cope up with the prevailing traffic related
problems is a coordinated traffic management.
Traffic management is therefore designed to make the trafficway
safer for travelers, expedite the movement of traffic, and to
provide convenience to the traffic facilities' users. In short,traffic
management aims to attain efficiency in the utilization of the
trafficway.
A. Major Causes of Traffic Congestion- Based on studies
conducted by authorities.

1. Physical Inadequacy. This is characterized by lack of roads,

narrow bridges, railroad crossings, lack of traffic facilities,etc.

2. Poor Control Measures. This is characterized by ineffective

mechanical control devices, inefficient traffic officers, and poor
implementation of traffic laws, rules and regulations.
3.Human Errors. Many traffic congestion are caused by slow
drivers or poor driving habits, pedestrian mistakes, officers'
errors, poor planning, poor legislation; and traffic accidents which
are mostly attributed to human errors.

4. Poor Maintenance. Oftentimes motor vehicles are stalled in

traffic ways because of unrepaired diggings, cracks on road
pavement or unfinished road pavement concreting. This can be
attributed to inappropriate budget for the maintenance of the
traffic facilities.
B.Specific Traffic Problems- Traffic managers and traffic control
officers commonly encounter the following traffic-related
problems:

1. Traffic Build-up - It is characterized by the gradual increasing of

traffic users in a given portion of the highway or trafficway.

2. Traffic Congestions - These are conditions on road networks

that occurs as use increases, and is characterized by slower
speeds, longer trip times, and increased vehicular queueing.

3. Traffic Jams (snarl-up) -These are situations in highways in

which the movement of traffic users (motor vehicles or
pedestrians) is very slow or stationary.
4. Bottlenecks - These are narrow points or highways where traffic
congestions or traffic areas Jams Usualy occur or traffic may be
held up.

5. Gridlocks- A state or condition of severe road congestion arising

when continuous queues of vehicles block an entire network of
intersecting streets, bringing traffic in all directions to a complete
standstill. These traffic blockages are usually caused interlocking
of intersection grids.

6. Accidents - These are events or incidents which may cause

unintentional damage to property, loss of limbs, and/or death.
7. Collisions-These are incidents or instances of one moving traffic
unit or person striking violently against another.
C. Scopes of Traffic Management. In connection with the above stated
causes of congestion, authorities conceived that a systematic and
effective traffic management is needed which includes but not limited to
the following.

1. All public surface facilities traversing and parking and all types of
conveyances for the movement of persons and things. This includes the
provisions on the controlling traffic flow as well as provisions for the
allotments of parking lots or parking places.

"All public surface facilities" refers to any accessible, open-air area used by the public for
movement, including roads, sidewalks, pedestrian walkways, bike lanes, public squares, plazas,
parking lots, bus stops, and any other designated space on the ground level that is open to the
general public for movement and access.
2. All agencies having responsibilities for ascertaining traffic flow
requirements, planning, approving, funding, construction and/or
maintaining these public facilities for such movements. This area includes
traffic planning committees,those involved in traffic engineering, and the
legislative bodies in the appropriations of funds.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Local Government Units (LGUs)
through City/Municipal Engineers Offices, Department of Transportation (DOTr),
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) (in Metro Manila), Philippine
National Police (PNP) - Traffic Management Group (TMG), and Legislative bodies
(Congress and local councils),
3. All agencies responsible for licensing, approving, restricting,
stopping, prohibiting or controlling the use of these facilities.

The agencies involved in this area are the Land Transportation

Office (LTO) and other enforcement agencies.
D. Agencies Involved in Traffic Management. For a successful and
effective traffic management, specific roles and responsibilities
are vested on the following.

1. Department of Transportation (DOTr, formerly DOTC). The

DOTr through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is responsible
for the implementation of the Land Transportation Code of the
Philippines (R.A. 4136) particularly on the issuance of drivers'
licenses, registration of motor vehicles, approval of franchises for
public conveyances (through the Land Transportation Franchising
and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)), and conducting traffic safety
seminars.
2. City or Municipal Engineers' Office. In the local level, these
offices are responsible for the planning, construction and
maintenance of traffic facilities within their respective locality.

3. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This is the

main executive department which is responsible for the planning,
construction andmaintenance of traffic facilities particularly
those categorized as national highways and other major road
arteries.

4. Legislative (Congress/City or Municipal Boards). The legislative

bodies are not only responsible for the passing or amendment of
laws concerning traffic but also they are involved in the planning
and approval of government projects.
5. Philippine National Police (PNP). The PNP through its Highway
Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) (formerly the Traffic Management Group
(PNP-TMG)) is responsible primarily for the direct enforcement of
traffic laws, rules and regulations. They also perform other
functions such as conducting of information dissemination
campaign, submiting traffic scheme proposals, and other
functions as the need arises.

6. Traffic Management Bureaus (TMBs). These are offices created

mostly under the offices of city/municipal mayors with the
primary task PNP traffic divisions/units in the enforcement of
traffic ordinances/laws. These are usually under and/or attached
with the local government's Public Utility Services Office (PUSO).
7. Academic Institutions. Schools, both public and private, are
responsible for the basic traffic education by integrating in their
respective programs and curriculum subjects or topics on traffic
safety.

8. Courts. The courts are responsible for the adjudication of

traffic-related cases filed before them.

9. Public Information Offices. The government through the

Philippine Information Agency (PIA) provides the necessary
updated information to the public by creating traffic safety
campaigns and other activities relating to traffic.
10.Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) Members. In
particular, the barangay tanods or barangay security forces are the
usual traffic control officers in their respective localities particularly
during times of emergencies.

11. Citizen Support Groups. The private institutins or organizations

also help in the prevention of traffic congestion by assisting
government offices in variousactivities particularly during special
occasions and holidays where traffic problem is likely to happen.

12.Tri-Media (including the internet). Government and privately-

owned publications, and radio and television broadcasting companies
provide necessary and updated traffic-related information to the
public through their respective programs.
 With the preceding accounts, a successful traffic
management is not the sole responsibility of the
government but rather a concerted effort between the
government and private organizations.
 LESSON 2.2
THE PILLARS OF TRAFFIC
Concept
A. Pillars of Traffic. These are the main areas of traffic managements which are also known as the "Es"
of Traffic.
For a clearer understanding of the various areas of traffic management, the following pillars are
conceived.

1. Traffic Engineering. It is the science of measuring traffic and travel the study of the basic laws
relative to the traffic law and generation; the application of this knowledge to the professional
practice of planning, deciding, and operating traffic system to achieve safe and efficient
transportation of persons and goods.

a. Functions of Traffic Engineering. Agencies involved in traffic engineering

usually perform the following tasks:
(1) fact-finding, surveys and recommendations of traffic rules and regulations;
(2) supervisions and maintenance to the application of traffic control devices;
and
(3) planning of traffic regulations.
B. Agencies and/or offices under Traffic Engineering. Like the other pillars of traffic
management, traffic engineering is done by various government and non-government
agencies.

(1) DPWH. Its scope is national which includes the responsibility for determining traffic
law, pattern, draw origin, and destinations, studies of persons and things, planning,
approving, funding and construction of:

(a) National Roads which interconnect cities and municipalities; network of

national roads through cities and municipalities; and

(b) Yearly maintenance and repair which include widening and re-designing
of programs current road systems.
(2) Provincial Governments. These local government units have similar responsibilities with
the DPWH but limited to traffic facilities in the municipalities within the province.

(3) Municipal Governments. Their responsibilities are similar to the provincial government
but limited to the network of streets and roads within the barangays.

(4) Chartered Cities. Their responsibilities are similar to that of the municipal
government but limited to the network of streets and roads within the cities.
C. Objectives of Traffic Engineering.
In summary, agencies and individuals in traffic engineering and all the conducted
programs, projects, and activities are all geared to:

(1) To achieve efficient, free and rapid flow of traffic.

(2) To prevent traffic accident.
(3) To simplify police enforcement actions and performance.
(4) To show that good police actionsand performance makes engineering
plans effective.
(5) To present the close relationship of the pillars of traffic in the
improvement of traffic problems.
D.When and where the Objectives of Traffic Engineering are applied?
Traffic engineers normally focused their tasks on these places where traffic
congestions, traffic accidents, traffic build-up, or traffic obstructions are likely to
occur-
(1) Habitually congested commercial areas.
(2) Heavily traveled thoroughfares.
(3) Congested local areas and intersections.
(4) During special occasions and events.
(5) During disasters or emergencies.
(6) At school crossings.
E. Methods in Achieving the Objectives of Traffic Engineering.
Traffic engineers' primary consideration is the construction of traffic ways. However,
before a plan or design is framed-up, various factors are given into account.
(1) Planning and Geometric Design-Factor Employed in Planning.
(a)Composition of traffic streams.
(b)Traffic volumes for capacity.
(c)Origin and destination.

(2) Factors Influencing Design

(a)Composition of traffic.
(b)Volume of traffic.
(c)Speed of vehicles.
(d)The starting, turning and stopping abilities of traffic units.
(e)Performance values of road users.
(3) Regulation and Control-Traffic Regulation
(a)Based and confined within the boundaries of safety, public welfare and
convenience.
(b)Limitations imposed on road users and their load.
(c)Basic general rule of road use and conduct.
(d)Prohibition and Restrictions.
2. Traffic Education.

It refers to any act or process of imparting or acquiring general knowledge on traffic or

any matters relating to the use of the trafficway or road ways:

a. Schools (Public and Private). Traffic education can be carried out by imparting
knowledge concerning traffic safety, training and practice in the actual application of
traffic safety, and developing traffic safety morality.

(1) Elementary. In this level, traffic education is focused on safety and guides stressing
traffic safety,classroom discussions of accidents,safety rules, organizing safety patrols.

(2) Secondary. Traffic education for high schools students is geared towards school
safety organizations.

(3) Higher Education. Some colleges and universities offer and conduct
courses regarding traffic safety subjects.
b. Public Information Programs. The public should be informed on all activities affecting
the citizens and the community relating to traffic (dissemination of information). This
can be done through the public information agency, newspapers, radio and television
broadcasting networks, and other forms of media.

c. Citizen Support Groups. These are mostly composed by voluntary nongovernment

organizations (NGOs), radio communication groups, rotary organizations, and other
voluntary clubs. These organizations usually develop citizens' responsibilities, conduct
organized educational campaign, instill awareness of the traffic problems; and provide
information regarding major traffic requirements and needs.
3. Traffic Enforcement.

This field deals mostly on the implementation and enforcement of traffic laws and rules and
regulations.
The following are the various agencies/offices that are involved in enforcement of traffic
laws:

a. Land Transportation Office (LTO).

This office is responsible for the following:

(1) Vehicle registration
(2) Vehicle inspections
(3) Drivers licensing (examinations,suspensions,and revocations)
(4) Public to police on stolen or wanted vehicles.
b. Legislative Bodies.
Included are the Senate, Congress, Provincial Boards, and City and Municipal Councils.
They are responsible for the passing and/or amending of laws and/or ordinances.

c. Police Traffic Enforcement.

This pillar is not limited to the PNP-HPG (formerly TMG) but it includes all government
personnel who are duly authorized for the direct enforcement of traffic laws such as:
(1) The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the National Capital
Region (NCR).
(2) Police/Traffic Auxiliaries
(3)LTO Law Enforcement Services/Flying Squad
4. Traffic Ecology or Traffic Environment.
This pillar is very recent which includes the study of potentially disastrous population
explosion, changes in urban environment due to the scale and density of new urban
concentration and new activities carried out, air pollution, water pollution and crowding,
especially transport congestion which result therein.

a. What are the environmental effects of the urbanization of transportation?

Any decision in modernizing the transportation system shall consider the following
environmental effects:

(1) Noise. The ill effect of noise is one of the major considerations in the evaluation of the
consequences of traffic urbanization to the environment. The level of noise inside and
outside a dwelling is an important indicator of the quality of life
(a)typical home
(b) heavy trucks
(c) freight trains
(d)air conditioning
(2) Vibration. Effect can be severe, particularly when there are heavy trucks and when the
building is old. While there are subjective costs fromexperiencing vibration, a minimum
cost of damage or prevention can be established from experience and experiment

(3) Air Pollution. It is one the more problems because of the complexity of the issues
difficult involved. The effects of pollution are also strongly affected by meteorological and
even by micro-climate.

(4) Dirt. These are foul and filthy substances related to motor vehicle use such as
emptycan ofoils, grease materials,etc.

(5) Visual Intrusion. This can have positive as well as negative effects. If a motor way blots
out an unsightly prison or railway yard, it may have positive benefits.
(6) Loss of Privacy. Loss of privacy from drivers and others being able to look at one's
house and garden frequently disliked environment effect. Walls and earthworks would
prevent this, while at the same time reducing noise.

(7) Changes in Amount of Light. It is easier up to a point because part of the disadvantages
can be valued in term of the additional lighting costs of those affected. But, there is
probably a psychological element also which it would not be easyor perhaps necessary,to
disentangle where relevant from the last two items.

8) Neighborhood Severance, both physical and sociological. This can partly be quantified
interms of changed travel time and costs, and accident experience to pedestrians and
traffic.

(9)Relocation. There must be programs designed to cover compensation for those relocate
as a consequence of transportinvestment whether property owner Or tenants. relocated
will tend to be decentralizedas to those sufficiently affected by the environment
consequences to refer to move.
(10) Distraction during planning and construction. In some cases, benefits offset the distraction
cost, which are experienced by people during construction of new facilities,loss of business,
excess noise, dirt,vibration during constructing and excess journey costs through diversions
because of building.

(11)Accident Experiences. These are evaluated by well established procedures of which perhaps
the only major controversial aspect is the valuation given to human life

(12) Pedestrian Journey. The opportunity to make the roads safe and enjoyable for pedestrians
and efficient for vehicles; and set of roads provided access to dwelling and is designed primarily
for the safety of pedestrians.

(13)Congestion and Other Benefits to Vehicles. It is for a livable and safe residential environment
by reducing "through" vehicle travel. Travel must be made convenient.
b.External Factors that influence the existing and future behavior of population.
The behaviors and attitudes of the people are also attributed to the easing or reduction of
traffic problems. Below are the incidents that may affect the behavior of trafficway users
or road users

(1) Rapidly increasing population growth.

(2) Rapidly increasing urbanization.
(3) Rapidly increasing motorization.
(4) Industrialization and technical modernization.
(5) Improvement of the transportation network that is the street network and
the public transportation facilities.
c. Alternatives. A more pleasant environment can be achieved without negative
implication for economy and trade, so that any reasonable step in this direction by
decision-makers deserves support.

(1)Towns are better with less traffic,so long as adequate provision is made
for the mobility of workers and residents and the distribution of goods. It is of
urgent necessity that National and Local Government develop efforts to
reduce the adverse effects of motor traffic in urban areas.

(2) Where and when traffic congestion and its cost are serve and frequent,
assures to reduce the use of private cars and goods, vehicles and to
improve alternative forms of transport should be introduce.

(3) To limit traffic and to improve the efficiency and quality of service of
buses and transport.
(4) Pedestrian scheme should be introduced whenever possible to improve the
environment and safety for pedestrians.

(5)The use of non-carbon emitting vehicles should be encouraged like bicycle whenever
practical.

(6)Motor Vehicle reduction scheme should also be introduced.

d. Laws and Statutes Concerning Traffic Ecology

(1) P.D. 1181. Providing for the prevention,control and abatement of Air
Pollution from motor vehicles and for other purposes. abate the emission of
air polutants from motor vehicles in order to protect the health and welfare of
the people and to prevent or minimize damage to property and hazards to
land transportation".

(2) Letter of Instruction No. 551. Directing the law enforcement agencies to
implement the pollution control program.

(3) R.A. 8749 otherwise known as the Clean Air Act. An act providing for the
regulation of motor vehicles emitting toxic gases like the use of the diesel
and leaded gasoline.
5. Traffic Economy.

This is the most recent of the pillars of traffic which deals

with the benefits and adverse effects of traffic to our economy. Primarily,
traffic operation is designed to expedite the movement of traffic. However,
with the prevailing traffic congestion during rush hours in any given locality,
traffic adversely affects the economic status of the commuting public.
One aspect affecting our economy is the unending increase of oil prices in
the world market. Somehow, programs must be instituted in order to
minimize the ill effect of rising prices of basic commodities. Delays resulting
from traffic congestion affect not only the time of travel but the productivity of
an individual as well.
LESSON 2. 3
TRAFFIC SAFETY EDUCATION
Concept
As mentioned in the preceding lesson,traffic safety education is one of the primary areas of traffic education
particularly in the reduction and prevention of road accidents.

What is Traffic Safety Education?

It is the process of training roads users in the avoidance and prevention of traffic. related accidents. It is already
identifed that one if not the major causes of traffic accidents is human factors which includes but not limited to
ignorance, lack of skills, and/or erratic attitude and behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, and passengers. This can
be corrected by traffic safety education.

Road Safety. It refers to reduced risk of accident or injury on the roads, achieved through multidisciplinary
approaches involving road engineering and traffic management, education and training of road users, and
vehicle design.

A. Factors Contributing to Accidents. Research studies in the United Kingdom have shown that human
factors contribute to 95 percent of accidents, road factors to about one quarter of a percent, and vehicle
factors to fewer than five percent.
1.Human errors include:
b. failing to give at junctions;
c. following too closely;
d. overtaking improperly;
e. misperceiving or misjudging the road situation ahead;
f. intoxication of alcohol or drug; and
g. lack of skill.

2. Road deficiencies that are main contributory factors are:

a. poor design of layout and control at junctions;
b. inadequate signing, road marking, and lightng;
c. slippery roads; and
d. obstructions on the road such as parked vehicle, on going road construction, etc.

3.Main vehicle factors are:

a. defects in tires, brakes, and lights;
b. absence or non-using of seat belts; and
c. poorly maintained motor vehicles.
B.The three (3) principles that have been emphasized as effective in the prevention of traffic accidents are
known as the three (3) "E"s or pillars of traffic. Recently, however, traffic environment and traffic economy were
added to complete the five (5) pillars of traffic.

C.1.Engineering (traffic engineering).

Effective construction and maintenance of traffic facilities which does not only expedite the movement of
traffic but also prevents the occurrence of traffic accidents.

A. layout at junctions to define priorities more clearly (use of roundabouts, or traffic circles);
b. more wide use of road markings to delineate traffic lanes and waiting areas for turning vehicles;
c. improvements in skidding resistance of wet roads;
d. more uniform street lighting; and
e. more highly visible and legible direction,information, and warning signs.

2.Education (in traffic safety).

When road users are informed of the traffic laws, rules and regulations, accidents are likely prevented.
a. new approach to training and educating young drivers;
b. training in hazard perception; and
c. changing of attitudes.
3. Enforcement
One of the causes of of motorists and accidents is the blatant non-compliance pedestrians to traffic laws, rules
and regulations.To minimize due tto non-compliance the occurrence of accidents users, enforcement must be
conducted.Thefollowing highly recommended in areas of traffic enforcement:
a. strengthening and simplifying the application of the law;
b. new technology to aid enforcement;
c. enhanced publicity;
d. education of teenagers in schools; and
e. the development of rehabilitation course like seminars for apprehended traffic violators.

4.Ecology/Environment.
People should be educated regarding the adverse effect of traffic to our environment that directly or indirectly
affects the population's health.

5.Economy.
People should learn also to develop schemes and/or devices and programs that do not only lessen expenses but
also accident-free.

C. Levels of Traffic Safety Education:

1. Imparting knowledge concerning traffic safety;
2. Training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety
knowledge;and
3.Developing traffic safety morality.
C. Levels of Traffic Safety Education:
1. Imparting knowledge concerning traffic safety;
2. Training and practice in the actual application of traffic safety knowledge;and
3.Developing traffic safety morality.

D. Traffic Safety for Children.

This is highly unsystematic and is usually carried out in the home through parental education and in
kindergarten and nurseries. This is now necessary to make it systematic to lessen the number of children fatalities
and injuries.
1. Elementary. Pupils are usually educated by stressing on traffic safety and guides, and classroom discussions
of accidents, incidents and other traffic safety rules.

2. Secondary. This level initiates driver education program because students have reached the age to drive,
hence, proper driving habits should be stressed. It also includes the establishment of school safety organizations.

3. Higher Education. Some universities and colleges offer and conduct courses to private and public agencies
regarding traffic safety subjects.
E. Traffic Safety Education for Adults. Safety education for elder
pedestrians and drivers is relatively easier compared to the education
designed for younger children since the former group is in a better position to
understand what is being taught to them.
E. Traffic Safety Education for Adults. Safety education for elder pedestrians and drivers is relatively easier
compared to the education designed for younger children since the former group is in a better position to
understand what is being taught to them.

1. It is the general belief that by being a better driver, it follows that one becomes a better pedestrian. By
knowing the limitations of the driver and the vehicle as a driving student, one learns to watch out for dangerous
cues such as pedestrians. This is the basic reason why traffic safety education for adults usually deals only with
the foundations or basics of driving.

2. Driver education is carried out in secondary schools and in private and government sponsored driving school
in a number of countries where people are expected to know how to drive when they reach legal ages. The basic
purpose of this education are:

a. To develop good traffic citizens who are equipped to live in a motorized society and achieving traffic safety.
b. To develop citizens who are legally eligible to get a driver's license.
F. Driver's Education. In general, driver instruction aims primarily to teach the rudiments of driving.
Secondary aims are as follows:
1.to instill awareness of one's legal and moral responsibilities in traffic, and

G. Four (4) Basic Types of Instruction Methods Used in Driver Education Programs:
This method places the student into
1. Comprehensive. real life of driving situations from the beginning.
2. Traditional Instruction. This type depends on instructor-student communication.
3. Commentary Driving Method. The student-driver accompanied by an instructor. As the student-
driver drives, the instructor has to give a commentaryon his driving -what he sees, what he does, why he
does,, what he proposes to do, what others are likely to do, etc.
4.Simulated Conditions On and Off the Road Training. The premise of simulated conditions training is
that the behavior of the driver - subject placed in condition will be relatively analogous to normal
behavior. Simulator is a static machine with all the important features of a car used in driving method or
driving training. There are two methods of simulation presently adopted:
a. Partial Simulation Method. This method has the specific aim of training for the "subtasks" of the
driving task.
b. Global Simulation. It may be classified into two (2) specific groups which are: training, simulated in
traffic situations and conditions, with the use of simulations. Simulators are most commonly used
for the following types of training:
 (1) Training in basic car-control skills.
(2) Perceptual training.
(3) Emergency training.

c. Classification of films as shown hy the simulators:

(1) The analytical film which provides an "objective" analysis of the driving situation presented to the
student.
(2) The didactic film which aims to show good driving behavior.
(3) The simulation film which offers "visual realism" to driving situations and therefore a good aid in
actual practice.

H. Essential Component of Driving Tasks.

Drivers' education includes:
1. Collection of information which includes:
a. Perceptual scanning and
b. Identification
2.Processing of information which includes:
a. Predicting and
b. Decision making
3. Action which is focused on:
a. Motor skills and control of vehicles and
b. Knowledge and subjective interpretation.
.
I. Biorhythm. It is the theory which asserts that man exhibits a constant variation of life energy and mood states.
Man's theorized cycles and interpretations rhythm is peculiar characteristics of most natural phenomena like:
1. The diurnal exchange of light and darkness.
2. The four seasons.
3. Our wet and dry season.
4. The waxing and waning of the moon.

The observation of the rhythm mentioned and their possible correlation with the habits of man has led to a host
of different theories that tried to explain this correlation in term of physical, psychological, etc.The following are
the most controversial theory of biorhythm:

1.23-day cycle a.k.a. our cycle of strength, endurance and courage (the male component of a person).
2.28-day emotional cycle equivalent to a female's 28 menstrual cycle) is a.k.a.our cycle of sensitivity,love and
intuition (the female component of a person).
3. 33-day intellectual cycle. All these cycles are present at the time we are born.When the curve is above the
center line, the biorhythm value is said to be "HIGH” or a person has more energy to spare, i.e.:
1.Physical high-we tend to be energetic, strong, full of vitality.
2.Emotional high-we tend to be creative,artistic,cheerful and happy.
3. Intellectual high - we are able to think quickly/and logically.
When the curve is below the center line, the biorhythm is said to be "LOW" or in a recharged period, i.e.:
1.Physical low - we tend to tire quickly and to succumb to illness easily.
2. Emotionally low -we feel moody, irritable, or depressed.
3.Intellectual low - concentrating or remembering is difficult or we are likely to use poor judgment when any of
the curves crossed the center line. This is called a critical day wherein our systems seem to be in a state of
transition. During a critical day, people tend to get sick easily, seem to lack coordination and tend to be accident
prone.

J. Importance of biorhythm in the field of study. It should be borne in mind that biorhythm does not predict
what actually will happen. All it does is to give us a hint on how we will tend to feel in a certain day.
1. The theory asserts thatpeople are accident prone if their biorhythm crosses the centerline on a certain day
or is totally below the line.
2. Theoretically, if we know our biorhythm for a certain day, we can psychologically cope up with any
situation. If we usually overcome any ill effect by awareness and will power. This idea has been put into use
in diferent countries in the world, and the result helps reduce accident rates until it is totally refuted.

K. Safety Campaign. This is a mass publicity aimed to make road users behave more safely. These basically focus
on public information attitudes, and particular or specific behaviors, or combinations of these. Safety campaign
is also known as road propaganda which may be intended simpl to inform or it may be felt that the public is
already aware of the recommended behavior by need to be persuaded into adopting it. Traffic safety campaigns
are usually published through the tri-media including some internet websites dealing on traffic management.
1. Safety Campaign Classifications
When the curve is below the center line, the biorhythm is said to be "LOW" or in a recharged period, i.e.:
1.Physical low - we tend to tire quickly and to succumb to illness easily.
2. Emotionally low -we feel moody, irritable, or depressed.
3.Intellectual low - concentrating or remembering is difficult or we are likely to use poor judgment when any
of the curves crossed the center line. This is called a critical day wherein our systems seem to be in a state of
transition. During a critical day, people tend to get sick easily, seem to lack coordination and tend to be
accident prone.

J. Importance of biorhythm in the field of study. It should be borne in mind that biorhythm does not predict
what actually will happen. All it does is to give us a hint on how we will tend to feel in a certain day.
1. The theory asserts thatpeople are accident prone if their biorhythm crosses the centerline on a certain day
or is totally below the line.
2. Theoretically, if we know our biorhythm for a certain day, we can psychologically cope up with any
situation. If we usually overcome any ill effect by awareness and will power. This idea has been put into use
in diferent countries in the world, and the result helps reduce accident rates until it is totally refuted.

K. Safety Campaign. This is a mass publicity aimed to make road users behave more safely. These basically
focus on public information attitudes, and particular or specific behaviors, or combinations of these. Safety
campaign is also known as road propaganda which may be intended simpl to inform or it may be felt that the
public is already aware of the recommended behavior by need to be persuaded into adopting it. Traffic safety
campaigns are usually published through the tri-media including some internet websites dealing on traffic
management.
1. Safety Campaign Classifications:
a. According to purpose - may be categorized as informational,attitudinal and
behavioral; and
b. According to kind of appeal - used to reason by simply feeding the public
with authenticated factual data.

2. Safety Campaign Design:

a. Initial campaign planning
b. Final campaign design
c. Campaign evaluation

3.Private and Government entities responsible for Safety Campaign:

a. Newspapers
b. Radio Broadcasting Networks
c . Television Broadcasting Networks
d. Public Information Agencies
LESSON 3.1

TRAFFIC LAWS,RULES AND REGULATIONS

Concept

The standards of regulating movements on roads,streets and highways are found in traffic laws, rules and
regulations. In the Philippines, the mass of traffic laws, rules and regulations have their source in laws, Presidential
Decrees (P.D.s), Executive Orders (E.O.s), Letters of Instructions (L.O.Is), Administrative Orders and Implementing
Memoranda and other Special Laws relative to traffic operation and traffic law enforcement. As a traffic law
enforcer, it is essential that you should be familiar with these rules and regulations. In addition, traffic signs,
pavement markings, and other control devices are traffic law themselves. Violations of such constitute
misdemeanor or infraction of law. A. Sources. The following are the basis for the traffic regulations and
prohibitions in the country:

1. Republic Acts (R.A.s)

a. R.A. 4136 dated June 20, 1964. This is the basic law regulating land transportation in the Philippines. It has
repealed Act No. 3992 (The RevisedMotor Vehicle Law). Further, as amended by R.A. Nos. 5715, 6374, PD Nos.
382,843,896, 1057, 1934, 1950, 1958, BP Blg. 43,74 and 398.
b. R.A. 6539. The Act which is known as the "Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972", the act preventing and penalizing
carnapping.

c. R.A. 5448. Act imposing a tax on privately owned passenger automobiles, motorcycles and scooters, and a
science stamp tax, to constitute a special science fund defining the programs, projects and activities of science
agencies to be financed therefrom and for other purposes.

d. R.A. 8749. Also known as the "Clean Air Act" which regulates emission of toxic gases of both gasoline and
diesel engines and bans the use of leaded gas for gasoline engines.

e. R.A. 8750. It provides for the attachment of seat belts for all types of motor vehicles and imposes penalty for
the non-compliance thereof.

f. R.A. 7924. The Act creating the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, defining its powers and
functions, providing funds therefor and for other purposes.

g. R.A 8794 and It's IRR. An act imposing a motor vehicle user's charge on owners of all types of motor vehicles
and for other purposes. It also imposes penalties on overloaded motor vehicles.

h. R.A. 10054. An act mandating all motorcycle riders to wear standard protective motorcycle helmets while
driving and providing penalties therefor. It is also known as the "Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009".
i. R.A. 10586- An Act that penalizes persons driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs, and
similar substances, and for other purposes. It also repealed the mandatory drug testing of driver's license
applicants. This Act is known as the "Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013".

j. R.A. 10666. The law providing the safety of children riding on motorcycles particularly boarding two-wheeled
vehicles running faster than 60 kph on public roads.It is also known as the "Children's Safety on Motorcycles
Act of 2015".

k. R.A. 10913. An act defining and penalizing distracted driving. This Act is known as the"Anti-Distracted Driving
Act of 2016".

R.A. 10916. An Act requiring the mandatory installation of speed limiters in public utility and certain types
vehicles. This law is known as the "Road Speed of 2016". m.

R.A.10930.An act rationalizing and strengthening the policy regarding driver's license by extending the validity
period of drivers' lcenses, and penalizing acts in violation of its issuance and application amending for those
purposes section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136, as amended by Batas Pambansa Blg. 398 and Executive Order
No. 1011, otherwise known as the land transportation and traffic code
2.Presidential Decrees (P.D.s)

a. P.D. No.96. Regulating the use of sirens,bells, horns, etc.,, by prohibiting the attachment of any siren, horn
bell, etc. on motor vehicles which produce unusual or startling sounds as well as blinkers and other similar
devices unless the vehicle belongs to the AFP, NBI, LTO, PNP, BJMP, Hospitals and Fire Departments and are
specifically intended for use in emergencies.

b. P.D. No. 101. Expediting the methods of prescribing, redefining or modifying the lines and modes of
operations of public utility motor vehicles in the Philippines.

C. P.D. No. 207. Declaring as part of the laws of the Philippines the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, Signs and
Signals.

d. P.D. No. 612. Requiring compulsory insurance for all types of motor vehicles against third party liability as an
additional pre-requisite for registration by the LTO.

e. P.D. 1686. Imposing a tax on every motor vehicle equipped with air conditioner.

f. P.D.1181. Providing for the abatement of air pollution from motor vehicles and for other purposes.

g. P.D. 1605. Granting the Metropolitan Manila Commission certain powers related to traffic management and
control in Metropolitan Manila providing penalties, and for other purposes.
h. P.D. 98.Regulating the issuance of license plates of all motor vehicles.

i. P.D.109. Modifying P.D. 98.

j. P.D. 1729. Authorizing the Bureau of Land Transportation to dispose of impounded motor vehicles unclaimed
by owners for a certain period of time.

k. P.D. 1730. Declaring the syndicated printing, manufacture, distribution, possession or use of fake official
Bureau of Land Transportation forms, documents, plates and stickers as offenses involving economic sabotage.

3. Letters of Instruction (L.O.I.s)

a. L.O.I. No. 43. Providing for the removal of all impediments on roads, streets and highways such as
constructions, stalled or parked vehicles and other movable property that obstruct free passage. This LOI
abrogated city or municipal ordinances governing the disposition of traffic on city and municipal streets
throughout the country
b. L.O.I. No. 112. Prohibiting freight and cargo trucks from using roads, highways and bridges whose load
capacities are in excess of specific allowable limits.

c. L.O.I. No.229. Requiring all motor vehicle owners, users, or drivers to have in their possession at all times
while driving at least one (1) pair of early warning device (EWD) for use when the vehicle is disabled on roads,
streets and highways or other emergencies compelling the vehicle to be on stop position.

d. L.O.I.716. Every motor vehicle to equip at least a pair of early warning device.

e.L.O.I.551. Directing the law enforcement agencies to implement the Pollution Control Program.

f. L.O.I. 853. Calling for the National Conference to consider the establishment of viable labor management
relations based upon the"boundary" system in land transportation.

g. L.O.I.1009. All owners of privatemotor desire to stop operating or using their numberplates registration
certificates to surrender to BLT.

h. L.O.I. 1071.for the insurance of their motor annual premiums for the insurance of their motor vehicles on
quarterly basis.
4. Department Orders (D.O.s)

a. DOTC D.O. 88-305. Rules of pleadings, practice and procedure for appeals on franchising, fare rates charges
and other related matters pertinent to Land Transportation Public Utilities.

b. D.O. 93-693. Revised Schedule of Administrative Fees and charges of the Land Transportation Office.

5. Administrative and Special Orders

a. Administrative Order No. VIII, S-1968, LTC. Requiring the towing and impounding of stalled motor vehicles
on public highways and the imposition of corresponding fees thereof.

b. Administrative Order No. 1, S-1973, LTC. Prescribing guidelines and procedures in the implementation

c. Administrative Order No. 1, S-1975, LTC. Laying down specific rules of action in the imposition of uniform
fines and penalties for violation of the provisions of RA 4136. identifying various city streets where parking is
prohibited.
6. Memorandum Circulars

a. LTC Memorandum to All Patrol Officers, Deputies and Agents dtd 09 august 1975. Directing that motor
vehicles whose loads are rice, cereals, fertilizers and other prime commodities are not to be apprehended and
stopped on roads and highways except only in cases of serious violations.

b. LTC Memorandum Circular No.33, dated 12 September 1972. Providing guidelines in the apprehension of
illegally parked motor vehicles.

c. LTC Circular No. 15, dated 19 January 1972. Regulating and laying instructionsin the use of Special
CommemorativeMotorVehicle Plates.

d. M.C. 94-199. Aide-memoir regarding retention and authority by LTO to register motorized tricycles under R.A.
4136, and guidelines to implement devolution of LTFRB's Franchising Authority over TC's per R.A. 7160 issued
by DOTC.

e. M.C. 94-188. Issuance of driver's license to disabled persons.

f. M.C. 92-146. Re-implementation of LOI 229, as amended by LOI 479 directing the installation of early warning
devices of motor vehicles.

g. M.C. 94-192. Diesel smoke emission test for motor vehicles.

h. M.C. 90-020. Directing all public land transportation service operators and drivers to display in any
conspicuous place of their vehicles the authorized fare matrix for the specific route granted them to avoid
conflict.

i. M.C. 93-011. Enjoining all public utility operators to use garage instead of public places or side streets in
parking their vehicles.

j. M.C. 94-002. Sanctions on operators arising from the violations of their drivers.

k. M.C. 94-209. Clarificatory guidelines for the registration/operation of new prvate vehicles particularly in the
use of conduction sticker.

7.Executive Orders (E.O.s)

a. E.O.125. Reorganizing the DOTC,defining its powers and functions and for other purposes.

b. E.O.266. Providing for t service units of the Asst. Sec. for Land Trans sercen in the DOTC (Lal Enforcement
Service-LES and TrafficAdjudication TAS), defining thepowers and functions thereof and for other purposes.

c. E.O. 202. Creating the Land UOeLodsueL Franchising andRegulatoryBoard (LTFRB).

d. E.O. 248. Empowering the Land Commission to control and supervise motor vehicle driving schools.
8.Other Special Laws, Statutes,etc.

a. Batas Pambansa Blg.344 (B.P. 344). Act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by requiring certain
buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities and other devices. "Sec.1, Par. 2. In
the case of the parking place of any of the above institutions,buildings, or establishments, or public utilities, the
owner or operator shall reserve sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled persons." devices such
as the prominent display of posters, stickers shall be used to generate public awareness understanding their
special needs. carriage or transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful."

b. Memorandum Unnumbered Dated July 13, 1992. Early Warning Device (EWD) not a requirement for
registration. C. SC Bars Lawmen from Removing Car Plates (187 SCRA 432).
LESSON 3.2
IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF R.A. 4136
Concept

R.A. 4136 governs traffic law enforcement in the Philippines. Local government units enforce
traffic laws. The terms of any law, act, or ordinance should not be contradicted by these
ordinances.
A. Terms and Expressions in R.A. 4136.
In the context of this Act, the following Definitions of terms and expressions are
provided for improved and widespread comprehension:

1. A motor vehicle, Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power other than
muscular power using public highway. but excepting road rollers, trolley
cars, street-sweepers, sprinkies, lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts,
amphibian trucks, and cranes if not used in public highways, vehicles which
run only on rails or tracks, and tractors, trailers and traction engines of all

Trailers having any number of wheels, when propelled or intended to be

propelled by attachment to a motor vehicle shall be classified as separate
motor vehicle with no power rating.
2. Passenger Automobiles. Shall mean all pneumatic tire vehicles of types similar to those
usually known under the following terms: touring car, command car, speedster, sports car,
roadster, jeep, cycle car (except motor wheel and similar small outfits which are classified
with motorcycles), coupe, landaulet, closed car, limousine, cabriolet, and sedan.

The distinction between "passenger truck" and "passenger automobile" shall be that of
common usage: Provided that a motor vehicle registered for more than nine passengers
shall be classified as "trucks". Provided further, that a truck with seating compartment at
the back not used classification. In case of dispute, the Commissioner of LTO shall
determine the classification to which any special type of motor vehicle
3. Articulated Vehicle. Shallmean any motor vehicle with a trailer having no front axle and
so attached that part trailer rests upon the motor vehicle and a substantialpart of the
weight of the trailer and of its load is borne bythe motor vehicle. Such trailer shall be
called as "semi-trailer." Driver. Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor
vehicle.

4. Professional Driver. Every and any driver hired for driving or operating a motor vehicle,
whether for private use or for hire to the public. Any driver driving his own motor vehicle
for hire is a professional driver.

5.Owner. The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name such vehicle is duly
registered with the LTO. The owner of a government-owned motor vehicle is the head of
the office or the chief of the Bureau to which the said motor vehicle belongs.
6.Dealer. Every person, association, partnership, or corporation making, manufacturing,
constructing, assembling remodeling, or setting up motor vehicles; and every suc entity
acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes styles, or kinds of motor vehicles,
dealing in motorvehicles keeping the same in stock or selling same orhandling with view to
trading same.

7.Garage. Any building in which or more stations, or other public places designated
bbyproper as parking spaces for motorvehicles for hire while soliciting business. KA.436
2020

8.Gross Weight. The measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum allowable
carrying capacity in merchandise, freight and/or passengers, as determined by the
Commissioner of the LTO.
10. Highways. Every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley
and callejon,but shall not include roadway upon grounds ownedby private persons,
colleges,universities, or other similar institutions.

11. Parking or Parked. Shall mean that a motor vehicle is parked or parking if it has been
brought to a stop on the shoulder or proper edge of a highway, and remains inactive in that
place or close thereto for an appreciable period of time. A motor vehicle which properly
stops merely to discharge a passenger or to take in a waiting passenger, or to load or unload
a small quantity of freight with reasonable dispatch shall not be considered as parked, if the
motor vehicle again moves away without delay.

12.Tourist. A foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure or culture.
B. Selected Provisions of R.A. 4136. The following provisions of R.A. 4136 are the most
common rules and regulations violated by road users. For further readings and
clarifications, please read the appended RA 4136.

1.Exceeding Registered Capacity (Overloading). Passengers, freight or cargo load of a

motor vehicle should not be more than its registered carrying capacity. Conductors of
public utility trucks or buses are held liable for the overloading of vehicles under their
charge. All passenger automobiles for hire are required to have the registered passenger
capacity marked plainly and conspicuously on the sides thereof in letters and numerals not
less than 5 cms.in height.

2.Cargo Carrying Devices. The construction of devices for carrying cargo at the rear or sides
of trucks may be allowed, subject to the approval of the Commissioner,but the total net
weight of the device,including cargo,must not exceed 100 Kilos (Sec. 32,a).
3.Riding on Running Board. It is strictly prohibited, except for conductors collecting
passenger fare

4.Riding on Top of the Motor Vehicle. Passengers shal not be allowed to ride on top of
motor vehicles, but baggage or freight may be carried on top of the truck,provided that the
weight thereof is not more than20 kilos per square meter distributed in such a way as not to
endanger passengers or the vehicle's stability.
5. Required Motor Vehicle Accessories. Every motor vehicle when operated on a traffic way
should have the following specified accessories
a. Tires of MVs
b. Brakes
(b-1)Horns
c. Headlights
d. Taillights
e. Stop Lights
f. Motorcycle and Other vehicle lights
g. Lights When Parked or Disabled
h. Windshield Wiper
i. Use of Red Flag
j. Mufflers prohibited:
6.Hitching on to a Vehicle.
a. Hanging on to or riding on the outside or rear end of any vehicle.
b. Holding on to any moving vehicle whether on foot or otherwise.
c. Driver allowing any person to hang on to or ride outside of or at the rear
end of the vehicle (Sec. 51).

7.Driving While under the Influence of Liquor or Other Prohibited Drugs (Sec. 53).

8. Obstruction of Traffic. Obstruction of traffic by operating a motor vehicle in such a manner

as to obstruct, block, or impede the passage of another vehicle is prohibited. This prohibition
applies even when discharging or loading passengers (Sec. 54).
9.Duties of Driver in Case of Accident. In the event that any accident should occur as a result
of the operation of a motor vehicle upon a highway, the driver shall observe the following:
a. Stop immediately.
b. Show his driver's license to inspecting traffic law enforcer.
c. Give his true name and address, including that of the owner of the vehicle.
d. Assist injured persons.
e.Take measures to protect belongings of passengers.
f. Report the accident (Sec. 55).
10. When could a driver leave the area of accident without being held liable
for HIT-AND-RUN?
a. His life is in imminent danger of being harmed by other person/s by
reason of the accident;
b. He surrenders to proper authority; and
c. He summons the assistance of a physician or nurse to aid the victim.
LESSON 3.3
REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
Concept

R.A. 4136, mandates that all motor vehicles shall be registered by its owner before the
designated District Offices of the Land Transportation Office. Law enforcement officers
should keep themselves abreast with the proper procedures of registering motor vehicles
for them to easily identify unregistered motor vehicles or motor vehicles having expired
registrations. On the other hand, motor vehicle owners as well as drivers should be aware
of the provisions on motor vehicle registration to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties
whenever registration-related apprehensions occur. Again, for complete information, see
the appended R.A. 4136.
A. Classification of Registered Motor Vehicles

1.Private (not for hire)-These are motor vehicles used for the personal use of their
owners.

2. Public Utility Vehicles (PUV a.k.a. for hire)-These are registered primarily for the
conveyance of passengers and other commercial goods, i.e., passenger jeepneys, taxi
cabs, etc.

3.Government - These are motor vehicles owned by government offices and are used
for official purposes only.

4. Diplomat- These are issued to foreign diplomats and consuls assigned in the
Philippines.
B.Plate Numbers / Upon registration, motor vehicles are assigned with plate numbers.The
letter and numeral prefixes as symbols on a light blue background with holograms and bar
codes.

5.(Private) or "Z"(For Hire) in the middle of the Trailers-These have yellow or green plates
that mostly have either "U" letter block

6. Electric vehicles-orange plates are used (white symbols on orange background).

7. Motorcycles- Private motorcycles have green characters on a white background with

the letters "MC" stamped on the upper left-hand corner next to the registration sticker on
the format with the rise in the number of motorcycles on the road, the 1111 AA format has
also come into use.

8. Tricycles - Private has Green characters on a white background with the letters "MC"
stamped on the upper left-hand corner next to the registration sticker.
 9. Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited vehicles-These are usually tour buses
and airport taxis which are issued with plates that look similar to those
of private vehicles, but have yellow highlights mixed with the green color and
share the same first letter of current PUVs plates.

10.Optional Motor Vehicle Special Plates (OMVSP)-A project of the LTO

since 2004, in the form of 3-letter 2-number

11. personalized(Vanity)plates-Anyone desiring to have his own personalized

must consider the following:
a. Uniqueness -the plate does not have a registered duplicate anywhere
else in the Philippines.
b. It should not have the same format as government vehicles.
c. Price -
(1) Premium Edition (Ex. 111 ABC) - PhP 15,000.00
(2) Select Edition (Ex. DARLIT) - PhP 10.000.00
 12. Commemorative plate-These special plate numbers are issued for specific
purposes such as fund-raising for government projects and programs.

C. Dimensions and medium.

1. Tagalog: plaka which measures 390 x 140 mm
2. Characters are stamped on an aluminum plate which is then applied with
reflectorized paint.
3. Previously, numerous watermarks of the Land Transportation Office (LTO)
logo as well as a small logo of the plate manufacturer were stamped on the
plate which was replaced in 2003 with a reflectorized, printed color sticker
of the statue to Jose Rizal.
4. In 2008, all plates are produced by a sole, privately funded manufacturer
in Manila.
5. Slogan on the bottom plate usually reflects the goals campaign of the incumbent
President which was began by President Fidel V.Ramos.
a. Fidel V. Ramos - "Philippines 2000"
b. Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo "Matatag na Republika (Strong Republic)

6. Until 2004, plates also bore the word bottom

7. Common Inscription
a. PILIPINAS(the most common inscription;1981-1995
b. PHILIPPINES 2000(1995-2000)
c. ANGAT PINOY 2004 ("Raise Pinoy 2004"; 2000-2001)
d. PERLAS NG SILANGAN ("Pearl of the Orient";2001-2002)
e. MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA (2003-2013)

8. Typeface. Numerous typefaces are used but the current typeface was first implemented
in 1981 which is loosely based on the Australian license plate system with some slight
variations on the font design since then.
 9. 2014 Series Plate Numbers. It consists of three-letter and four-numeric plate with the
region of registration inscribed below. 10.2018 Series Plate Numbers. It retains the three-
letter and four-numeric plate and the removal of the region of registration.

C. Geographical Designations of Plate Numbers.

Geographical designations of registered motor vehicles can be determined by the beginning
letter.
"A" - Region I (Ilocos Region) and COR (Cordillera Region)
"B"-Region II (Cagayan Valley Region)
"C" - Region III (Central Luzon Region), Superseded by "R" in 2003
"D"-Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA), Superseded by "V" in 2000
"E" - Region V (Bicol Region)
"F"-Region VI (Western Visayas Region
"G"-Region VII(Central Visayas Region), Superseded by "Y" in 2004
"H"-Region VIII(Eastern Visayas Region)
"J" - Region IX (Zamboanga Peninsula)
"K" -Regions X and XIII (Northern Mindanao and CARAGA)
"L" - Region XI (Davao Region)
"M"-Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)
"N"-NCR, 1981-1982,2009-2010 (with increments of "T", "O", and "Q")
"p"- National Capital Region, 1982-1991, 2010-2011(with increments of "I", "O", and "Q")
"R" - Region III (Central Luzon Region), overflow Series for Private since 2003
"S" - Government-owned (Red Plate) Vehicles
"T" - National Capital Region, 1991-1995,2011-2012(with increments of "I", "O", and "Q")
"U" - National Capital Region, 1995-1997,2012-present(with increments of "I", "O", and "Q")
"V"- Regions IV-A (CALABARZON) and IV-B (MIMAROPA), overflow Series for Private since
2000
"W"-National Capital Region, 1997-2001
"X" - National Capital Region, 2001-2005
"Y"-Region VII (Central Visayas Region), overflow series for Private since 2004
"Z" -National Capital Region,2005-2009
E. Approximate Year of Issuance
1. National Capital Region
1981NA,NB, NC,ND, NE,NF, NG, NH,NJ, NK, NL, NM, NN, NP, NR,NS
1982 NT,PA
1983 PB,PC,PD
1984 PD,PE,PF
1985 PF,PG
1986 PH
1987 P]
1988 PK,PL
1989 PM,PN,PP
1990 PR, PS,PT
1991 TA,TB,TC
1992 TD.TE TF
1994 TM, TN, TP, TR, TT
1995 UA(A-B), TS, UA(C-onwards), UB, UC, UD, UE
1996 UF,UG,UH, UJ, UK,UL, UM, UN
1997 UP, UR, US, UT, UU, WA, WB
1998 WC, WD, WE, WF
1999 WG, WH, WJ, WK,WL
2000 WM, WN, WP, WR
2001 WS, WT,XA,XB
2002 XC,XD,XE,XF,XG
2003 XH,XJ,XK,XL,XM
2004 XN, XP, XR, XS
2005 XT,ZA,ZB, ZC
2006 ZD, ZE, ZF, ZG
2007 ZH,ZJ, ZK, ZL
2008 ZM, ZN, ZP, ZR, ZS
2009 ZT,N-(I), N-(O), N-(Q), NI
2010 NO, NQ, P-(I), P-(O), P-(Q),PI
2011 PO, PQ, T-(I), T-(O), T-(Q), TI
2012 TO, TQ,UI,U-(I)
2013 UO
NOTE: (Vehicle Registration Plates of the Philippines, Wikipedia) I, O and Q are previously
not used to avoid confusion with the numbers "1" & "0". But with the exhaustion of the "Z"
series in 2009, they are already used by reverting to the old "N" series. 924,UIP-207, UMI-
615, UOR-814, UOS-201- e.g. NIA-101, NQZ-544, PXO-296, POQ-481, TIW-529, TQH-
2. Provincial Plate Numbers
"1980's"
Region I/CAR
Region II
Region III
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region VIII
Region IX/ARMM
Region X/XIII
Region XI
Region XII
"1990s"
Region I/CAR
Region II
Region III
Region IV
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region VIII
Region IX/ARMM
Region X/XIII
Region XI
Region XII
"2000s"
Region I/CAR
Region II
Region III
Region IV
AA,AB,AC(A-N)
BA,BB(A-N)
CA,CB, CC, CD, CE, CF, CG, CH, CJ(A-E)
DA,DB,DC,DD, DE, DF, DG (A-V)
EA (A-U)
FA, FB, FC (A-S)
GA, GB,GC, GD (A-D) HA (A-M)
JA
KA,KB
LA,LB,LC (A-E)
MA(A-W)
 MA(A-W)
AC (P-onwards), AD, AE
BB (P-onwards), BC
CJ (F-onwards), CK, CL, CM, CN, CP, CR
(A-E)
DG (W-Z), DH, DJ, DK, DL, DM, DN, DP,
DR,DS, DT
EA (V-Z), EB, EC
FC (T-onwards), FD, FE
GD (E-onwards), GE, GF,GG, GH,GJ,
GK
HA(P-onwards), HB
JA(W-Z), JB
KB(M-onwards), KC
LC(F-onwards), LD
MA(X-Z), MB
AE, AF (A-D)
BC,BD, BE
CR (F-onwards),CS,CT,RA,RB,RC,
RD, RE, RF, RG, RH,RJ
VA, VB, VC, VD, VE (A-E)
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region VIII
Region IX/ARMM
Region X/XIII
Region XI
Region XII
EC,ED
FE, FF, FG (A-M)
GL,GM, GP,GR, GS, GT,YA, YB, YC,
YD, YE, YF,YG, YH
HB,HC
JB,JC,JD
KC, KD, KE
LD,LE,LF, LG, LH
MB, MC, MD, ME
MA(X-Z), MB
AE, AF (A-D)
BC,BD, BE
CR (F-onwards),CS,CT,RA,RB,RC,
RD, RE, RF, RG, RH,RJ
VA, VB, VC, VD, VE (A-E)
Region V
Region VI
Region VII
Region VIII
Region IX/ARMM
Region X/XIII
Region XI
Region XII
EC,ED
FE, FF, FG (A-M)
GL,GM, GP,GR, GS, GT,YA, YB, YC,
 YD, YE, YF,YG, YH
HB,HC
JB,JC,JD
KC, KD, KE
LD,LE,LF, LG, LH
MB, MC, MD, ME
"2010-2013"
Region I/CAR AF(E-onwards)
Region II BE
Region III RK, RL,RM
Region IV VE (F-onwards), VF
Region V ED
Region VI FG (N-onwards), FH
Region VII YH,YJ, YK
Region VIII HC,HD
Region IX/ARMM JD,JE
Region X/XIII KE,KF
Region XI LH
Region XII ME, MF
F. Schedule of Registration-Registration of motor vehicles should be done annually which
follows the numerical suffixes of their plate numbers.

Last Digit of Plate, Middle Digit, Weekly Deadline, 1-Jan 6-Jun, 123, 12345678 9 10 11 12 13 1415
16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28,
Note: Vehicles may be registered one month in advance of weekly deadline. For motorcycles
use the 3rd digit.

1. Place of initial registration of the motor vehicle;

2.Year of initial registration and the possible year model of the registered motor vehicle could
be determined from the order of the letter prefixes, i.e., the higher the letters the later the yea
of registration and year model of the motor vehicle.
Example: Vehicle 1-PLT 255
Vehicle 2-TNU 636
Between the above motor vehicles, Vehicle 1 was registered earlier than Vehicle 2 and possibly
Vehicles 2's model is later than Vehicle 1.
H.Protocol Plate Numbers. These are special plate numbers for high-ranking government
officials as manifestation of courtesy towards them or their respective positions or offices.
These plates are blue D or DD plates reserved for the top government officials of the
Republic of the Philippines.
1-President
2-Vice President
3-Senate President
4-Speaker of the House of Representatives
5-Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
6-Cabinet Secretaries
7-Senators
8-Representatives (Congressmen)
9-Associate Justices of the Supreme Court
10-Presiding Justice and other Justices of the Court of Appeals, Solicitor
General (OSG formerly 13.)
11- Chairman of the Commission on Elections
12- Cabinet Undersecretary
13-None currently
14- Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Chief of the Philippine National
Police
16-Regional Trial Court Judges
17 - First Level Courts (Metropolitan Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court, Municipal Trial Court
in Cities and Shari'ah Circuit courts), added by Memorandum Order No. 297 signed by
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
on March 2,2009
LESSON 3.4
PROVISIONS ON DRIVER'S LICENSES
Concept

Driving a motor vehicle in the Philippines as in other countries is NOT a right but a privilege
granted by the Philippine Government through the LTO based on Republic Act 4136 and
Batas Pambansa Blg. 398. Further, it is a privilege which may be suspended or revoked.

Driver's License. A document issued to a qualified driver who possesses the statutory
qualification as provided therefore. It is also a public document which has the legal
presumption of genuineness (CCC Insurance Corp. vs. Court of Appeals, 31 SCRA 264).

A. Duty to Procure License. Sec. 19 of R.A. 4136 states that no person shall operate any
motor vehicle without first procuring a license to drive for the current year.

B. Confiscation of Driver's License. Sec 29 of R.A. of RA 4136, the rules and regulations
issued by the Commissioner and of local traffic rules and regulations.
Driver is NOT a suspended or revoked.
Driver's License. A document issued to a qualified who possesses the statutory
qualification as provided genuineness (CCC Insurance Corp. vs. 264. For the complete
provisions, read the appended R.A 4136.

A. Duty to Procure License. Sec. 19 of R.A. 4136 states that no person shall operate any
motor vehicle without first procuring a license to drive for the current year. To be effective
in the hands of its holder, it must not be delinquent, invalid, suspended, or revoked and
should be carried at all times and shall be shown or surrendered for cause when demanded
by a person authorized by RA 4136 to inspect the same.

e. Confiscation of Driver's License. Sec. 29 of R.A. 4136 mandates that a driver's license
may be confiscated for violations of RA 4136, the rules and regulations issued by the
Commissioner and of local traffic rules and regulations. When a driver's license is
confiscated for any reason, the traffic enforcer must, however, issue a receipt (Temporary
Operator's Permit (TOP)) which is good for 72 hours within which the driver may continue to
operate his vehicle
 Failure to settle the case within 15 days will cause suspension or revocation of the license.
the driver is ledge of road rules aroof of his proficiency in driving his knowledge motor
vehicle. Upon proving his proficiency and knowledge, he of road rules and regulations while
operating a ill be issued a document in the form of the following license

1.International Driver's License. Bonafide tourists and transients who are duly licensed to
operate motor vehicles in their respective countries may be allowed to operate motor
vehicles during their stay but not beyond 90 days of their sojourn in the Philippines.

2. Military Driver's License. Enlisted personnel of the AFP operating motor vehicles owned by
the government shall be licensed in accordance with RA 4136 but no license or delinquency
fees shall be collected thereof. All licenses so issued shall bear the words "FOR
GOVERNMENT VEHICLES ONLY" plainly marked or stamped in red inks across the face
thereof. A Military Driver's License does not authorize the holder to operate a privately-
owned motor vehicle (Sec. 20, R.A. 4136)
 3.Professional Driver's License. This license is issued to a driver hired or paid for driving or
operating a motor vehicle whether private use or for hire to the public. Any person driving his
own motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver (Sec. 3,e, R.A. 4136).

4. Non-Professional Driver's License. This kind of license is issued to owner of privately -

owned motor vehicles Examinees will have to pass the written examination with the following
marks:
a.Non-Professional-30 out of 40 questions
b.Professional-45 out of 60 questions Before each examination, a DRIVING SKILL RATER will
provide a 30- minute lecture about traffic rules and other driver information as a "review"
for the applicants.

2. The Road Test. The actual road test will be undertaken under the auspices of a "DRIVING
SKILL RATER". This actual road test will have to be scheduled in advance and the applicant
will have to provide the vehicle in which the road test will be conducted. The applicant should
make sure that the vehicle to be used is in proper working condition and is currently
registered.
During the road test, the applicant will be rated according to his proficiency on the
following aspects:
a. That the applicant is aware of and capable of performing a check on the primary
components of the vehicle such as the engine, the tires, the battery, lights, windshield
wipers,brakes, transmission and clutch, etc..
b. Proper use and correct positioning of the hands on the steering wheel.
c. Proper engine control and use of the gear shift lever and the foot pedals.
d. Proper speed control and observance and practice of road discipline.
e. Proper knowledge and interpretation of road signs and markings.
f. Proper turning procedures.
g. Proper backing procedures.
h. Proper parking procedures.

The applicant will be credited with a score of 100 points at the start of the road test. Each
infraction or unsatisfactoryperformance will be listed down on a ROAD TEST
SCORESHEET and the corresponding deductions made at the end of the test points or a
total possible deduction of 30 points.
 G. Mandatory Drug Test. It is mandatory to all drivers' license applicants except for
student driver's permit to pass a drug test conducted by duly LTO accredited drug testing
centers. by RA 10586)

F. Drivers' Restriction Code. When the driver is issued a license, the driver's restriction
code is indicated as follows:
1. Motorcycles/Motorized Tricycles
2. Vehicle up to 4500 kgs Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
3. Vehicle above 4500 kgs GVW
4. Automatic clutch up to 4500 kgs GVW
5. Automatic clutch above 4500 kgs GVW
6. Articulated vehicle 1600 kgs GVW & below
7. Articulated vehicle 1601 up to 4500 kgs GVW
8.Articulated vehicle 4501 kgs & above GVW
 H. Drivers' Condition. The conditions for driver's license holder while operating a motor
vehicle are indicated as follows:
1. A-wear eye glasses
2. B-drive only with special equipment for upper limbs
3. C-drive only with special equipment for lower limbs
4. D-daylight driving only
5. E- accompaned by a person with normal hearing.
LESSON 4.1
FUNDAMENTALS OF TRAFFIC CONTROL
Concept
Traffic control is when we use rules, signs, and communication to help cars,
trains, planes, and boats share the same space without crashing into each
other. We want everyone to stay safe, including people walking on the road.

A. Traffic Control as Applied to Land Transportation. Traffic engineering

is like a set of rules and tools that help make roads safer and less crowded.
In big cities, they use things like traffic lights and signs to help cars and
people move around better. In smaller towns, they use simpler ways to
control traffic. All of these things help keep people safe and make the air
cleaner.
B. Control Techniques. Traffic control is all about making sure cars, buses,
vans, and trucks can move safely and smoothly on the roads in cities and
towns. This might involve putting up signs and painting lines on the road or
even using fancy technology to control traffic on big highways. These
systems are:
1. access-road meters to monitor and control motorway;

2. closed-circuit television surveillance to detect quickly any deterioration in

traffic flow; and

3. emergency services in case of accident and injury.

A.Other traffic-control techniques include:

1. the use of one-way streets,

2. enforcement of traffic flow regulations,

3. channelization (building traffic islands, turning lanes and so on), and

4. the use of traffic signals.

B.Highway Traffic Control. Drivers need signs, lights, lines on the road, and
other things to help them drive safely and avoid crashing. These things are
called traffic control devices and are put on or near the road to help
drivers get where they need to go.

1.Traffic Signs. Traffic signs are really important for keeping people safe on
the roads. There are lots of them all over the country, and they tell drivers
how fast to go, what the road is like, and where to go. They help people drive
safely and know where they’re going.
 2.Pavement Markings. Pavement markings are lines on the road that tell
cars where to go and help them stay in the right lane. They are usually white
or yellow and can even reflect light at night to make them easier to see.
These lines also help drivers know where they can turn and where they can’t
pass other cars.

Traffic signs and road markings are the same in most places around the
world. They use pictures instead of words to help drivers who don’t know the
language. The pictures are the same size and shape and help make sure
everyone drives safely.
 3.Traffic-signal. Traffic signals are put up to help cars and people cross the
street safely at busy intersections. The most well-known traffic control tool is
the signal light. In a big city, a traffic signal might help over 100,000 cars and
people cross the street without getting hurt. More than half of all the driving
that happens each year is on roads where there are traffic lights.

Traffic signals tell cars and people when to go, stop, or be careful.
They help lots of cars and people move through intersections. The signals
can work by themselves or with a computer system that controls lots of
intersections.
 4.Priority Control. A long time ago, people used to stop certain types of
transportation to let other types go first. Like when Julius Caesar said no
wheels could be used in Rome during the day so people could walk and ride
horses. Nowadays, some places don’t let big trucks go through certain
neighborhoods.

Some roads in cities have special lanes that only certain vehicles can use, like
buses and cars that have lots of people in them. This helps make traffic better by
encouraging people to share rides and use fewer cars on the
road.
5.Restraints. To stop traffic from being too busy, people who plan roads can
use things to make drivers go slower. They might put something in the
middle of the road to make cars go slowly or make bumps in the road to stop
cars from going too fast in neighborhoods. They might also put something in
the road to stop cars from turning unless they are at a special place.
LESSON 4.2
TRAFFIC SIGNS
Concept33

Traffic signs are like pictures on the road that tell drivers important information,
like when to stop or turn. They help everyone stay safe and use the roads properly.

Traffic signs are signs with words or pictures that tell drivers what to do. They are
put up to help make sure cars and people are safe, to keep traffic moving
smoothly, and to show drivers where to go.

When we make signs for the road, we have to follow rules about what they look like
and how big they are. The people who make these rules are called the DPWH. If we
want to understand what the signs should look like, we can look at pictures in a
book called figures 19-21 or other pictures that come after it.
Only people who work for the government can put up road signs, and they can’t
put any ads on them.

To drive safely, it’s important for drivers to know and understand traffic signs,
signals, and markings on the road and sidewalk. This helps them know what to do
even if there isn’t a police officer around.

A.HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. In the past in Britain, they used signs to show

people where to go, but they were made differently than the signs we use now. A
long time ago, people paid for signs to be put up at places where roads crossed.
Later, groups were told to put up signs to show how far you traveled. Then, a new
law said that everyone who drove a car had to follow certain rules.
Sometimes road signs need to be taller or shorter so that drivers can see them
better. The size of the signs also changes depending on what words or pictures are
on them and where they are placed.

After World War II, more people started traveling to different countries. The United
Nations talked about creating signs to help everyone understand important
information while traveling. The United Kingdom changed their signs in 1965, but
they were a little different from the signs in other European countries. In England,
there are a lot of signs and things on the roads to help people know where to go
and be safe. In the United States, they made rules for what signs should look like
and how they should be used.

In 1973, the Philippines made a new law that agreed to follow a set of rules about
traffic signs and signals that many other countries also agreed to follow. This is to
make driving safer and easier for everyone who travels on international roads.
In 1973, the Philippines made a new law that agreed to follow a set of rules about
traffic signs and signals that many other countries also agreed to follow. This is to
make driving safer and easier for everyone who travels on international roads.

B.INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS. The Vienna convention made rules about road
signs that use different shapes and colors to mean different things. They try to use
pictures instead of words when they can. But in the United States, they still use the
word “STOP” on their sign because everyone knows what it means, no matter where
they are from.These basic sign shapes are:

1. Round and red sign: regulates the movement of turning and passing traffic
regulations;
2. Round black yellow signs: a warning that you are approaching a railroad
crossing;
3. Equilateral triangle red signs: a sign at the intersection directing drivers to
yield the right-of-way to vehicles in the road being crossed;
4. Eight-sided (octagonal) red and white stop sign: the most popular and understood
sign by all tongues and colors; and

5. Triangle red and black sign: approaching a danger zone, hill, slope, winding road,
and others.

C.Classification of International Traffic Signs. There are three types of road signs
that are used all over the world to help drivers know what they should do. They are
organized by a group that helps make rules for road signs and Signals, November 8,
1968. These are:
1) danger warning signs,

2) regulatory signs, and

3) informative signs.
1.Danger Warning Signs: these are meant to tell drivers about something dangerous
on the road ahead, like a sharp turn or a slippery surface. There are different types of
these signs, and you can find them at the end of this lesson.

2.Regulatory Signs. Regulatory signs are signs that tell people driving on the
road what they can and can’t do. They come in different types like signs that
tell you to stop or give way to other cars. They usually look round but some
look different. You can find pictures of them at the end of this discussion.

3.Informative signs. Informative signs help people who are driving on the road by
giving them directions or helpful information. There are different types of
informative signs like those that tell you where to go, identify the name of the road,
tell you the name of a place, and confirm you are going the right way. Some signs also
tell you about useful things like gas stations or rest areas.
In international traffic signs, round black and yellow signs typically indicate a
warning or caution, alerting drivers to potential hazards or dangerous conditions
ahead.

General Purpose: These signs are designed to warn drivers of potential problems
or hazards on the road, prompting them to slow down and exercise caution.

Examples of Hazards: These signs might indicate sharp curves, steep hills, slippery
conditions, or other potential dangers.

Shape and Color: The signs are round, with a yellow background and a black
symbol or text.

Regulatory Signs: Round signs with a red border and black symbol on a white or
yellow background indicate a prohibition or limit.
Mandatory Signs: Round signs with white on blue indicate a mandatory order.
D.Classification/Categories of Roads Signs (or Traffic Signs) In the Philippines. The
following are classifications of Road Signs based from the Department of Public
Works and Highways (DPWH) Road Safety Manual 2012 and as cited by the Land
Transportation Office in their website.

1.Regulatory Signs (Type R). These are signs which impose legal restrictions
applicable at particular location usually enforceable in the absence of such signs.
These are intended to:

a. inform road users of certain laws and regulations, and

b. special obligations, instructions, or prohibitions which they must comply with

and violations of which constitute misdemeanor.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF REGULATORY SIGNS. These signs are further classified into
Priority Signs (R1), Direction Signs (R2), Prohibitive or Restrictive Signs (R3), Speeds
Signs (R4), Parking Signs (R5), and Miscellaneous Signs (R6) (Note: Discussion is
copied verbatim from DPWH

Manual 2012, with some minor editing and all images are copied-pasted from same
DPWH Manual).

PRIORITY SIGNS (RI)

a.STOP- The STOP sign helps drivers be careful when they come to an intersection.
It tells them to stop completely so they can look around and see if it’s safe to go.
This way, they have enough time to make sure they won’t cause an accident.

b.GIVE WAY- The GIVE WAY sign tells cars to be careful and let other cars go first,
especially when it’s not clear who should go first. This helps keep everyone safe on
the road
c.LEFT TURNER MUST GIVE WAY – The sign that says the car turning left
has to wait for others to go first is a rectangle with white background and
black letters and borders that shine in the dark.

DIRECTION SIGNS (R2)

a.Direction to be followed (R2-1 to R2-7) – These signs (Disc Type) indicate
the only direction(s) in which the motorist is obliged to follow. These signs
have blue reflectorized background and white reflectorized arrow (s). They
are normally used in conjunction with islands at channelized intersections.
The disc signs can be incorporated on rectangular plate with legends to
supplement their meanings. On the other hand, the plate type (R2-1P to R2-
6P) is only used in urban areas.
b. Other Directional Signs
1.) Two Way (R2-7)- This sign has black words and arrows on the outside,
but the picture inside is blue with white arrows that shine in the dark. It’s
used on roads where cars usually only go one way, but sometimes they will
go both ways.

2.LEFT LANE MUST TURN LEFT and RIGHT LANE MUST TURN RIGHT
The sign may be used alone or in conjunction with arrows or words marked
on the surface of the lane.

RIGHT LANE MUST obscured by vehicles ahead, and this is TURN most
likely to occur where traffic is RIGHT
As pavement markings can be heavy that there is need to provide an R2-
8R exclusive turning lane, LEFT (RIGHT) LANE MUST RURN LEFT (RIGHT)
signs are useful as a means of designating such lanes.

PROHIBITIVE OR RESTRICTIVE SIGNS (R3)

a.The disc type is made of reflectorized red disc with reflectorized white bar
(R3-1) while the sign is a rectangle that shines in the dark. It has a white
background with black writing and a border. It says “No Entry for All
Vehicles” which means cars can’t go that way. It’s used at the end of a road
where cars can only go one way, so they don’t go the wrong way.

b.No Entry for Specific Type of Road Users. These signs are red and white
and have pictures on them to show who can’t go on that road. It might be
cars, bikes, or even people walking. The signs tell them they can’t go that
way
.
c.Pedestrian Prohibition Signs. This sign means that people can’t walk across the
road here. Sometimes there are other signs that tell people to use a bridge or
crosswalk instead. These signs are only used when there are places for people to
walk nearby.

d.Bawal Tumawid Gamitin ang Overpass. This sign in Pilipino means that people
can’t walk across a certain road because there is a bridge they should use instead.
It’s like a rule for safety. This thing needs to be shaped like a rectangle and have a
special white background that shines in the dark. It also needs to have a red
border and letters that say you’re not allowed to do something.
.
e.Turning Prohibition. The NO TURN or NO LEFT TURN sign shall be used at
intersections where vehicles are forbidden to make a turn to the right or left,
respectively. The NO U TURN sign shall be used where vehicles are forbidden to
make any turn to reverse the direction of travel. Separate plates bearing
messages such as “FOR PUJ’S”, “FOR PUB’S” or “FOR TRUCKS”, and others, can
be used to NO R3-15P supplement the messages intended. Such plates will be
of white reflectorized background with black legend.

f.Prohibition of Overtaking. The NO OVERTAKING sign is used to tell drivers not

to pass other cars in certain areas where it’s not safe. These areas might be
narrow or have obstacles that make it hard to see. The sign helps keep everyone
safe on the road.
.
SPEED SIGNS (R4)
a.Speed Restriction (Maximum) (R4-1)- These signs have numbers on them,
and are shiny white with a shiny red circle around them. They help people
know where they are and where they need to go.

b.Speed De-restriction (R4-2 & R4-2P)- These signs have a black slanted
line and a circle with reflective white background.
c.Speed restriction (Minimum) (R4-3)- These signs only used on certain
parts of the road that are safe to drive fast on. It looks like a round disc with
blue and white colors that shine in the dark.

Parking Signs (R5)

Sometimes you can’t park or stop your car on certain streets because there
are signs that say “No Parking”. If you stop to let someone in or out of the
car or to load or unload things, that’s called “standing”. But if you stop for
any other reason and you’re not supposed to, that’s called “parking”. The
rules about this are made to keep everyone safe and avoid problems on the
road.
a.No Parking Signs (R5-1, R5-2, & R5-3)- No Parking signs mean you can’t
park your car there. They have a black letter “P” and a red circle with a line
through it. Sometimes they have more words to explain why you can’t park
there.

b.Restricted Parking and Loading Signs (R5-4, R5-4A, R5-4B, & R5-4C) –
Restricted parking signs must be rectangular and must have a reflective
white background, a green reflective border, and lettering for permissive
messages such as 2-HOUR PARKING, METER PARKING, and LOADING
AND UNLOADING AREA.
The LOADING ZONE sign and the NO PARKING sign work together. They
don’t need to shine in the dark unless it’s too dark to see or it’s important to
see them at night.
The LOADING AND UNLOADING ZONE sign is a rectangle sign that shows
where people and things can be picked up or dropped off. It is used on
roads where this is allowed. The sign should be placed at least 30 meters
before and after a crossing.

c.No Waiting Signs (R5-5, R5-5A, & R5-5B) – These signs say you can’t park
here at certain times. They are shaped like a rectangle and have white and
red reflective colors.

d.No Loading and Unloading Signs (R5-6, & R5-6A) – This sign means you
can’t stop your car to put things in or take things out. It has a white
background with a red border and words that say you can’t do it. There are
e.No Loading/Unloading Within Red-Painted Curb (R5-7) – You can’t stop
your car to drop off or pick up things in the area that has a red curb painted
on it. There will be a sign with red letters and borders on a white background
to remind you. This is done to make sure people don’t block the road while
loading or unloading things.

f.No Stopping Anytime (R5-8)- These signs has a rectangle shape and is
reflective with a white background and red border. It has a picture, letters,
and a red arrow and bar that mean you can’t stop your car there at any time.

g.No Parking or Stopping Signs – PUV Stop Area (R5-9A, R5-98, R5- 9C)-
These signs tell us where we can’t park or stop our cars. The BUS STOP sign is
only for buses to let passengers on and off, and it looks like a rectangle with
a symbol that means no parking. The PUJ STOP signs are for jeepneys to do
the same thing, and they also look like rectangles.
These signs are only for buses and jeepneys to pick up and drop off people
and things. They look like rectangles. h.Do Not Block Intersection (RS-10)-
There is a sign that tells drivers not to stop in the middle of an intersection. It
has black leters on a white background and yellow letters on a black
background that shine in the dark.

These signs are put at places where cars stop at red lights and there are
special yellow boxes painted on the road. They remind drivers to not go into
the yellow box when there isn’t enough space. The signs are near the line
where cars are supposed to stop.

i.Right Turners Cross at Broken White Lines (R5-11)- This sign has a
rectangle shape with black letters and border on a white background. It is
used when there are broken white lines on the road and it shows that cars
can turn right at the next intersection.
MISCELLANOUS SIGNS (R6)

Signs Covered in this series are not included in other categories.

a.Prohibition on Use of Audible Warning Device- This sign means you can’t
honk your horn in certain places like near hospitals, schools, libraries, and
churches. Only emergency vehicles or if there’s danger can use their horns.
b.Load and Dimension Restriction Signs (R6-, R6-3, R6-4, R6-5, R6-6) – There are
signs that tell people how big their vehicles can be on certain roads. If a vehicle is
too big, they can’t go on that road. This sign says that cars that are too tall can’t go
in this place. A sign with the number R6-4 will show how heavy vehicles can be on a
certain part of the road. This sign will be put up before the part of the road
where the weight limit starts. The sign R6-5 means that big and heavy vehicles are
not allowed to come in because they might be too heavy for the road.
This sign with the number R6-6 means that cars or trucks that are too long
can’t go through here.

c.Use Seat Belt Sign (R6-7)- This sign shows a picture of a seat belt and a
person, with blue and red colors around it. It reminds people to wear their
seat belt while driving, which is a rule according to a law called RA8750.
d.Pedestrians Crossing (R6-8) – This sign with a black picture and border on
a bright yellow-green background tells drivers to stop and let people walk
across the street. It’s different from another sign that warns drivers in
advance. This sign goes right where the street meets the crosswalk.

e.School Children Crossing (R6-9)- This sign helps drivers know where kids
cross the road to get to school. It’s a round sign with a black picture and
border on a bright yellow green background that shines in the dark. It’s
different from the sign that just warns drivers that kids might be around. This
sign is a rule for drivers to stop at the lines before the crossing.
f.The BIKE LANE sign (R6-10)- The BIKE LANE sign tells people on bikes
where they should ride. It’s a special area just for bikes, and it helps keep
riders safe from cars. The sign is bright and easy to see, with a picture of a
bike on it. If you’re on a bike, you have to use the bike lane – you can’t ride
in other parts of the road.
g.Wheel Chair Crossing (R6-11) – This sign is for people who use wheelchairs to
cross the street safely. It has a reflective background that is bright green and a
black symbol. It goes near places like hospitals, parks, and intersections where
there are ramps for wheelchairs.

3.WARNING SIGNS (Type W). There are some signs that are shaped like a triangle
and have red borders. These signs are called “warning signs” or “caution signs.”
They have numbers on them from 1 to 31 and they mean that there might be
danger ahead. They are meant to help keep us safe by warning us to be careful.
•Tell drivers about the road conditions.
•The road ahead is dangerous and we need to be careful.
•Be careful of things that could be dangerous on the road ahead.
•When you slow down, it’s called reducing your speed.
CLASSIFICATIONS OF WARNING SIGNS. Warning signs are signs that tell
drivers to be careful and alert while driving. There are different types of
warning signs, like signs that warn about corners or intersections (W1 and
W2), signs that warn about obstacles in the road (WS), signs that warn about
schools or pedestrians (W6), signs that warn about train crossings (W7), and
more. These signs are usually triangular in shape with a black symbol on a
white or yellow-green background.

HORIZONTAL ALIGNMENT SIGN (W1)

This sign tells drivers what kind of turns are coming up on the road. There
are different types of turns, like sharp turns and curves. Sometimes there is
also a sign that tells drivers how fast they should go to be safe.
a.Sharp Turn (W1-1) – The Sharp Turn sign tells drivers to be careful
because the road is going to turn a lot and they need to slow down.

b.Reverse Turn (W1-2) – The Reverse Turn sign is used when there are two
turns in opposite directions that are close to each other. Instead of putting up
two separate signs, this sign shows both turns. If the turns are very close
together and it’s hard to put up two signs, a sign showing the recommended
speed for the turns should be used.
C . Curve (W1-3) – The curve sign tells drivers that there is a bend in the
road that might be hard to see from far away. It helps them be prepared and
drive safely.

c.Reverse Curve ( W 1-4)- The reverse curve sign tells drivers that there are
two curved roads going in opposite directions, but they are very close
together and may be dangerous. Drivers should slow down to the speed
recommended on the advisory speed plate. This sign is also used when
there are many curved roads close together.

d.Winding Road ( W 1-5)- The winding road sign tells drivers that there are
many turns coming up in a row. This sign helps drivers know that they may
need to slow down and be careful. Sometimes, there might be a sign that
shows how far away the turns are.
e.Hairpin Bend (W1-6)- This sign tells drivers that there’s a really big turn
coming up that’s almost like a U-turn. INTERSECTION AND JUNCTION SIGNS
(W2)

Intersection and junction signs are signs that tell drivers where two or
more roads meet. They help drivers know where to go and be safe on the
roads.

Signs at intersections and junctions help drivers know where to go and

when to stop. They are especially important when it’s hard to see what’s
ahead or when there are tricky turns. Sometimes, signs need to be made in
a special way to make sure drivers understand exactly what’s happening at
the intersection. But all signs still have to follow the same rules.
These signs can’t be used where there are STOP, GIVE WAY signs, or
traffic lights.
a.Cross Road (W2-1)- The “Cross Road” sign tells drivers that two roads are
going to meet at one place soon. It’s not used on a small road that leads to a
traffic light intersection.

b.Other Cross Roads (W2-2; W2-3) – The “Cross Road” signs with the
letters W2-2 and W2-3 are put up before intersections that look like the letter
A.

c.T and Y Junctions (W2-4); (W2-5; W2-6) – There are signs that help
drivers know when they are coming up to a place where two roads meet, like
a T or Y shape. These signs have different shapes depending on how the
roads meet. If the roads meet at a really sharp angle, there is a different sign
to use. These signs help drivers be careful and avoid accidents.
d.The side road junction sign (W2-6)- The sign with two roads crossing
means that a lot of cars will be coming from the side road and you need to
be careful.

e.Roundabout (Rotunda) (W2-7) – The Roundabout sign tells drivers that

there is a circular road ahead. It can’t be used if there is already a different
sign that shows which way to go.

f.Priority Road (W2-8; W2-9; W2-10) – These signs mean that the road you
are on is very important and you should pay extra attention because there is
an intersection ahead where other cars might have to stop or yield. But these
signs should only be used if the other roads are also controlled, so drivers
don’t think it’s safe to go too fast and get into an accident.
ADVANCE WARNING OF TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICE SIGNS (W3)

a.Signals Ahead (W3-1) – These are signs that tell drivers when they are
going to see a traffic light or other safety signs on the road. It helps them be
prepared and avoid accidents. This sign means that there is a traffic light
coming up soon, but you can’t see it yet. It’s there to warn drivers to slow
down and be careful. If you’re driving on a really fast road, the sign will be
even bigger to make sure you see it.
The signal symbol has circles that are colored like the lights they represent,
and they need to shine In the dark.
b.Stop and Give Way Sign Ahead ( W3-2; W3-3)- This sign means there is a
stop or give way sign coming up at the intersection. It’s used to help drivers
see it better. The arrow might point in different directions to show where the
sign is.
ROAD WIDTH SIGNS (W4)

This sign tells drivers when the road is going to get narrower or wider all
of a sudden.

a.Narrow Bridge (W4-1) – This sign means that the bridge ahead is not very
wide and cars have to be careful when crossing it. The bridge can be as
wide as a certain amount, but sometimes it can be a little wider if the road is
very busy.

b.Road Narrows (W4-2) – This sign tells drivers that the road ahead will
become more narrow, and they need to be careful because it could be
dangerous.
1.A road with two lines for cars going in opposite directions.
•When the sidewalk gets skinnier by 1.2 meters or more, something happens.
•The road becomes more narrow by a certain amount or the whole road
becomes smaller.

2.On a big road with many lanes, sometimes there will be fewer lanes to
drive on, even if the road is split in half.

c.Divided Road (W4-3) – This sign tells drivers that the road ahead will be
split in two and there will be a big space in the middle for a long way.
d.End Divided Road (W4-4) – The End Divided Road sign is used to tell
drivers that they will soon be driving on a road where cars are coming from
both directions. It’s a warning to be careful!

ROAD OBSTACLE SIGNS (WS)

These signs tell drivers about things on the road that might be different or
dangerous, like bumps or bad weather.

a.Opening Bridge (W5-1) – This sign tells drivers that there is a bridge up
ahead that might open up. They need to be careful and pay attention.
b.Uneven Road (W5-2) – This sign tells drivers that the road ahead is bumpy
and has ups and downs.

C. Hump (W5-3)- This sign tells drivers that there is a bump on the road
coming up soon.

c.Steep Descent (W5-4) and Steep Climb (W5-5) – These signs warn drivers
that they are going down a very steep hill or up a very steep hill. They need
to go slowly and use a lower gear to control their vehicle. There is also
another sign that says “Trucks Use Low Gear” to remind truck drivers to be
extra careful. The Steep Climb sign is put up so drivers know when they are going
up a very steep hill.

d.Spill Way (W5-6) – This sign tells drivers that there might be water on the
road most of the time, but not during a very long time when it doesn’t rain.
e.Flood (W5-7) – This sign tells us that when it’s rainy, some parts of the
road might fill up with water for a little while.

f.Falling Rocks (W5-8) – This sign tells drivers that there might be rocks
falling on the road ahead, and they need to be careful. Sometimes the
picture on the sign can be turned the other way around too.

g.Slippery (W5-9)- The slippery sign tells drivers that the road might be very
slippery and they should be careful. When the ground is slippery because of
wetness or frost, there’s a special sign that has a plate underneath to let people
know. It’s important to be careful in those conditions! We need to put signs every 3
kilometers on long roads so people know where they are going.
h.Animal Crossing (W5-10) – The Cattle Crossing sign tells drivers to be careful
because animals might be crossing the road.

i.Aircraft (W5-11) – This sign means that there might be airplanes flying really low
over the road near an airport. Be careful!

Pedestrian and School Signs (W6)

Pedestrian signs and school signs are signs that people see on the road
to help keep them safe when they are walking or going to school. They tell
you important things like when to cross the street and where it’s safe to walk.
We made new signs for people who walk, go to school, ride bikes, or have
trouble moving. They look different than the old signs and are very bright so
people can see them better.
a.Pedestrian (W6-1) and Slow Down Pedestrian Ahead (W6-1P)- These signs tell
drivers to be careful because there might be people walking on the road. They can
be used even if there isn’t a special place for people to cross. But if there is a
special place for people to cross, a different sign is used.

b.Children (W6-2)- This sign tells drivers to be careful because there might
be kids crossing the road, even if there isn’t a special place for them to do so.

c.Cross Only at Ped Xing (W6-3) – This sign tells us to only cross the street at a
special place called a “ped xing” where it is safe. We shouldn’t try to cross the
street anywhere else without permission. If we see a different sign that says “don’t
cross,” we should listen and find a safe way to get across the street.
d.Wheel Chair Crossing (W6-4) – This sign tells drivers to be careful because
people in wheelchairs might be crossing the road, especially near places like
hospitals and stores.

e.Bike Lane Ahead (W6-5) – This sign tells drivers that there will be a special
lane for bikes coming up soon. Sometimes, drivers might not be able to see
the bike lane on the road, so this sign helps them know to be careful. It’s
important to put this sign far enough ahead of the bike lane so drivers have
enough time to prepare. If there’s a sign that tells you that a certain lane is
only for bikes, that’s a different kind of sign.
RAILWAY LEVEL CROSSING SIGNS (W7)
a.Railroad Crossing Position (W7-1; W7-4)- This sign helps drivers know
where the train tracks cross the road. It’s always used with a stop or give
way sign so people know to be careful. Sometimes we need to make things easier
to see, and when we do, we can use a special sign called W7-4.

b.Railway Crossing Advance Warning (W7- 2; W7-3) – This sign tells drivers
that a train crossing is coming up ahead on a smaller road. Sometimes it
might be put on the bigger road if there isn’t enough space, but there will be
another sign to show where the smaller road is. W7-2 tells drivers when it’s safe to
cross a railroad without any lights or signals, and W7-3 tells them when it’s safe to
cross when there are lights and signals.
c.Alternative Railway Crossing Position (W7-4)- This sign is used to help
people see where a train might cross the road. It’s different than the usual
sign and has a red background to make it more noticeable.

SUPPLEMENTARY SIGNS (W8)

These signs are like helpers to other signs. They can’t be put up by themselves, only
with another sign that tells you to be careful. They go on the same post as the main
sign, but below it. They have black writing on awhite background.

a.Advisory Speed (W8-1) – This sign tells drivers how fast they should go when the
weather, traffic, and road conditions are good. It is usually shown with another
warning sign. This sign usually goes with another sign called Alignment Signs W1,
and it can also be used with signs that show bumpy roads or hills where it tells you
how fast you should drive to be safe.
c.(Distance) m (W8-3); (Distance) km (W8-4)- Sometimes signs are put up to
show how far away something dangerous is. These signs use different units
of measurement like meters or kilometers. They are used with a warning
sign to keep people safe.

d.When Wet (W8-5) – If the road is wet, there is a sign that says it might be
slippery.

e.Blind (W8-6); Aged (W8- 7); Playground (W8-8); School (W8-9); Disabled
(W8-10) AGED, - There are signs that help people who can’t see well, who
are older, who have disabilities, and signs that show where playgrounds and
schools are. These signs are used along with signs that tell drivers to watch
out for people crossing the street, especially children.
f.For PUJ (W8-11A); For Buses (W8-11B) – These signs (PUJ for certain
vehicles and Buses for buses) are used with other signs that tell you not to
turn left, right, or make a U-turn. You can’t use them by themselves.
OTHER WARNING SIGNS (W9)

a.Vertical Clearance (W9-1A; W9-1B)- There are signs on the road that tell
drivers to be careful and slow down. One sign shows how much room there
is above the road for tall vehicles to pass under.

b.Slow Down Accident-Prone Area (W9-2A) or Bumagal Madalas Ang

Aksidente Dito (W9-2B) -Another sign warns drivers that accidents happen
often in that area. The signs are black letters on a white background that
shines in the dark. We’re putting up signs to tell drivers to be careful because
there might be a lot of accidents on this road. Once we make the road safer, we’ll
take the signs down.
c.Slow Down Merging Traffic Ahead (W9-3)- This sign tells drivers to be
careful because there will be cars joining the highway from another road. It is
a rectangle with black letters and borders on a white background that shines
in the dark
d.Lane Ends Merge Left (W9-4) – This sign tells drivers that their lane will
end soon and they need to move to the left. It is usually used with other
signs and markings on the road. It is a rectangle shape that is wide.

e.Slow Down Weighbridge Ahead (W9-5)- This sign tells drivers to slow
down because there is a place where their car will be weighed up ahead on
the road. After this sign, there will be another sign that shows which way to
go. The second sign is shaped like a rectangle.

4.Guide Signs or Informative Signs (Type G). These signs are also known as
“guide signs”, or “direction signs.”
The rectangular shape white-colored on blue background is used for
informative signs. Informative signs are intended to:
a. guide motorists along established routes,
b. inform the motorists of the proper roads, and
c. help motorists along the way in the most simple and direct method.

CLASSIFICATIONS OF GUIDE SIGNS OR INFORMATIVE SIGNS. There

are different types of signs that help people know where to go. Some signs
tell you which way to turn at intersections, some tell you the names of streets
or towns, and some tell you about places to visit. These signs are all
categorized into different groups, like Advance Direction Signs and Tourist
Information Signs.
ADVANCE DIRECTION SIGNS (G1)
Advance Direction Signs are signs that you see before you get to a place
where two important roads meet or cross. They tell you which way to go to
get to different places. They have pictures and words that show you which
way to turn. These signs are very helpful so that you don’t get lost!
These road signs are shaped like rectangles and have white symbols and
writing on a green background that shines in the dark. There are two kinds of
signs: ones that show a lot of information all stacked on top of each other,
and ones that show a picture of where to go.
a.Stack Signs (G1-1, G1-2, G1-3) – Stack signs are signs that tell you where
to go and which direction to go in. They might also show you the name of the
road you’re on and what route you’re taking.
b.Diagrammatic Direction Signs (G1-4, G1-5) – This type of sign shows a
picture of the intersection to make it easier to understand. It’s used in places
where there are a lot of roads coming together, like big roundabouts or when
there are many roads close together. It helps drivers know which way to go.
To make the sign shorter, we can use shorter words like HWY for Highway,
RD for Road, ST for Street, AVE for Avenue, and EXPRWAY for
Expressway.
 INTERSECTION DIRECTION SIGNS (G2)
a.Function and Application These road signs (G2-1, G2-2, G2-3, G2-4) –
These signs (G2-1, G2-2, G2-3, G2-4) are put up at big intersections to help
people figure out which way to go on the different roads.
The signs will be like a rectangle lying down. They might have pointy ends
with a white arrow inside them showing which way to go.
The sign will have a green background with a white border and white writing.
It will also be reflective so people can see it at night. The part that shows the
road name will have a black background with white writing and will have
square edges.
REASSURANCE DIRECTION SIGNS (G3-1; G3-2) – These signs help
drivers know they’re going the right way and how far they have to go to get
where they want to go. They’re usually shaped like rectangles and have
words on them that show different places you can go. If there are a lot of
places, the sign might be turned up and down instead of sideways.
If someone tells you a number for a road, that number will be on the left side
of the road’s name.

FINGER BOARD AND DIRECTION SIGNS FOR LESS IMPORTANT

ROADS (G4) – Signs called “Finger Boards” are set up at intersections on
smaller roads to show people which way to go to get to different places like
towns, pretty spots, and important buildings like train stations and airports.
These signs are for small roads, not big roads. You won’t see them on really
important roads.
The signs will be long and rectangular, like a rectangle on its side. They
might have a pointy end to show which way to go. They will be shiny so cars
can see them at night. The words on the sign will usually be black on a shiny
white background.

STREET NAME SIGNS (G5)

These signs tell drivers the names of the roads they are on or about to drive
on. These signs are put on poles near the road so everyone can see them. They
show the name of the street and sometimes the numbers of the houses on
that block. These are signs that are shaped like rectangles and have shiny material
on them. They should be mostly white with blue or green in the background.
They can be other colors too, but not with a red background.
TOWN NAMES AND GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURE SIGNS (G6)
These signs tell drivers about places they might want to know about, like
where they are on a map.
The signs will look like a rectangle lying down, with black words on a white
background.

SERVICE SIGNS (G7)

Service signs are usually rectangular and have white writing on a blue
background. If the service is available at night, the sign might be really shiny.
TOURIST INFORMATION AND TOURIST DESTINATION SIGNS (G8)
Tourist Information signs having white legend on brown background may be
erected on an arterial road to denote places of public, scenic, historic or
cultural interest that are recognized by the appropriate authority and through
which the road passes. They may be erected also as fingerboards at the last
junction with an access road leading directly to the place of tourist interest
(G8-1, G8-2, G8-3, G8-4)
ROUTE MARKERS (69)
The identification and general direction of arterial roads and National
highways that have significance as ‘through’ routes can be Route Markers
showing the number and direction of the route. The route numbers can also
be displayed on directional signs indicating the appropriate national highway
the motorists is on (G9-1, G9-2, G9-3, G9-4, G9-5, G9-6, G9-7, G9-8).
The national highways could be identified by the shield (G9-1) that has black
numerals and border on reflectorized white background. The direction of the route
is indicated by arrow boards (G9-2 to G9-6 inclusive), located at the top of the
route Marker. At the end of the route, the sign END (G9-7) shall Be displayed.
Arrow boards and END signs have black Arrows or legend and black border on
reflectorized white Background.
ASIAN HIGHWAY ROUTE MARKERS (G10)
As one of the 32 member countries of the United Nations Economic and
Social Commission of Asia and the Pacific (UN-ESCAP), the Philippines is
committed to install Route Markers and Directional Signs along the Asian
Highways. Philippines is assigned with the Asian Highway route number
AH26 (G10-1). The route links major seaports and cities in the country
comprising mostly of the Daang Maharlika which commence from Laoag
Manila-Legaspi-Matnog- (Ferry)- Allen-Tacloban (Ormoc-(Ferry)-Cebu-)
Liloan – (Ferry) – Surigao -Davao (-Cagayan de Oro) – General Santos
Zamboanga. The total length of AH26 is about 3,517 km. The route Shield can also
be displayed on directional signs to easy identify the route. To make the Asian
Highway Route identification more successful, this shield (G10-1) should be shown
on the road maps that are freely available to the motorists. The Asian Highways
could be identified by the (G-10) that has a white retro reflective letters, numer
and border on retro-reflective blue background.
 a.Advance Directional Signs with Route Marker Shield shield
The AH26 shield should be incorporated in the sign where advance
directional signs are intersection or junction.
b.Asian Highway Leg Marker Sign (G1-1, G1-2 G1-3, G14)
At the start of each segment or leg of the Asian Highway, a gantry
marker
gantry type shall be put-up comprising of three types of overhead
signage.
This sign shall have reflectorized white legend on reflectorized blue
background; with also AH26 shield. It describes the various segments of the
Asian Highway. G1-2 (2440mm X 1700mm). This sign shall have reflectorized white
legend on reflectorized blue background with AH shield, kilometer box and a map
describing the total length of the Asian Highway 26 section. G1-3 (2050mm x
1700mm). This sign shall have reflectorized white legend on reflectorized blue
background. It informs the motorist on what jurisdictional region district the next
segment is in to. G1-4 . (variable X 1700mm). This sign shall have reflectorized white
legend on reflectorized blue background; with Efipanio delos Santos Ave. AH26
shield, informing the motorist of the name of the road ahead and its distance.
5.SIGNS FOR EXPRESSWAYS (Type GE).
The Directional Signs are also applicable to expressways.

EXPRESSWAY APPROACH SIGNS (GE1-1, GE 1-2 and GE 1-3) These signs have
reflectorized white legend on reflectorized green background so that they are
visible at night. These signs are to be installed in advance or at the nearest
intersection expressways.

EXPRESSWAY INFORMATION SIGNS

a. Prohibited on Expressways (GE2-1A; GE2-18; GE2-1C)
- Certain classes of traffic may be prohibited from traveling on an
expressway. Where this occurs, the appropriate signs PROHIBTED ON
EXPRESSWAYS should be erected on the roads leading to the entry ramps.
The location of the signs will depend upon local conditions.
These signs shall have reflectorized white PUNABOK SASAKYANG WALANG TAIL
LIGHT legend on reflectorized light-green background.

c.Toll Charges (Advance Information) (GE2-2) – This sign is located in

advance to the Toll Plaza to inform motorists the amount of toll charges
required to pay at the toll plaza.

C. Lane Directions Signs (GE2-3) Lane Direction signs are used to guide the
motorists to an intersection or an interchange.
ADVANCE EXIT SIGNS (GE3-1; GE3-2; GE3- 3) These signs are erected in advance
of an exit ramp to advice drivers of the principal destinations to be reached
from the exit ramp, and/or the distance to the exit point. Not more than two
destinations should be shown on the sign. Examples are:
a.GE3-1 Advance Exit with distance;
b.GE3-2 Advance Exit with Distance plus RIGHT LANE and, where
applicable, a route marker could b included; and,

C. GE3-3 Supplementary Advance (NEXT EXIT)

EXPRESSWAY EXIT DIRECTIONS SIGNS (GE4-3; GE4-2; GE4-3; GE4-4)
Exit signs with Destinations (GE4- 1) are erected overhead before the exit
ramp of the interchange.
The NEXT EXIT…. KM(GE4-2) is placed below the first advance exit sign at
an interchange where it is desirable to inform drivers that it will be an
unexpectedly long distance before they again leave the expressway.
The EXIT (GE4-3) sign is always placed at the exit ramp gore, 20m to 30m
back from the physical nose. The GE-3A version is used EX where exits are
numbered.

EXPRESSWAY SERVICE SIGNS (GE5)Signing to services on or off expressways

can either be: To services provided on the expressway such as a rest area, truck
parking area or a service center, or to services provided off the expressway
such as Restaurants, Gasoline Stations, and Information Center.
a.Rest Area (GE5-1 to GE5-3) – Rest – Areas adjacent to an expressway
are usually located away from the main carriageway via a ramp so that other
guide signs do not influence the signs directing traffic to them.
The sign GE5-3A or GE5-3B are erected in the foregoing direction by arrow
to the rest area. It may have its long axis vertical GE5-3A or horizontal GE5-
3B to suit the location, and being in the fore, should be erected on a
breakaway post. All rest area signs have a reflectorized white legend on
light-green background.

b.Other Expressway Service Signs (GE5-4; GE5-5; GES 6) These signs

include advance information for SERVICE CENTER (GE5-4) TRUCK
PARKING (GES-5) facilities or other facilities off the expressway. The
advance information signs is followed by exit signs showing these facilities
(e.g. GE5-7)
END OF EXPRESSWAY (GE6-1; GE6-2; GE6-3; GE6-4) A warning of the
end of an expressway is provided by Sign (GE6-1) at 1km or 2km (GE6-1A)
and REDUCE SPEED NOW Sign (GE8-2) at approximately 400m from the
end of the expressway. The END EXPRESSWAY sign GE6-3 is placed at
the end of the expressway. All these signs have white legend on
reflectorized light-green background.

TOLL SIGNS (GE7-1; GE7-2; GE7-3)

Where a toll plaza is located on an expressway, it is necessary to provide
the motorist with advance warning of the toll barrier. At least 2km from the
toll plaza, a sign TOLL PLAZA AHEAD with distance (GE7-1) with black
legend on white background are erected. At 400km from the toll plaza, the
sign REDUCE SPEED NOW (GE8- 2) are also erected and at approximately
200m before the plaza, STOP AT TOLL GATES (GE7- 2) with black legend
on white background are erected. Reflectorized. All signs are fully
reflectorized.
black legend on white reflectorized background, except STOP AT TOLL
GATES (GE7-2), which requires red legend on reflectorized white
background.

EXPRESSWAY TRAFFIC INSTRUCTION AND REGULATORY SIGNS

(GE8) These special signs are normally exclusively for expressways. These
signs are normally rectangular in shape with black legend and white
reflectorized background except WRONG WAY- GO BACK (GEB-1)
REDUCE SPEED NOW (GEB-2) which have white legend on reflectorized
red background. Other Regulatory Signs such as Speed Restrictions signs
belong to the normal Regulatory Sign Series.

a.Reduce Speed Now (GE8-2) – The REDUCED SPEED NOW sign is used
in advanced of the end of an expressway. To be effective, drivers need to
see a purpose for slowing down and therefore other signs should be erected
in conjunction with this sign, e.g. END EXPRESSWAY (GE6-3)
b.Right Lane Ends 500M (GE8-3)- The RIGHT LANE ENDS 500m sign is
located approximately 500m from the start of merge taper, to give the first
warning of a lane drop.

c.Right Lane Ends, Merge Left (GE8-4); Lane Ends Merge Left (GE8-5);
Merge Left (GE8-6); Slow Vehicles Use Right Lane (GE8-7) Signs – The
RIGHT LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT sign is located 180m to 220m from the
start of the merge taper. The LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT sign is used where
the opportunity exists to place the sign directly above the terminating lane
e.g. on a sign gantry in the vicinity of an exit. In all cases the MERGE LEFT sign is
placed at the start of the merger taper. Three equally spaced merge arrows
should also be marked in the lane which ends.

The SLOW VEHICLES USE RIGHT LANE (GE8-7) sign is used to direct
slow moving vehicles to keep right and allow faster vehicles to overtake on
the left lane.
a.Reduce Speed Now (GE8-2) – The REDUCED SPEED NOW sign is used
in advanced of the end of an expressway. To be effective, drivers need to
see a purpose for slowing down and therefore other signs should be erected
in conjunction with this sign, e.g. END EXPRESSWAY (GE6-3)

b.Right Lane Ends 500M (GE8-3)- The RIGHT LANE ENDS 500m sign is
located approximately 500m from the start of merge taper, to give the first
warning of a lane drop.

c.Right Lane Ends, Merge Left (GE8-4); Lane Ends Merge Left (GE8-5);
Merge Left (GE8-6); Slow Vehicles Use Right Lane (GE8-7) Signs – The
RIGHT LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT sign is located 180m to 220m from the
start of the merge taper. The LANE ENDS MERGE LEFT sign is used where
the opportunity exists to place the sign directly above the terminating lane
e.g. on a sign gantry in the vicinity of an exit. In all cases the MERGE LEFT sign is
placed at the start of the merger taper. Three equally spaced merge arrows
d.Check Brakes (S1-4E) – The CHECK BRAKES sign is used in conjunction
with REDUCE SPEED NOW sign on the Expressway. It is normally used as
a supplementary sign to Steep Decent warning sign (W5-4) on major
highways.

6.TRAFFIC INSTRUCTION SIGNS (Type S).

Special instruction signs are those used at locations where ordinary guide
and regulatory signs do not achieve the desired result. These signs instruct
the motorist to follow a direction or to obey a course of action.
These signs are normally not regulatory signs but are used in conjunction
with regulatory or warning signs to form a standard treatment and to
support the operation of traffic rules. Some of these are exclusively used
on Expressways.
Supplementary Signs (S1) – These signs include those which are normally
used in conjunction with other signs, either Warning Signs (W) or Regulatory
Signs ®.

a.Use Overpass (S1-1); Use Pedestrian Crossing (S1-2)- The USE OVERPASS
sign (S1-1) and the USE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING (S1-2) signs are used in
conjunction with NO PEDESTRIAN CROSSING disc (R3- 10).

b.Trucks Use Low Gear (S1-3); Check Brakes (S1-4) – The TRUCKS USE LOW
GEAR sign is used in conjunction with the STEEP DECENT warning signs (W5-
4) at the top of long and steep downgrades. It is erected between the
warning sign and the start of the down grade, or immediately below the
warning sign to match the sign size. The CHECK BRAKES sign (S1-4) is also
$1-3 $1-4 used in conjunction with W5-4, and should be erected at
approximately 300m after the warning sign. The CHECK BRAKES sign is
also used on the approach to the end of an expressway.
appropriate warning sign so that the reason for the reduction in speed is
apparent to a driver.

b.Stop Here On Red Signal (S2-2) – This sign is used near the flashing
signals located at railway level crossings or in any other situation where a
vehicle is required to stop at a red signal and the position at which the
vehicle must stop is not readily apparent.

c.Turn Left With Care (S2-3L)- The sign turn left with care may be erected at
an intersection controlled by traffic signals where there is no control on a left
turn movement and where a separate lane for turns has been provided. The
process is called the “left-filter scheme.”

d.Turn Right Anytime with Care (S2-3R) This sign may be erected at
channelized signalized intersections where lane is segregated by a traffic
island.
e.Low Clearance Ahead High Vehicles Detour The advance warning of low
clearance of a structure ahead (such as a bridge, or an overpass) for high
vehicle detour are erected in advance of a junction with a detour.

f.Detour for… Vehicles (S2-4A) – This sign is erected at the junction with an
alternative route where certain classes of vehicles may be unable to
negotiate the through route. The words HIGH, HEAVY, WIDE or LONG may
be used as appropriate on the sign.

g.Give Way to Pedestrians (S2-5)- This sign is used only at signalized

intersections where there is a need to remind drivers of right or left-turning
vehicles that although they are still under the control of the intersection
signals, they must give way to pedestrians.

h.No Right Turn On Red Signal (S2-6) – The NO RIGHT TURN ON RED
SIGNAL is used at signalized locations where right turn on red signal will
cause conflict problems either with through vehicles or with pedestrians.
i.Slow Vehicles Use Right Lane (S2-7); Mabagal Na Sasakyan Mamalagi sa
Kanan (S2-7A) This sign is erected on the left side of a road at the beginning
of the taper leading to a lane for slow-moving vehicles.

j.Trak At Bus Mamalagi Sa Kanan Maliban Kung Lulusot (S2-7B) – This sign
is used on major roads, particularly where a public utility vehicle lane is
installed.

k.No Through Road (S2-8) This sign, either S2-8A or S2-8B is used where
there is a possibility that through traffic may enter a dead-end local road in
error. A suitable place to erect the sign is underneath the street name sign in
the side road.

l.Road Closed (S2-9) This sign is erected in the center of a road that is
closed to vehicular traffic in conjunction with a permanent barrier across the
road.
m.Form 1(2) Lane (s) (S2-10) This sign is used to instruct drivers to form into
appropriate number of lanes. It is usually erected in conjunction with LANE
ENDS MERGE LEFT (W9-4) signs.

n.Alternate Route (For Trucks and Buses) (S2-11) – This sign is used to
indicate an alternative for some types of vehicles when the normal route may
not accessible for any reason.

7.HAZARD MARKERS (Type HM).

This section covers the standard forms of hazard markers. The hazard
marker used for road works are not included in this chapter. They are separately provided
the road Works Safety Manual of the DPWH. Hazard Makers approaching driver a marked
change in the direction of travel and the presence of an obstruction. They are rectangular
and generally consist of a series of alternate black and white bands. The white portion is
always reflectorized. The bands may consist of either diagonal strips where only a target is
required or of chevron where directional, as well
as target, properties are desirable.
TYPES OF MARKERS
a.One-Way Hazard Markers (HM1) One-Way Hazard Markers indicate to the
approaching driver the direction to be followed if the marker appears in the
driving path. They may point to the left or right as appropriate and are used
as follows: To delineate an abrupt narrowing of pavement; At exposed ends of
raised median islands where traffic is required to pass one to one side; On
central island of a roundabout facing entering traffic; and To delineate the
curve approach before entering an intersection. The HM1 chevron Hazard
Marker are generally used to delineate curves where visibility is poor, or with
restricted sight lines.

1.) Chevron Signs – The Chevron Signs (HM-1A and HM-1B) are used to guide
drivers through a change in horizontal alignment of the road. Chevron are used
to supplement any of the advance warning signs, the Horizontal Alignment
Signs (W-Types) or the standard Guide Posts and Delineators. The chevron sign
shall be vertical rectangle. No border are used on the chevron sign.
2) Two-Way Hazard Markers (HM-4A, HM-B, HM-5) - traffic may pass to
either side. This sign can be used on a wide column of an overpass structure,
or a median island separating the carriageway with the traffic proceeding in
the same direction.
The HM 4A Hazard Marker is also placed opposite the stem of a T-junction
as a target, and for guidance of traffic approaching along the approaching
along the terminating road. They are generally used on rural road and at
poorly lit intersections.
3) Width Marker (HM6) - Width Markers are used at approaches to road
bridges where: clearance to bridge curb from the edge of the running lane is
less than the shoulder or curb width of the approach road; there are non
frangible vertical obstructions less than 500mm clear behind the bridge curb;
and any bridge less than 2m wider than the approach pavement or running
portion of the carriageway.
4) Obstruction Markers (HM3) - These are used to delineate obstructions
within or above the road. Further, these markers used highlight road
closures, either mid-block or at the end of a road (e.g., cul-de-sac, service
road).

E. LEGEND TO INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC SIGNS. Based on the UN

Vienna Convention on Road Signs, images number 1-67 in Figure 26 are the
standard signs and shapes of the international Road Signs. Note: The
symbols and legends are drawn by the author.
I. DANGER WARNING SIGNS
1. Dangerous Bends
2. Dangerous Left Bend
3. Dangerous Right Bend
4. Dangerous Left Double Bend
5. Dangerous Right Double Bend
6-13. Dangerous Warning Signs to Indicate Road Intersection.
14. Approach to Intersection
15. Approach to Intersection, Side Road
16. Approach to Intersection, Merging Traffic
17. Swinging Bridge
18. Traffic Light Signals Ahead
19. Road Works
20. Pedestrian Crossing
21. Animal Crossing
22. Road Narrow
23. Uneven road, Bad Condition
24. Steep Descent
25. Steep Ascent
26. Slippery Road
27. Quay or River
28. Runabout Ahead
29. Two-way Traffic
30. Danger: Falling Rocks Railroad Crossing
II. REGULATORY SIGNS
A. Prohibitive and Restrictive Signs
31.No Entry for All Types of Vehicles
32. No Entry for Cars
33.No Entry for Jeeps
34.No Entry for Bicycles
35.No Entry for Tricycles
36.No Entry for Buses
37.No Entry for Trucks
38.No Entry for Power Vehicles Drawing Trailers
39.No Entry for Motorcycles
40.No Entry for Pedestrians
41.No Entry for Animal Drawn Vehicles
42.No Entry for Push Carts
43.No Left Turn
44.No Right Turn
45.No U-Turn
46.No Parking
47. No Entry for Vehicles having an overall height exceeding specified
figures in meters
48. No Overtaking
49. No Blowing of Horns
50. No Entry for Vehicles having an overall width exceeding specified figures in
meters
51. No Entry for Vehicles exceeding in tons laden weight
52. No Entry for Vehicles having a weight exceeding a specified figure in
tons on one axle
53. No Entry for Vehicles whose overall length exceeds specified figures in
meters
54. Speed Limit
B. MANDATORY SIGNS
56.-61. Directions which vehicles are obliged to follow
62. Compulsory Minimum Speed

C. PRIORITY SIGNS
63. Stop Sign
64. Yield Sign

III. INFORMATIVE SIGNS

65. Directional Sign
66. Place Identification Sign
67. Stop sign for Loading and Unloading
LESSON 4.3 TRAFFIC SIGNAL LIGHTS
Concept
Traffic lights are machines that tell cars and people when it’s safe to
go and when to stop. They help keep everyone safe when crossing the
street or driving through intersections.
Traffic lights have different colors that tell drivers when to stop and go.
The colors always go in the same order: Red, Yellow, and Green.
Sometimes there are special arrows for turning, and those colors go in a
different order. They are usually on the left side of the regular lights.

A. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND. A long time ago, trains in America were

the first to use certain colors. Later, people started using those same colors
on the roads too. Everyone around the world agreed to use these colors
because they were chosen carefully and based on what had worked well in
the past.
1. THE COLORS. Traffic lights have different colors that tell drivers when to
stop and go. It took a lot of thinking and different things had to be considered
before they chose the colors.
>The colors needed to be easy to see, know what they are, and not
confused with other colors.
>This had to be done while far away and moving.
>The colors had to be really good and strong so that they could be seen no
matter what the weather was like or what time of day it was.
 When choosing colors to give important information, some colors were
already picked because they have been connected to that kind of message
for a long time. These colors have been used to tell people to stop, be
careful, or go fast for a really long time.

1.RED FOR “STOP”. Red means “Stop.” Red is a good color to use for “stop”
because it means danger. People have known for a long time that fire is
dangerous and can burn them, and fire is also red. Blood is also red, and if
someone loses too much blood, they can die. So, red is a good color to use
when something is very dangerous or urgent.
A long time ago, some groups of people used the color red to signal danger
and scare their enemies. For example, the Incas in Peru gave red beads to
their messengers to warn others about war. So, the color red was very
important for this purpose.
 2.White for “Go”. Though “to give the green light” has become the proverbial
permissive signal in many a situation, green was not the original choice for
“go.” Indicated that the railroad was safe and that the train could proceed
without danger. After all, white had always been regarded, though
unscientifically so, as a pure and clear color. Consequently, in the language
of symbolism it came to express purity. Therefore, it was not surprising either
that initially it was decided upon to make it the signal that the line was “clear.”

Furthermore, a white light was the most easily produced It was “natural,”
without the need of paint or other coloring aids. Like red for danger, it
seemed the obvious selection
. 3.Caution. Two “lights” were to control the running of trains – white for “go”
and red for “stop.” It was then realized that safety would be served better
still by introducing a cautionary light to warn the driver of an imminent
change. Its color once again was to be determined by considerations of
contrast, distinctiveness and visibility. The eventual choice was green. At a
meeting of railway officials in Birmingham, England, in 1841, it was finally
agreed to make red, green, and white the standard signals for “danger,”
caution,” and “go ahead.”
.4.Green for “Go.” It did not take long for “white” to Prove the wrong color for
“go.” Bitter experience taught that it was far from ideal. In fact, it could prove
fatal and for a very pertinent reason. At that early stage, kerosene lamps
served as the source of light. Any color other than white was produced by
fixing a color glass plate in front of the lamp. It sometimes happened that the
glass plate was smashed Or just fell off. In either case, the red warning light
instantaneously changed into the white “go ahead.” An approaching train
then had no apparent reason to stop. Full steam ahead it would rush on, with
possibly disastrous consequences. White had proved unsuitable also for
another reason which could cause confusion, if not a collision. After all, the
white lamps were not the exclusive property of railways or used as traffic
signals alone. They served generally and in an ever-greater number, as a
source of illumination during night. Therefore, how easily could it happen
that those in charge of a train could mistake a kerosene lamp put up to shed
light as their signal telling them that the “road” was clear.
. Green, after all, was a “natural” color. It was the hue of all foliage and
growing things. Man knew it so well environmentally that it spelled out to him
life, safety and normality. Like the green sap in a plant, it was symbolic of
motion, drive, and vitality. Therefore, from the very beginning, it should have
been the obvious color for signaling permission to proceed. Thus, green
found its rightful place in the scheme of traffic lights. All that was needed
now was to find a replacement color to “caution” drivers. The (second and
final) choice fell on yellow-amber. That is how green, yellow, and red became
the standard combination of colors for railroad signals. The New York, New
Havens, and Hartford Railroad, USA, was the first to introduce them in 1899.
B.From Rail to Road Traffic. The increase of road traffic in cities necessitated its
regulation. Policemen on point duty did a good job, but soon were outnumbered
by intersections demanding attention. It became clear that only mechanical
aids could solve the problem. The traffic authorities did not have to go far in
their search. They simply adopted and adopted – though very gradually and
even before their final standardization the readymade and well-tried system of
railroad signals.

A long time ago In England, important people who worked in Parliament needed
to cross a busy street to get to work. The police put up a tall pole with a light
that could turn red or green to help them cross safely. But one day, the gas that
made the light work exploded and hurt a policeman. Nobody realized it could be
dangerous before that happened.
A long time ago, someone made a special light to help cars and people know
when to stop and go on the road. It was made out of wood and had different
colors shining through holes. A detective named Lester Wire made it and it
had wires connecting it to the electricity above the road. People had to turn it
on and off by hand. It was in a place called Salt Lake City in the United
States.

In 1914, Cleveland, Ohio made a new kind of traffic light that was better than
the ones before it. It had two colors (red and green) that could be controlled
by either a person or a machine. It also had a warning sound to help people
know when to stop and go. At that time, there wasn’t as much noise from
cars as there is now, so it was easy to hear the warning sound.
A long time ago in 1918, New York City made the first traffic lights that changed
colors automatically. It took a little while, but in 1926, a city in Britain made their
own traffic lights that people had to change manually. The next year, they tried
out automatic traffic lights in a busy town in England and it worked really well.
Soon after, other cities in Britain started using automatic traffic lights too. Now,
traffic lights are everywhere and help keep us safe when we’re driving or
walking.

C.Rationale. Regulating traffic flow at intersections and road crossings is just

a matter of alternating the GO and STOP signal so that every driver gets his
“fair share”. As a result of this, traffic lights were invented to relieve the traffic
policeman of the mechanical duties of alternating traffic to make everybody
happy.
During instances wherein traffic officers are directing traffic at a crossing or
intersection equipped with traffic lights, the INSTRUCTIONS OF THE POLICE
OFFICER TAKE PRECEDENCE over the traffic lights.

D.Problems Concerning Traffic Lights. There are several problems arising from
intersections controlled by traffic lights. These are:

1.Failure to respect traffic laws and regulations particularly in the absence of

traffic law enforcers. In the Philippine Setting, respect to laws (not necessary
traffic laws) needs Improvement.

2.When a traffic light suddenly becomes inoperative, very seldom do order and a
sense of discipline prevail. It always ends up as a massive free for all.
3.Even pedestrians are guilty of disobeying traffic lights by Crossing on DON’T
WALK signs. This usually halts traffic.

4.Many times, presence of traffic law enforcers does not deter pedestrians
from disobeying traffic laws, rules and regulations. Oftentimes, inoperative traffic
lights (either due to brownout or out of order) cause traffic jams. In cases like
these, Lichauco advised that IT IS SAFER TO SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A
COMPLETE STOP and make certain what the flow of traffic is. Further, he noted the
common observation that too many accidents have happened with drivers on both
sides ASSUMING that the light on their side is SUPPOSED TO BE GREEN.
E.Classifications of Traffic Signal Lights. Traffic signal lights are further classified into
three:
1. Traffic Control Signals. These are signal lights designed primarily to control and
regulate traffic flows.
2. Special Pedestrian Signals. These signal lights provides regulation for pedestrians like
the “WALK” and “DO NOT WALK” signal lights.

3. Train Approach and Gates Signals. These are usually installed on road
rail intersections designed to inform motorists of any approaching train on
the intersection.

4. Other Special Traffic Signals. These are installed traffic ways where
special regulations are emphasized like “YIELD TO VEHICLES COMING
FROM THE LEFT”, and other similar regulations
F.Traffic Signal Systems. Traffic Signal Lights use different signaling systems
which vary according to the needs of the traffic way.

1.The Fixed-time System. A traffic control signal by which traffic is alternately

commanded to stop and permitted to proceed in accordance with
predetermined time schedule. This is the most widely used system of traffic
signaling. The duration of the green light remains constant and is set to favor
traffic on the main roadway. Main-road traffic is halted periodically to permit
the side-road traffic to cross the intersection for a short fixed-time before the
signal again favors traffic on the main road. The cycle lengths of the signal
changes are determined by systematic studies of traffic flow and pedestrian
needs. Such cycle lengths can be set to vary during the day to accommodate
changing traffic patters. Traffic-activated controllers can also be used. These
vary the length of the green light on a street according to changes in traffic
demand.
2.Progressive System. These are used on major arteries of a number of cities.
Signals at successive intersections along the artery are timed to change from
red to green at staggered intervals, permitting a vehicle that maintains a
constant speed to proceed without interruption under normal circumstances.

3.Computerized Control of Signal Networks. Signal changes are ordered by

the demands of traffic and are directed by computers that operate on the
basis of traffic information relayed from vehicle sensors on the streets. In this
system, traffic detectors are placed at several locations- generally in the
pavement. A computer continuously scans the traffic information from each
detector. The computer then selects the best timing for each signal to reduce
traffic congestion and minimize delays.
G.Specific Meaning of Traffic Lights. To attain more effective and efficient
controlling of traffic, each color of the traffic light has specific meaning and
traffic regulation.

1.Steady Red.
a. STOP at the designated line.
b. Vehicles will be crossing from the “other side”.
c. Expect pedestrians to cross at the pedestrian lane.
d. Unless specified, you can TURN RIGHT after a FULL STOP to clear traffic
coming from the left.
2.Steady Green.
a. GO
b. It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side to STOP.
c. Pedestrians are not allowed to cross the pedestrian lane in front of you.
d. Unless specified, you can move up to the midde section of the intersection
and make a left turn when clear.
e. Vehicles GOING STRAIGHT have the right of way.
f. DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN LIGHT.
3.Steady Green Arrow.
a. GO
b. Vehicles turning left can do so.
c. On coming straight traffic is still RED to give way for the vehicles turning
left.
d. DO NOT ANTICIPATE A GREEN ARROW.

4.Steady Yellow.
a. PREPARE TO STOP
b. It is the turn of the vehicles on the other side and will be given the GO
signal shortly.
C. DO NOT BEAT A YELLOW LIGHT.
5.Flashing Red.
a. This is the same as a STOP SIGN.
b. STOP at the designated line.
c. Vehicles will be crossing from the “other side”,
d. Expect pedestrians to cross at the pedestrians’ lane. E. PROCEED
WHEN CLEAR.

6.Flashing yellow.
a. This is the same as a YIELD SIGN.
b. Proceed through the intersection with CAUTION
c. You have the right of way over a flashing RED LIGHT.
d. Vehicles on the other side will proceed after coming a FULL STOP.
6.Flashing yellow.
a. This is the same as a YIELD SIGN.
b. Proceed through the intersection with CAUTION
c. You have the right of way over a flashing RED LIGHT.
d. Vehicles on the other side will proceed after coming a FULL STOP.

7.Steady Green and Steady Left/Right Arrow.

a. Vehicles can go straight or vehicles on the left lane can make a left turn.
b. Vehicles can go straight or vehicles on the right lane can make a right
turn.
c. The RIGHT GREEN signal might or might NOT have a road sign
disallowing a right turn while the RED light is ON.
 LESSON 4.4
PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND MARKERS
Concept

PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND MARKERS. On the roads we drive on,

there are special lines and signs that help us stay safe. These markings
show us where we should drive and help us know which way to go. They
are different depending on the road and what kind of safety we need.

A.PAVEMENT MARKINGS (Road Markers) DEFINED. Pavement markings

are lines, words, colors, or other things on the road that help guide and
warn drivers. Different groups have different names for these markings,
like “road markers” or “carriageway markings”. They’re important for
keeping everyone safe on the road.
 Road markers are signs on the road that help drivers know where to
go and what to do. They can be different colors and are placed in specific
spots to follow rules all over the world. They are very important for
drivers to pay attention to so they can stay safe on the road.

B.TYPES OF PAVEMENT MARKINGS AND/OR ROAD MARKERS. There

are different kinds of lines and signs on the road that help drivers know
where to go and stay safe. These lines and signs are put into groups
depending on what they are used for and where they are put. These
groups are called pavement and curb markings, object markings, and
reflectorized markings.
1.PAVEMENT AND CURB MARKINGS. Pavement and curb markings are
lines on the road that help separate cars going in different directions.
They can be yellow or white and are used on different types of roads.
Examples of these lines include ones that go straight and ones that go
across the road.

A.LONGITUDINAL LINES – Longitudinal lines are lines on the road that

show us where we should drive. Some of them separate the lanes, some
of them show us where we shouldn’t go, and others show us where the
edge of the road is.
1.CENTER LINE OR SEPARATION LINE (a.k.a barrier line) – There’s a
line in the middle of the road that helps keep cars going in different
directions from crashing into each other. It’s usually in the middle of the
road, but sometimes it might be moved to one side if there’s a special
reason. The line can be different types, like dots or a solid line.

A single white dotted line on the road means something important.

It tells drivers what they should do.
✓ on two-lane road, it separates traffic moving in opposite directions.
✓ on a one-way street, separates traffic moving inone direction.
✓ overtaking is possible when the other lane is clear of oncoming
possible.
b) Single White Continuous Line in A Two-lane Traffic Way. This line
indicates the following:
✓ separates traffic moving in opposite direction.
✓could be found in road sections that are dangerous.
✓ passing and overtaking can be made but ONLY under circumstances
when there is no oncoming traffic.

c) Single Continuous Line on a Four-lane Road. This sign when found

on four-lane streets, indicates:
✓ when there are slow and fast lanes, NEVER overtake by passing over
the solid white line.
✓ lanes 1 & 4 (outer lanes or right lanes) for slow moving vehicles.
Vehicles on this lane should not be BELOW the minimum speed limit.
✓ lanes 2 & 3 (inner lanes or left lanes) are usually for faster moving
vehicles.
d) Double Yellow Line. The two continuous solid line are separated by a
single white dotted or broken line (Figure 30). This type of pavement
markings means:
✓ ABSOLUTELY NO OVERTAKING.
✓ overtaking is extremely dangerous.
✓ stay in your lane until you pass the end of the solid lines.

e.) Single Yellow/White Line. A yellow or white line with a dotted white
line means.
✓that you cannot overtake if the solid line is on your side.
✓if you overtake, return to your lane BEFORE the solid line.
f.) Yellow Continuous Line on Road Provided with a Passing Lane
(Climbing Lane). This line indicates the following (see figure 32):
✓these are common on mountain roads.
✓slow moving vehicles such as buses and
✓ heavy trucks should always use the outer lane (lane 3).
✓ inner lane (lane 2) is for vehicles to pass without having to use the
other lane (lane 1) for vehicles coming from the opposite direction.
✓ vehicles coming from the opposite direction (lane 1) should not use the
inner lane (lane 2) at the other side for overtaking.

2)Lane Line – A lane line is used to separate adjacent lanes of traffic

moving in the same direction (figures 29 & 33).
3)“No Passing Zone” Zone Markings – “No Passing Zones” pertain to
areas on the road that prohibit passing or overtaking another motor
vehicle because the drivers’ vision is obstructed such as in blind curves
(horizontal curve, Figure 34) and uphill road portions (vertical curve,
Figure 35). The “No Passing Zone” is marked by continuous line with a
broken line or if passing is extremely hazardous, the area is delineated
with double solid (continuous) lines.
4)Pavement Edge Line or Edge Line or Curb Line – This line is used to
delineate or demarcate the roadway or carriageway and the shoulder.
This is made of solid white or yellow line. The presence of edge or curb
line also prohibits parking on both sides of the roadway while absence of
curb line or edge line allows parking either on one side or both sides of
the roadway.

5)Continuity Lines – These are lines indicating which lane should be

followed by motorists. These are usually marked on approaching narrow
portions of the carriageway or on uphill approach where passing lanes
are provided.
6)Transition Lines – These are used to guide traffic safely past
obstructions or roadways such as islands, median strips, bridge piers or
indicate changes in the width of the traveled portion of the roadway and
an increase or reduction in traffic lanes. Lane, edge, separation or
continuity lines may be used as transition lines whichever is appropriate
(DPWH, 2012 & UN-CRSS, 1968). Transition lines are also called barrel
lines.

Placement of barrel lines or transition lines is a new concept in

reducing the seriousness of accidents. The barrels are engineered to act
as impact cushion. Usually installed in front of a solid obstacle or traffic
island at an area of high accident frequency.
c.Transverse Lines – These markings refer to the “series of marked
(either flat or raised) transverse bars placed across the road in the
direction of traffic flow which are used to raise driver awareness of risk
through perceptual optical effects, thus encouraging drivers to reduce
their speed in anticipation of an upcoming hazard” (Martindale & Ulrich,
2010). Examples of transverse lines are stop lines, give way lines,
crosswalks or pedestrian markings, and runabout holding lines.
1)Stop Lines – These are painted across pavement lanes at traffic signs
or signals. Where these lines are present, you should stop behind the
stop line.

2)Give Way Line – Give Way or holding lines are markings consisting of
two adjacent white lines across the carriageways at which drivers must
give way to all traffic in accordance with the standard sign R1-2 of the
Philippine’s Road Signs and Pavement Markings Manual. Figure 42,
copied and pasted from DPWH 2012 Manual, shows an equilateral
triangle mark or symbol onthe lane similar to a “Give Way” sign. The give
way line is used in conjunction with a broken transverse line on the
approach of an intersection.
3)Crosswalk or Pedestrian Lane This pavement marking indicates the
following (figure 43): for pedestrian to cross.
✓ stop for pedestrians on an intersection with no traffic light.
✓ DO NOT STOP on pedestrian lane specially to load or unload
passengers.
✓pedestrians should ALWAYS cross a street on a crosswalk.

4)Roundabout Holding Lines – Motor vehicles on a roundabout shall be

given the right of way to move out. Hence, vehicles which are about to
enter shall yield. This road regulation is shown by Holding Lines (Figures
44a & 44b) which are broken reflectorized white line and are painted in
accordance with the general principles applied to other intersection
types (DPWH, 2012).
d.OTHER LINES. These are road markings painted on the road pavement
delineating restrictions and regulations and additional guidance to road
users. These are Turn Lines, Parking Bay Lines, Painted Median, Bus and
PUJ Lane Line, Loading and Unloading Bay Lane Line, and ‘Do Not Block
Intersection’ Lines.

1)Turn Lines – A turn line may be used to guide vehicles through a

turning movement at intersections. Turn lines, if used, should be so
designed as to indicate the proper course for turning vehicles without
being needlessly confusing to through traffic or the traffic making other
turns. The line generally forms an arc and is positioned on the left-hand
edge of the turning lane. The line commences at the termination of the
lane, edge or separation line, and shall continue up to but not across
another turn line.
2)Parking Bay Lines – This refers to lines where parking is permitted
which is either parallel parking and angle parking. Angle parking is
provided when there is sufficient space on the roadway. The right-angle
parking is rarely applied on public roads.

3)Painted Median – These are used on wide roads where light traffic
volume cannot justify the installation of solid curbed Median Island
(DPWH, 2012)
4)Bus and PUJ Lane Line This line is an unbroken – yellow line used to
separate other vehicles from buses and PUJ’s. This road marking can
be supplemented by raised pavement markers on concrete
pavements. The line is tapered at the approach to the signalized
intersection (DPWH, 2012). Figure 48 is copied and pasted from DPWH
2012 Manual.

5)Loading and Unloading Bay Lane Lines – These are unbroken

white line used to indicate the proper location of loading and
unloading zone for public utility vehicles preferably with parking
restriction. These lines can be supplemented by road signs.
6)‘Do Not Block Intersection’ Lines – These lines consist of yellow box
within the intersection and yellow diagonals lines forming an ‘X’ inside
the box. These lines shall be complemented with DO NOT BLOCK
INTERSECTION sign (DPWH, 2012).

e.Other Markings. These road markings include Approach Markings

to Islands and Obstructions, Chevron Markings, Diagonal Markings,
Rumble Strips, Marking on Exit and Entrance Ramps of Expressways,
Curb Markings for Parking and Loading/Unloading Restrictions,
Approach to Railroad Crossing, Messages and Symbols, and Pavement
Arrows.
1)Approach Markings to Islands and Obstructions These lines are
diagonal markings on approaches to obstructions and median islands
and located on the right side or to both sides of the approach end of
the obstruction (DPWH, 2012).

2)Chevron Markings – These are often used to guide traffic into the
right turning lanes separated by an island, such as a corner island at a
signalized intersection.
3)Diagonal Markings These are placed on sealed shoulders or other
sealed portion of the road where traffic is not desired (DPWH, 2012).

4)Rumble Strips – It is a type of thermoplastic lane marking designed

to aid and provide motorist with visual, audio and motion warnings on
the road. These strips are highly visible horizontal lines on the road
that produce a humming sound and ample bumpy ride to the
motorists when ran over. It promotes better traffic safety because it
stimulates more the human senses while driving (DPWH, 2012). Figure
54 is an example of rumble strips markings.
5)Marking on Exit and Entrance Ramps of Expressways a) Exit
Ramp marking (Figure 55a) – A solid line placed along the sides of the
triangular neutral area between the edges of the main roadway and
the exit ramp lane, a broken white line shall be placed from the apex of
the triangular area for a distance of approximately one-half of the
length of the full width deceleration lane (DPWH, 2012).

b) Entrance ramp marking (Figure 55b) – A solid white line placed

along the side of the triangular neutral area adjacent to the ramp lane
at the gore of every entrance ramp terminal. With parallel acceleration
lanes, a broken white line but not beyond the point where the tapered
line meets the outer edge of the near through lane (DPWH, 2012).
6)Curb Markings for Parking and Loading/Unloading – For parking
restrictions, solid yellow color covers the face of the curb. These
markings are usually Restrictions supplemented by parking prohibition
sign to indicate the extent of the area where parking is legally
prohibited at all times. For loading/unloading restrictions, solid red
color is applied in the same manner as with parking restrictions
(DPWH, 2012). Figures 56a and 56b which are copied and pasted from
DPWH 2012 Manual are examples of these markings.
7)Approach to Railroad Crossing – This marking is placed before
railroad crossings. The marking consists of a white cross, white letters
RR, a yellow ‘No-Passing’ zone marking, and a double solid bar in front
of and parallel to the railway line. This marking is auxiliary to the
standard international sign W7-1 for railroad advance warning and the
crossing signals for gates (DPWH, 2012). Figure 57 which is copied and
pasted from DPWH Manual is an example of Railroad Crossing
markings.
8)Messages and Symbols
a) Messages – These are white markings
limited to three word or less and shall only be used to supplement
other traffic control devices (Figure 58). The distance between words is
variable depending on the message and location at which it is based.
The first word of the message is to be nearest the motorist on rural
roads. In urban low speed areas, the order is optional. The size is at
least 2.5 meters but on high speed areas, it shall be at least 5 meters
(DPWH, 2012).

b) Symbols To supplement other road signs, basic – symbols are also

painted on the carriageway to guide and inform motorists of oncoming
road or traffic condition ahead. Figure 59 which is copied and pasted
from DPWH 2012 Manual is an example of symbols markings.
9)Pavement Arrows or Directional Arrows pavement markings
indicate the following traffic regulations:
a) directions of permitted traffic movement.
b) when approaching intersections where pavement arrows are used,
you should enter the lane where the arrow points in the direction you
want to go.
c) if you get in the wrong lane, you should keep going in the direction
indicated by the arrow until it is safe to turn off and get back on the
street or highway which will carry you to your destination.
d) some have double headed arrows which means the lane is for traffic
going in the two directions indicated.
2.Object Markings – These are markings placed on objects on the road
or beside the road that are hazardous objects on the side of the road like
Bridge supports; Monuments; Traffic Islands; Beacon, Signal and Sign
Support; Loading Islands, Railroads and Draw-bridge Gate; Posts of
Narrow Bridges; Underpass Piers and Abutments; Culvert Headwalls;
and, Poles, Trees, Rocks, and Structures giving restrictions to overhead
clearance. These object markings are classified into Objects Within the
Roadway; Marking on Curbs; and Objects Adjacent to the Roadway.
a.Objects within the roadway – Obstructions in the roadway are
marked with reflectorized hazard markers if they are not illuminated. It is
advisable also to mark obstructions other than islands with reflectorized
white paint with no less than five alternating reflectorized black and
white stripes. In addition to the marking on the face of an obstruction in
the roadways, warning of approach to the hazard are given by line
markings on the pavement (DPWH, 2012). Figures 61a, 61b, and 61c are
examples of marked objects within the roadway.
b.Marking on Curbs – These are made of reflectorized yellow and are
used on curbs of all islands located in the line of traffic flows especially
on curbs directly ahead of traffic at “t” and offset intersections (DPWH,
2012). Figure 62 is an example of markings on curbs.

c.Objects Adjacent to the Roadway Hazard markers either as signs or

painted markings are to be used on objects so close to the edge of the
roadway as to constitute define hazard. These include such
encroachments as underpass piers, abutments, culverts headwalls, utility
poles and ornamental buildings. These markings include guardrails, trees
and rocks must be painted reflectorized white (DPWH, 2012).
3.Reflectorized Markings. These are markings or gadgets designed to
reflect and become luminous when hit by vehicles’ headlight. These are
placed or installed in the middle of the roadway to supplement
separation lines or on object at the side of the roadway which are too
near or within the road pavement itself. DPWH classified reflectorized
markings as: Retro-Reflector Raised Pavement Markers; Hazard Markers;
and Delineators.
A.Raised Pavement Markers – These are small devices which are fixed
to the concrete pavement surface to stimulate or supplement painted
pavement markings. The raised markers are either reflectorized or non-
reflectorized studs (DPWH, 2012) or “cats’ eye”. Raised reflectorized
markings are placed either on the center line or edge line along
roadways in hilly areas where fog and rain are frequently the causes of
traffic accidents; and, in winding roads and accident-prone areas.

b.Hazard Markers. These are markers placed on the face of traffic

obstructions like bridges, guardrails, or traffic islands.

c.Delineators – These are small reflective panels or buttons mounted on

guideposts or guard fence as an effective aid to delineate the roadway
for nighttime driving (DPWH, 2012).
LESSON 4.5
TRAFFIC ISLANDS
Concept
A. Traffic Islands Defined. Traffic islands are like special parts of the
road that help cars go in the right direction.

B. Functions of Traffic Islands. Traffic islands are like special tools that
help control traffic. They have specific jobs to help make sure everyone
stays safe on the roads.

1. Separate people who are walking from cars and other vehicles.

2. Minimize collisions, facilitate traffic flow, and control traffic flow to

increase safety.
C. Classification of Traffic Islands. Traffic islands are different types
depending on how they look, where they are put, and why they were
made.

1. Pedestrian Islands (Pedestrian Barriers) - Islands are like fences

between the sidewalk and the road. They stop people from walking on
the road and cars from parking on the sidewalk.

2. Traffic Islands. These are the raised portion in the middle of the traffic
way constructed to separate the streams of motor vehicles traversing on
opposite directions and at the time preventing motorists from using the
opposite lane for overtaking
Traffic islands are same further sub-classified into three (3):

a. Division Islands. These are constructed primarily to divide the streams

of the motor vehicles

b. Channelizing Island. These are constructed to channelize or direct the

flow of traffic.

c. Rotary Islands. These are constructed along intersections or

"rotundas" for purposes of turning-around. Their functions are:
(1) prohibit pedestrians from crossing major thoroughfares at points
where such crossing are exceptionally hazardous,
(2) minimize imprudence and delays to vehicular traffic, and
(3) channelize and control pedestrians.
LESSON 4.6
OTHER TRAFFIC CONTROL DEVICES AND AIDS

Concept

Changes in traffic made it harder to control and direct cars. The old ways
of controlling traffic don't work as well anymore, so people came up with
new ways to control it.

A. Median Barriers. The big blocks on the road that can move are there
to stop cars from crashing into each other and to keep people from
walking across the road where they shouldn't. Some of them have water
inside, and they're usually found on roads with a small space in the
middle.
B. Guard Rails. Guard rails are things put on the side of the road to keep
cars safe. They stop the cars from going off the road or hitting things they
shouldn't.

C. Gantries. Gantries are like big metal frames that are put up above
highways and have other things attached to them.

D. Reflectorized Markers (Cat's Eye) and Solar Markers. Reflectorized

markers and solar markers are little lights on the road that help drivers see
where they are going at night or when it's hard to see. They are on the sides
and in the middle of the road.

E. Traffic Bollards. Traffic bollards are tall, hard objects that are put on the
sides of roads and parking areas to stop cars from moving too much.
F. Early Warning Devices. An early warning device is a shiny triangle that
helps drivers know when there's a problem with a car that's stopped or
parked on the side of the road.

F. Traffic Cones. Traffic cones are things that are made out of plastic or
other light materials to help people know that there might be something
going on ahead.

G. Curb or Curbstones. Curbs or curbstones are like a line of rocks that

are put on the sides of roads or highways to show where the road ends
and the sidewalk or grass begins.
H. Close Circuit Televisions (CCTV). CCTVs are like cameras that can help
people who keep an eye on traffic see what's happening. They can also
help catch people who break traffic rules. Just having the cameras around
can also make people less likely to break the rules.

I. Weighbridges. Weighbridges are like big scales that are put on the road
to check if trucks are carrying too much weight. Some of them can be
moved around. They help make sure that trucks are not too heavy.
MODULE 5
TRAFFIC SUPERVISION

Overview

This lesson talks about making sure that cars and trucks follow the rules
when they drive on the roads. The goals of traffic supervision are to
prevent accidents and make sure cars can move quickly and safely. We
want to use the roads in the best way possible and remember that they
are meant for driving, not for playing around. In the attainment of the
objectives of traffic supervision, three (3) police activities are needed:
 In the attainment of the objectives of traffic supervision, three (3)
police activities are needed:

1) Traffic Law Enforcement, 2 Traffic Direction and Control, and 3) Traffic

Accident Investigation. For clearer understanding of this module, it is
divided into:

Lesson 1. Traffic Law Enforcement

Lesson 2. Traffic Direction and Control
Lesson 3. Traffic Patrol
Lesson 4. Traffic Accident Investigation
Lesson 5. Hit-and-Run Accident Investigation
Lesson 6. Skidmarks: as a Tool in Traffic Accident Investigation.
LESSON 5.1
TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT

Concept

Traffic Law Enforcement Defined. Traffic law enforcement means

making sure people follow the rules when they’re driving on the roads.
If someone breaks the rules, like speeding or not stopping at a red light,
the police might give them a ticket or a warning so they don’t do it
again.
Rationale
When the police make sure people follow the rules of the road, it keeps
everyone safe and happy. It also makes sure people don’t keep breaking
the rules or do it again in the future.

A traffic law enforcer has to decide what to do when someone breaks

the law while driving. Drivers pay more attention to what the enforcer
does than what the law says. So it’s important that the enforcer knows
what to do and does it the same way all the time. This helps drivers
understand what to expect and respect the law.

A. Scope of traffic law enforcement. Traffic law enforcement means

making sure people follow the rules when they are driving. This includes
many different things such as stopping at stop signs and driving the
right speed.
1. The police and court make sure people follow the rules when driving
to stop others from breaking them too.

2. Traffic laws are rules that help keep people safe when they’re driving.
The people who make sure everyone follows these rules use different
ways to make sure everyone drives safely. This helps make sure traffic
moves smoothly and nobody gets hurt.

3. This rule applies to all the laws and rules about using the road and
driving cars.
B. Two Major Functions of Traffic Law Enforcement. Traffic law
enforcement has two important jobs. To do these jobs better, they are
split into two parts:

one part makes sure people follow traffic rules, and the other part has
specific jobs to do in making sure everyone is safe on the road.

1. Police Traffic Law Enforcement. Police officers make sure everyone

follows the rules when driving on the road. They help make sure people
don’t break the rules, and they work with other people who help keep
the roads safe.
2. Court Traffic Law Enforcement. When people break traffic rules, they can get
in trouble with the law. The court helps make decisions about what should
happen to them. This includes punishing them for doing something wrong. It’s
the job of the court and the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS) to take care of
these cases.

C. Three Important Goals of Enforcement Activities. There are three very

important things that people who enforce rules and laws try to achieve.
We want to do more things and make sure people follow the rules to make
things better.

To make things safer, we need to focus on making sure accidents happen less
often, or don’t cause as much harm when they do happen.
If people follow the traffic rules and don’t block the road, the cars can
move more easily and quickly. This makes traffic run better.

Making things safe and easy for people when they travel helps everyone
feel happy and calm, and makes driving smoother and more enjoyable.
It can also prevent accidents and confusion on the road.

D. Major Elements of Traffic Enforcement System. In the pursuit of

effective traffic enforcement, three elements are involved. Removing
one of the elements or any of the elements, enforcement is not
complete.
1. Enforcement System. This area consists of legislation, police and the
courts. Legislation defines and specifies correct or incorrect road user
behavior. Police and the courts are charged with the responsibility of
insuring that these laws are adhered to.

2. Road Users System (Traffic Way User). This element includes

pedestrians, pedal cyclist, drivers, passengers and others.

3. Road System (Traffic System). This area is composed of the entire

road and vehicle complex, as well as all traffic rules and regulations.
E. Five (5) Essential Steps in the Enforcement Process. Enforcement of
traffic laws includes the following process:

1. Detection (of violation”). A whole police responsibility that entails

looking for defects in the behavior of motorist, pedestrians, vehicle,
equipment and roadway condition. Requires knowledge of law on the
part of the police.

2. Apprehension. It is also a whole police function which involves the

actual taking of enforcement actions.

3. Prosecution. This area is handled by the prosecution and partly the

court where the police also provide corresponding influences through
preparation and introduction of evidence or close contact with the
prosecuting officer.
4. Adjudication. While this is obviously a court and prosecutions’ function,
the police provide influence on this step by acting as witness to the
prosecution or supplying additional evidence. This step determines the guilt
or innocence of the accused.

5. Penalization. The court after due process imposes the penalty upon the
accused if found guilty. The penalty is greatly influenced by previous records
of conviction as provided by police. Penalty involved is either fine or
imprisonment or both fine and imprisonment or may result to the suspension
or revocation of the driver's license of the accused.
F. Reasons for Violation of Traffic Laws. Road users violate traffic laws and
ordinances due to varying reasons. The following are the common reasons
why road users violate traffic laws, rules and regulations and other traffic
statutes:

1. physical disabilities or infirmities

2. ignorance of traffic
3. lack of training and experience
4. wrong attitude towards driving
5. PUV drivers for increased compensation
6. driver's apathy towards signs, signals and markings
7. influential persons violate because they feel they are exempted from
punishment.
G. Considerations that act as deterrents to motorist and pedestrians. Some
road users are hesitant in violating any traffic law or ordinance because of
varying reasons which are enumerated as follows:

1. fear of fine or punishment

2. loss of driving privilege
3. possibility of being involved in accident
4. positive area of good citizenship doing what is right and setting an
example
H. Kinds of Enforcement Action. When traffic enforcers detected violation of
traffic laws, an enforcement action may be taken against the individual which
is either arrest, or citation, or warning alone.

1. Traffic Arrest. It is an enforcement action which consists of taking a

person into custody for the purpose of holding or detaining him to answer a
charge of law violation before a court.

a. When can a traffic violator be arrested?

•offense committed is serious
•detention is necessary to avoid continued violation
•there is reasonable doubt that the violator will not appear in court
b. How is arrest made? In general, arrest is made by any of the following:
•By an actual restraint of the person to be arrested, or
•By his submission to the custody of the person making the arrest.

c. Use of force in arresting. No violation or unnecessary force shall be used

in making an arrest and the person arrested shall not be subjected to any
greater restraint than is necessary for his detention.
D. Arrest in Traffic. In arresting a traffic violator, the traffic officer must
consider the following:
• An arrest can be effected even without warrant if the offense is committed
in the presence of an arresting officer.
•The officer making an arrest must intend to take the violator into custody for
the purpose of bringing him before a court.
•Detention of the arrested person may take place.
•Officer making an arrest must act under legal authority when taking the
arrested person into custody. •The person being arrested must understand
that he is being arrested.
•The purpose of arrest is to bring a suspended violator before a court to
answer a charge of violation.
e. Recording the Data of Arrest. Whichever action is used by the officer
or Agency, the following information are necessary:
•Date/time of Arrest.
•Place of Arrest.
•The common name of the offense for which the person is arrested.
•The full name of the arrested person, his home address, his business
address and his telephone number.
•Physical description of the arrestee, including his date of birth,
nationality
and marital status.
•Name of witnesses to the arrest.
•Name and badge number of arresting officer.
f. When taking a person into custody. The arresting officer when taking a
person into custody must consider the following:
•the possibility that the person you are arresting may attempt to injure
or kill you or escape in your custody.
•inform him that you are placing him under arrest.
•explain to him why you are placing him under arrest.
•reasonable search may be carried out in connection with the lawful
arrest.
g. When transporting arrested person. The arresting officer should
observe the following guidelines in transporting arrested person:
•If your unit is equipped with radio, request for transportation unit and
maintain custody of your prisoner until it arrives.
•Give instructions to the transporting officer about the place where the
arrestee is to be delivered.
•Have the necessary information and instructions written out so that the
transporting officer will not err in the delivery.
•In certain conditions, direct the arrested person to drive his own
vehicle to your Headquarters and follow him with your police mobile.
•However, if the driver is not in good condition or the vehicle is in bad
shape, let someone drive the vehicle to the Headquarters.
h. Warrantless Arrest or Citizen’s/Civilian Oftentimes, arrest in traffic is
made right after the commission of the traffic violation. Arrest. Hence,
traffic enforcers should know the following rules to be observed in
arresting a person without warrant of arrest as stipulated by paragraphs
a-c, Sec. 6, rule 113, Rules of Court:

•When in the presence of the arresting officer, the person to be arrested

has committed, is actually committing, or is about to commit an offense.
•When an offense has in fact been committed, and the arresting officer
has personal reasons to believe that the person to be arrested has
committed it.
2. Traffic Citation. This is a means of having violators appear in court
without physical arrest. To ensure that an apprehended traffic violator
will appear to the court or to the proper authority, the traffic officer
should confiscate the violator's driver's license and issue Traffic Citation
Ticket (TCT) in some cities and municipalities, Ordinance Violation
Receipt (OVR) also in some cities and municipalities, United Ordinance
Violation Receipt (UOVR) among LGUs in Metro Manila, Temporary
Operator's Permit (TOP) in cases of RA 4136 violations, or Traffic
Violator's Receipt (TVR) in cases under the MMDA
a. Apprehension. As an apprehending officer duly designated by the
LTO, you should observe the following when apprehending a traffic
violator:
(1) You may confiscate the driver's license or certificate of registration of
the vehicle for any violation of the RA 4136 and its rules and regulations,
City and Municipal Ordinances.

(2) Fill out the blank spaces of TOP/or TCT forms in order to provide a
detailed report of apprehension for the information, guidance and
reference of all concerned.

3) Advise the violator to report within 72 hours, but not less than 24
hours to give allowance for proper transmittal from receipt thereof to
appropriate offices.
b. Where should the violator report? The violator should be advised to
report to:
(1)Traffic Court, if in Manila and for violation of the City’s Traffic
Ordinance.

(2)City/Provincial Prosecutor, if in other chartered cities or provincial

capitals without traffic courts, for violations of local traffic ordinances.

(3) Municipal Court, in its municipalities, for violation of local traffic

ordinances.

(3)LTO Central Office (TAS) for Metro Manila or its counterparts

[REGIONAL TRAFFIC ADJUDICATION SERVICE (RTAS)] for violation of the
Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136), and its rules and
regulations in the provinces.
c. Uses the TOP, the TCT, and the TVR. These are official documents
designed for various purposes, namely:
(1)It serves as a receipt for the confiscation of a vehicle or the driver’s
license or the CR/OR of the vehicle.

(2)It serves as a temporary permit to operate motor vehicles for 72 hours

without extension from the time of confiscation or apprehension (in case of
TVR in Manila, 7 days).

(3)It is an official form of judicial or administrative citation to facilitate action

on the case for which it is issued.

(4)It is a record for disposing a case cited therein either administratively or

judiciary. (5) It is also a receipt for release of the confiscated items after
adjudication and termination of the case.
d. Preparation of the Information/Complaint. Within your tour of duty,
prepare information or complaint by filling up the TOP for processing of
all traffic apprehensions at the appropriate office.

e. Filing of Information/Complaint. Within 24 hours from the time of

apprehension, file the complaints, together with the confiscated items,
with the Clerk of Court or Provincial Prosecutor or the court having
appropriate jurisdiction as previously stated.
Table 3 in the next page (p169) shows the summary steps followed in
traffic citation. However, police officers sometimes use their discretion,
hence; the standard number of days may vary as the concerned police
officer finds it necessary.
f. Preliminary findings and disposition of License. Within 72 hours or
three (3) days from the filing of the case with the respective traffic
enforcement offices, the hearing authority shall make immediate
preliminary findings on the basis of police or complainant’s witness
reports as to whether or not there is an imperative necessity of
withholding the driver’s license confiscated.

(1)Should there be no such necessity; he shall promptly order the return

of the confiscated license to the owner without prejudice to re-calling said
license.
(2)Where the violator fails to appear before the court or the investigating
official concerned, his license or permit shall be forwarded to the LTO for
its suspension or revocation pursuant to Sec. 29., RA 4136.

g. Records of court proceedings.

(1)When the violator appears in Court 15 days and pleads guilty, the Clerk
shows the fine schedule and the violators pays the fine at the Treasurer’s
Office, receipt of which is shown to Clerk of Court who records the same
on the TOP, and his license, if cleared for release, is now returned to the
driver.
(2)If the violator appears after 15 days, his license is forwarded to the LTO
for suspension or revocation; he shows his TOP copy to the LTO for
proper disposition of his license. Clerks of Courts, in every case, should
inform the LTO and/or the apprehending officer of the final disposition of
the case.
(3)The violator appears in Court and desires not to plead guilty to the
charge, the Clerk of Court sets the date of hearing and notifies the
accused accordingly and sends a corresponding subpoena to the
apprehending officer for his appearance.

(4)When the accused is found not guilty after trial, his license, if in the
possession of the Court or of the LTO, shall immediately be returned to
him unless there is any other legal ground for its suspension or
revocation.

3. Traffic Warning. This is an enforcement action which does not

contemplate possible assessment of penalty by the court or otherwise as
a result of warning alone. There are three types of traffic warning: visual,
verbal, and written.
(a.Visual Warning. This is usually used when you have observed a minor
violation but are more importantly occupied at a moment. Indicate by
gesture of the hand and /or of the head.

b.Verbal Warning. This is a form of safety education. Tell the

driver/violator that he violated a law and explain the hazards of such
violations.

c.Written Warning. This is a combination of verbal warning and citations.

It gives the spirit of verbal warning and the form of citation. This is
seldom used nowadays.
I. Decision Enforcement. In determining what enforcement action to be
taken, whether you arrest, cite or warn the apprehended violator,
consider the following:
1. Degree of violation;
2. Accuracy of observation;
3. Traffic and weather condition;
4. Evidence gathered;
5. Whether a new law or not; and
6. Continuous or momentary actions, a factor in some type of violations.
J. Pursuit in Traffic Enforcement. Pursuit is a part of routine enforcement
activity performed by police and is used when a violating driver is
detected. Pursuit is a part of the apprehension of a violator. In general, a
driver who is aware of his violation at your presence will stop his vehicle
when signaled to do so. In this instance, apprehension is complete and
pursuit is not necessary. There are times, however, when a driver is not
aware that he has been detected in violation and must be pursued until
apprehended. Pursuit and successful apprehension of a violator may
require the operation of your patrol vehicle at high speed for an extended
distance.
J1. When to pursue? When a violator fails to stop on signal, your normal
reaction is to pursue the violator until you apprehend him. However, due
to traffic congestion or other complications, such action is sometimes
neither practical nor safe. In pursuing, observe the following:

a. Pursuit must always be tampered with common sense and foresight of

like hazards.

b. Better judgment is used in deciding to lose a traffic violator who can be

apprehended at another time than giving great risk to yourself, your
vehicle and other drivers.
C. Pursuit requiring high speed operation of police vehicle may be
justified in certain circumstances such as in the apprehension of a driver
endangering the lives of motorists, pedestrians, and others through
operation which can be classified as other than reasonable and proper
which is dangerous and negligent.

d. Type of serious violation is an important factor deciding to pursue:

(1) Non-hazardous violations. Pursuit to apprehend this violator seldom
warrants a prolonged chase or operation of your police vehicle at high
speed.These violations do not justify the same degree of risk as
hazardous violations.
(2) Hazardous violations. These violations present pursuit continuing
danger to other road users that require immediate and sometime
aggressive pursuit.
Examples are:
(a) Driving while under the influence of liquor;

(b) Reckless driving; and

(c) Driving on excessive speed

e. Consider the following when pursuing hazardous violators:

(1) A violator of this nature is likely to have little concern for other drivers
at their safety.

(2) Successful flight from identification and apprehension is usually his

only concern.

(3) Be prepared for acts of this type of violator which could give him an
advantage while interfering with your pursuit and successful
apprehension. Like trying to force you or other motorists off the road.
f. Consider your driving skill and experience. Driving skill is that collection
of proper habits which enable a person to detect and evaluate road and
traffic conditions about him, and to maneuver his vehicle properly
without consciously thinking about what he is doing. Check your skill in
these areas:
(1) Manipulative skills - making your vehicle behave as you intend.

(2) Recognizing road and traffic conditions that may you hinder your
pursuit.

(3) Defensive driving - anticipating and allowing bad- driving by others.

9. Resisting distraction. You should know what evasive actions will permit
you to avoid or escape unfavorable traffic conditions. A driver can often
protect himself from danger if he knows how to recognize the danger in
time and take proper evasive action.

2. Pursuit Techniques. A successful pursuit operation can be attained if

the pursuing officer knows the following:
a. His limitations and strength in driving a patrol vehicle under normal
conditions.
b. Good driving combined with effective techniques will help to minimize
the dangers involved in pursuit in high speed.
c. Normal driving skill is not automatically improved by wearing a police
uniform, or by having a police car to operate.
3. Identification of Pursued Vehicle.
a. When alone, use a clipboard with attached paper and pencil. Anchor
the clipboard by sitting on part of it so that notes can be written without
looking down.

b. Post a list of wanted persons or vehicles on a "hot sheet" within easy

viewing range while in driving position. The list should be arranged by
cases of offense for rapid identification of violators wanted for more
serious offense.

c. Identify the violator's vehicle for later identification, particularly when

pursuit is lengthy, interrupted or abandoned, or in case you are injured
by the violators.
d. The registration plate is very important and accurate method of
establishing identity of a vehicle is also important. Train yourself to
observe complete license plate number at a glance.

e. Record the registration number as soon as possible, and check it

against your "hot sheet." Sometimes prescribed registration number on a
clipboard is the only clue to the identification of an escaping violator who
has struck or injured an officer.
4. Itemized Identification Features of the Vehicle. For an effective
identification of the pursued vehicle, the officer must be familiar with the
following features:
a. COLOR - For example, red, black, etc. When the vehicle has more than
one color, first give the color of the body and then the top, i.e., black
body, gray top.
b. YEAR OF MANUFACTURE - learn to identify the year model of a vehicle,
i.e., "1996".
c. MAKE - Honda, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Isuzu, etc..
d. BODY TYPE -p-up, wagon, 4dr sedan, truck, etc..
e. LICENSE PLATE NUMBER - city or province of issuance, letter and
number prefixes, i.e., AAA 456
f. OUTSTANDING FEATURES AND ACCESSORIES - "wide-bank racing
stripe," vinyl top, particular damage which are noticeable as crumbled
fender, damaged door, or cracked door.

g. UNUSUAL FEATURES OF THE DRIVER OR PASSENGERS - clothing,

air, glasses, etc..

5. Keep Headquarters Advised - through the dispatcher. about the

progress of the pursuit operation.
a. It is your duty to apprehend violators as soon as possible. Radio
contact with HQs aids in accomplishing this objective by alerting other
patrol units in the area.
b. While in pursuit, use your radio whenever necessary and advisable. If
forced to abandon pursuit and there is no radio available, use any
nearest telephone.
6. Stopping and approaching a violator. It is completed when you have
stopped the violator's vehicle and move to the place where you will begin
to talk to the driver. The following should be observed:

a. In stopping a violator, it must be done in safety to you, the driver you

stopped, to other road users.

b. Approach the violator preferably on the left side from the rear and be
alert for the unexpected.
K. Officer-Violator Relationship. The first reminder for an officer is to
establish PLEASANT RELATIONSHIP with offending motorists or
pedestrians. This may be accomplished by:
1. The appearance of your uniform, equipment and person which will
create the violator’s impression of you. A neat, clean uniform properly
worn and well-groomed person will create a good impression.

2. Observance of the following rules when talking with the violators:

a. Get your emotions under control. Don’t appear before him when you
are both at the peak of tension.

b. Advise the violator the nature of the alleged violation in a manner that
he can fully understand.
c. Allow the violator to talk and explain his side.

d. Be courteous and business-like. You may introduce yourself or use only

“good morning”, “Sir” or “Madam.

e. Request compliance. Use requesting words such as “May I,” “Please”

and “Kindly” when directing the violator.

f. Avoid telling the driver what not to do. If you want him to do something,
whenever possible, explain why you want him to do it.
3. Never open your conversation in a sarcastic or derogatory way. Avoid
such opening as:
a. Don’t you know---- -?
b. Who do you think are?
c. Where do you think you are going?
d. What’s your hurry?

4. Being alert at all times for the unexpected, approach the violator with
these cases:
a. Take time to get ready to talk with the violator.
b. Know what you are going to do and say.
c. have any equipment you will need such as flashlights, clipboard, or
citation pad.
d. Review the facts which led you to your stopping the violator before you
begin to talk.
e. Decide what enforcement action you are going to take before you
approach the violator.

5. In requesting for the driver's license or vehicle registration certificate

(CR), observe the following:
a. Do not put your head or arms in the car windows.
b. While waiting for the license, ask the driver, "What is your name, Sir?"
c. Never accept anything other than the papers requested.
d. Ask the papers being requested be removed from the billfold or other
container. e. Have the driver hand the requested papers to you outside
the window.
f. Establish the identity of the driver and check the entries of both the
license and the registration papers for any possible fraud, or false
identities or falsifications.

g. Do not return the driver's license and vehicle registration certificate

until you are about to terminate the interview.

6. In terminating your contact with the violator –

a. Explain to the driver what action he must take.
b. Tell him when and where he must appear.
c. Don't discuss probable bail penalties with the violator.
d. Avoid any naughty suggestion that he should engage in the services of
a counsel or how he should plead.
e. When you are certain the driver understands what he should do, close
the interview by:
(1) Thanking the driver for his cooperation.
(2) Explaining how he may avoid further difficulty.

f. Help the driver get safely through the traffic.

g. When the violator leaves, don’t follow him immediately. He may feel
that you are just waiting to nab him again.
L. Road Check. This is another enforcement activity which involves the
conducting of actual inspection of vehicles, and motorists on the road.
1. Objectives of road check. The objective of road check is to detect and
inspect the following:
a. faulty vehicle equipment
b. registration and licensing violations
c. intoxicated drivers
d. the load or cargo of commercial transportation vehicle for load weight
2. Considerations to be taken.
a. minimum delay to motorist
b. thorough checking procedure
c. protection/safety of both motorist and officers
d. timing, location and frequency
In case thorough checking of vehicles will be conducted, take note of the
legalities of searches or the instances that validates the search, i.e.,
search incidental to lawful arrest, consented search, search of moving
vessel, and search by "tips".
LESSON 5.2
TRAFFIC DIRECTION AND CONTROL
Concept

Traffic is when people and things move from one place to another, like in
cars, trains, and planes. Traffic control is when people try to make this
movement safe and fast. They use signs, markings on the road, and traffic
lights, but they also have officers who help at busy intersections to keep
things moving smoothly.
Traffic officers help make sure people follow traffic rules and can also
help during emergencies. They stand at important places where cars go
and can help when the traffic lights don’t work or when there’s a problem.
They can also help during accidents or disasters, like fires or when an
ambulance needs to get somewhere quickly. They can tell cars to stop or
go so that emergency vehicles can get through. Intersection Defined. An
intersection is where two streets meet and cross each other. It’s where
people need to be careful and follow the rules so they don’t crash into
each other.
Police Traffic Direction. Police Traffic Direction means that police
officers tell drivers and people walking where they can go and where they
can’t go, especially when there’s a lot of traffic or something urgent
happening.

A. Who are tasked to direct and guide traffic? In the Philippines, traffic
officers are usually deputized by the Land Transportation Office who
normally comes from the PNP-TMG, police auxiliaries, MMDA Traffic
Management Section. In some places, volunteers coming from barangay
security forces and other civic organizations assist in the directing and
controlling of traffic particularly during rush hours, special occasions, and
time of emergencies.
B. Directing and Guiding Traffic. The following are the basic concepts for
an effective directing and guiding traffic:

1. When you are assigned to direct traffic, you are expected to indicate or
show to the drivers and pedestrians how, when, and where they may
move.

2. In order to do this, use a type of sign language which shall be clearly

understandable to all persons you will be directing.

3. However, if your signals are different from those used by other officers,
motorists would probably fail to understand them and ignore you
altogether.
4. Hence, it is important for the efficient direction of traffic that the officers
use uniform gestures and signals.

5. Moreover, the signals should be able to be seen over a fairly long distance.
When directing traffic, you first want drivers and pedestrians to recognize
that you are the officer who will tell them what to do. But you must also know
how to tell them when to stop, go or turn by using gestures alone.

6. Normally, this is in the center of the intersection. Stand as though you

mean business. Stand straight with your weigh equally distributed to each
foot.
7. When you are not signaling, let your hands fall at your sides. When you
authorize vehicles to move, do not face Stand so that your side is toward the
oncoming vehicle.

C. Suggested Methods of Directing and Guiding Traffic.

1. Use hand signals to designate decisions to motorists and pedestrians
2. Supplement the arm/hand signals with a whistle:
a. one long blow to STOP.
b. two short snappy blasts for GO
c. three blasts to be used for assistance
3. If two or more officers are assigned only one makes the decision, while
the other take theirs from in one intersection, him.
4. To stop a moving lane, point at the car you intend to stop and give the
driver the opportunity to stop

5. The hand signal should be made with the arm extended and the palm
facing the person or vehicle to be stopped.
D. Night Control of Traffic. There are instances when traffic officers are
needed to direct and guide traffic during night time, not only during lights out
where traffic lights are not functioning but also during some instances where
an accident occurs and traffic officers are needed to guide the motorists.
Whichever case, the following are the suggested methods to be used while
directing and guiding traffic during night time.
1. When light is sufficient, work as in day time.
2. If light is not sufficient, use flashlight:
a. To STOP, direct the flashlight in line of the vision and move back and forth.
b. To START, use the same motion as in daylight except with flashlight.
c. Supplement the actions with whistle.
E. Hand Signals. The signals may be modified also by the traffic direction
officer as it deemed necessary so that motorists may clearly understand the
decision of the traffic officer especially during night time. In addition to the
hand signals and blowing of the whistles, flags with varying colors (usually
red and green) are used to supplement the signaling.
LESSON 5.3
TRAFFIC PATROL

To keep the streets safe, it’s not enough to just put up signs and lines
on the road. People might not follow these rules unless there are police
officers making sure they do. That’s why we need traffic patrol officers.

Traffic Patrol is when people watch over the roads and the people driving
on them to make sure everyone is following the rules and staying safe. They
also help people if they need it while they’re driving. Being a traffic patrol
person isn’t just about driving around. Sometimes they have to stay in one
spot and watch for bad things that happen a lot in that spot, like accidents
or people breaking the traffic rules.
A.Types of Traffic Patrol. Traffic patrol is when people watch the roads to
make sure drivers are obeying the rules. There are two types – one where
they stay in one spot and watch, and another where they move around.
They do this to catch people who break the rules.

1. Line Patrol means that police officers walk or stand in one spot on a big
street in the city to watch out for anything that might be wrong.

2. Area Patrol is when police officers move around and watch a specific
area that includes streets and roads. They might do this while driving in a
car or on a motorcycle.
B. Types of Stationary Observation. As discussed earlier, observation of
traffic conditions of selected place, usually one with unfavorable accident
experiences for traffic law supervision, Stationary observation may be
conspicuous, visible, or concealed, depending upon the location of the
patrol unit in relation to the street under observation.

1. Conspicuous Observation. Stationary observation in which observer

remains in full view of traffic conditions. Here, the traffic patrol officer is
situated in any place where he could be seen by all traffic users.

2. Visible Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is in full

view but so located, for example, at side street, so as to require effort on
the part of traffic users to discover the observer.
3. Concealed Observation. Stationary observation in which the observer is
not visible to persons using ordinary power of observation from the
roadway being observed.

C. Purposes of Traffic Patrol. Traffic patrolling is usually conducted for the

following purposes:
1. Deterrent to violations and dangerous driving.
2. Detecting and apprehending violators.
3. Observing and reporting traffic conditions.
4. Observing and reporting road conditions, including view obstruction
which needs attention.
5. Providing certain services to the public. 6. Handling emergencies as they
arise and keeping traffic flow smoothly.
D. Deterring Drivers from Violating. The effect of traffic law enforcement on
the behavior of the motorist drivers depends upon what they think the
police will do or the reputation of the police for action. Once you have a
reputation as a good traffic enforcer for taking action when it is necessary,
a deterrent effect may be achieved in several ways:
1. Be sure you are seen by other motorists while taking enforcement
actions against a violator.
2. Be in full view while simply patrolling or inspecting.
3. Leave the area and proceed to another area after you have taken
enforcement action.
4. In order to achieve a deterrent in law enforcement, be sure to spend
more time in some area wherein motorists or drivers fail to be aware of
their common bad driving practices.
5. Enforcement action should be taken at once among habitual violators
in order to deter traffic violators.

E. Deter Violator for Unsafe Driving. Be alert for potentially hazardous

drivers. His action may not be illegal, but may serve as road hazards that
need to be cautioned. This kind of driver may not have enough driving
experience, he may be under the influence of liquor or narcotics that
may later on contribute to an accident if no action is taken against him at
once.
F. Example of Actions and Conditions which may Need Close Watching for
Further Investigations. While patrolling traffic officers must give special
attention to some conditions that may result to greater danger or continuous
violations. These are:
1. Driving extremely at low speed.
2. Slow moving vehicles in left or "high speed" lanes.
3. Racing motor sliding stops, jumping starts, and the like.
4. Excessive maneuvering such as backing up four or five times to get into a
parking space.
5. Pulling to curb lane at traffic signal.
6. Having turn signals on when not attempting to turn.
7. Waving in roadway.
8. Failing to slow for an intersection with obstructed view.
9. Passing or attempting to pass several cars in a bunch.
10. Suddenly turning off at approach of police vehicle.
11. Teen-age groups at night particularly when in two or more vehicles.
12. Damage or dressed up vehicles.
13. Faulty or obscured license plates.
14. Unlighted parked cars with motor running.
Warn drivers or pedestrians who are about to commit a violation. Confirm
your observation of a driver by making a sign or signal that his intended
action is to be avoided. For example, a driver may be about to stop and to
double park or start to leave a vehicle which is standing in a driveway. A
gesture is usually enough to warn the driver to desist.

G. Detecting and Apprehending Violators. These are the main jobs or duties
of traffic patrol officers.

H. Observing Traffic Conditions. As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and
ears of the department when on traffic patrol. You must supply information
about what is happening on the street. This information may be used for
many purposes.
Warn drivers or pedestrians who are about to commit a violation. Confirm
your observation of a driver by making a sign or signal that his intended
action is to be avoided. For example, a driver may be about to stop and to
double park or start to leave a vehicle which is standing in a driveway. A
gesture is usually enough to warn the driver to desist.

G. Detecting and Apprehending Violators. These are the main jobs or duties
of traffic patrol officers.

H. Observing Traffic Conditions. As traffic patrol officer, you are the eyes and
ears of the department when on traffic patrol. You must supply information
about what is happening on the street. This information may be used for
many purposes.
I. Road Intelligence. Unusual points of serious congestion must be noted.
You may observe an unusual amount of delay at a certain intersection each
morning and when you learn that it is due to loading or unloading of
passengers on a "NO LOADING ZONE", be sure to report the situation at
once to your superior officer. Pay special attention to congestions that tie up
traffic for a block or more. You should also report unnecessary delay at stop
signs or signals which are installed when traffic is heavier. Include in your
report all road and bridge conditions.

J. Patrol Assignment. You may be assigned to either area or line patrol, or

you may have instructions to use a combination. For example, you may
patrol a certain street noted for excessive accidents in a line at specific times.
The following are some guidelines when assigned in traffic patrol unit.
1. Be sure to be familiar with the street lay out in your area. Learn the
short cuts, the dead ends, and the back streets. Learn which streets are
likely to serve as escape routes from the city or provincial roads.

2. Familiarize yourself with the places where congestion w likely to occur

so that you can “drive around” these places when on emergency call.
When assigned to area patrol, you may or be permitted to depart from
your assigned street when, for able to cover your entire assignment area
on each tour of

3. Duty, depending upon its size. You may not be able to give the
same amount of attention to each section due to the necessity of
concentrating on a certain trouble spots However, you should consider
yourself responsible for traffic
4. When assigned to line patrol, you are responsible for the conditions in
the entire area. Traffic conditions on a particular street or highway. You
may not example, you pursue violator or on an authorized break time
such as lunch.

5. You may also want to employ patrol techniques which will require you
to depart momentarily from an intersecting street rather than always
approaching it from the street which are patrolling. At times this will
enable you to get better view you of traffic conditions on your assigned
street.
K. Patrol Tactics and Techniques. Occasionally, you may have an
assignment in which you work with another patrol unit. When multiple
patrol units are used, special tactics are possible. Examples of these are
the following:
1. When one unit overtakes a group of vehicles, the other unit brings up
the rear of the group. If one or more drivers in the group think that they
can no longer be observed since they have been passed by the first
patrol unit, they feel free to violate. The following patrol unit observes
and apprehends the violators. A conspicuous and concealed unit may be
used together in much the same manner.
2. When an entire column of vehicles must be stopped, one unit stays at
the rear while the other overtakes the leader. If two vehicles are racing,
or if two violators separate, the paired patrol units can separate for
individual pursuit.

3. Another advantage of working together is that officers can protect

each other, particularly when approaching suspicious persons or
vehicles. Except for special purposes or occasions, patrol unit works
independently so that more areas can be covered that way.
L. Steps to Take in Cases of Special and Unusual Situations. Oftentimes,
traffic patrol officers are confronted with L unusual situations while on
field operations. The following are some of the guidelines to be observed
when faced with unusual incidents:

1. What to do in case of abandoned motor vehicle? A motor vehicle is

said to be abandoned when it is left unattended in an area not provided
for parking or unattended for one or two days in an area provided for
parking. For these reasons, unattended vehicles become a problem to
traffic flow. In some instances, they are accidentally found to be a more
serious problem than what is actually thought of, particularly when they
are abandoned by carnappers or hold- uppers.
. Abandoned vehicles may be classified into two categories:
a) unattended due to mechanical defects, and
b) abandoned by carnappers or hold-up men.

2. What to do on stalled or bogged down motor vehicles? In most

instances, traffic accidents or jams are In these cases caused by stalled
or bogged down vehicles that are left carelessly unattended in the
highways. Therefore, it is important that you should know the basic
courses of actions in order to avoid unnecessary risks of human lives and
property and further allow the continuous free flow of traffic.

3. How to handle traffic jam? Traffic Jam is caused by such factor as

vehicular accident, stalled vehicle due to engine trouble, absence of
traffic officer at an intersection, or road construction.
4. In case of vehicle cannibalization. Vehicle cannibalization is
characterized
by stealing the parts of the motor vehicle instead of carnapping the
whole car
LESSON 5.4
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION

Concept

Traffic Accident Investigation means trying to figure out what happened

when there was a car crash. To do that, you need to know about
accidents and why they happen. When people hear “traffic accident,”
they know it means something bad happened on the road like a car got
damaged, someone got hurt, or even died.
A. What Traffic Accident Investigation Determines? It aims to know the
five
(5) "Ws" and one (1) "H" of the incident:
1. WHAT happened?
2. WHO and WHAT was involved?
3. WHERE did it happen?
4. WHY did it happen?
5. HOW did the accident occur?
6. WHEN did the accident happen?
B. Purposes of Traffic Accident Investigation. There are four (4) main
reasons, depending on who does the iinvestigation
1. Everyone involved is curious about the causes and circumstances of
the accident.

2. For the police to find out whether there is enough - evidence of law
violation in the accident.

3. Claims attorneys and adjusters want to determine negligence on the

part of the drivers involved in the accident so that damage claims can be
properly adjusted.
4. Officials and others want specific information about accidents to
know how to prevent future accidents.

C. Common Words and Phrases Used in Traffic Accident Investigation.

The following words and phrases with their corresponding meaning are
often used in the process:

1. Accident. It is that occurrence in a sequence of events which usually

produces unintended injury, death, or property damage.

2. Traffic Accident. An accident transportation on a traffic way

3. Motor Vehicle Accident. Events resulting in unintended injury or
property damage attributable directly or indirectly to the action of a
motor vehicle or its loads.

4. Motor Vehicle. Every device which is self-propelled and every vehicle

which is propelled by electric power obtained from overhead trolley
wires, but not operated upon rails.

5. Key Event. An event on the road which characterizes the manner of

occurrence of a motor vehicle traffic accident.

6. Debris. The scattered broken parts of vehicles, rubbish, dust and other
materials left at the scene of the accident caused by a collision.
7. Skid Marks. These are marks left on the roadway by tires which are not
free to rotate, usually because brakes are applied strong and the wheels
locked.

8. Traffic Unit. Any person using a traffic way for travel, parking or other
purposes as a pedestrian or driver, including any vehicle, or animal
which he is using.

9. Hazards. A hazard is generated when a critical space- motion

relationship between a traffic unit and another object develops due to
the movement of either or both. Example: A curve in the path is a
hazard. Another traffic unit in the path is also a hazard.
10. Safe Speed. The speed adjusted to the potential or possible hazards
or the road and traffic situation ahead. Safe speed on the road is
determined by the road rather than the particular driver of a vehicle.
Example: A curve ahead is a hazard and a safe speed for it is a speed at
which it can be taken comfortably.

11. Strategy. It is the adjusting of speed, position on the road, and

direction of motion, giving signals of intent to turn or slow down, or any
other action in situations involving potential hazards.

12. Tactic. Any action taken by the traffic unit to avoid hazardous
situations like steering, braking, or accelerating to avoid collision or other
accident.
13. Impact. The striking of one body against another or a collision of a
motor vehicle with another motor vehicle.

14. Contact Damage. Damage to a vehicle resulting from direct pressure

of some foreign object in a collision or roll over. It is usually indicated by
striations, rub-off of material or puncture.

15. Factor. Any circumstance contributing to a result without which the

result could not have occurred or it is an element necessary to produce
the result, but not by itself sufficient.

16. Primary Cause. A misnomer loosely applied to the most obvious or

easily explained factor in the cause of an accident or the most easily
modified condition factor.
17. Cause. The combination of simultaneous and sequential factors
without any one of which result could not have occurred.

18. Attribute. Any inherent characteristics of a road, a vehicle, or a

person that affects the probability of a traffic accident.

19. Modifier. A circumstance that alters an attribute permanently or

temporarily.
D. Kinds of Traffic Accidents. In the investigation of traffic accidents, it is
imperative for the traffic investigator to know the kinds on accident
occurred in order to map out the necessary activities to be done when
responding and investigating.
1. Non-Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Refers to any accident occurring
on a traffic way involving persons using the traffic way or travel or
transportation, but not involving a motor vehicle in motion. Example:
pedestrian and cyclist in a traffic way.

2. Motor Vehicle Non-Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident which

occurs entirely in any place other than a traffic way. Example: accident
on a private driveway.

3. Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident. Any motor vehicle accident occurring

on a traffic way. Example: collision between automobiles on a highway.
E. Classification of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accident According to "Key
Event".
1. Running off road. This is usually characterized by a motor vehicle
falling on the roadside or on a cliff along mountainous roads.

2. Non-collision on road. This does not involve any collision, an example

of which is overturning.

3. Collision on road. On the other hand, this type of accident includes all
forms of accident as long as there is a collision.
 Examples of this are motor vehicle colliding with:
a. Pedestrian - may be walking, running or standing on a roadway
b. Other motor vehicle in traffic - may be head on, head and rear, sides
opposite direction, sides the same direction, head and side collision, etc.
c. Parked motor vehicle the form of collision may be similar to a moving
vehicle like head on collision, however, one is parked anywhere on a
roadway.
d. Railroad train this type of collision usually occurs along railroad
crossings.
e. Bicycle in this form of collision, it is either the motor vehicle or the
bicyclists who initiated the collision.
f. Fixed object traffic islands, pedestrian barriers, electric post.
g. Other objects-street cars, ice cream vendor, etc.
 F. Classification of Accidents According to Severity.
1. Property Damage Accident. There is no fatal or injury to any person
but only damage to the motor vehicle or to other property including
injury to animals.

2. Slight. Only slight damages to properties.

3. Non-Fatal Injury Accident. This results in injuries other than fatal to

one or more persons.

4. Less Serious. Only less serious injuries to persons.

5. Serious. This causes serious injuries to persons.

6. Fatal. This results in death to one or more persons.

 G. Causes of Motor Vehicle Traffic Accidents. Traffic accidents occur due
to varying circumstances and only after thorough investigation, when
liability and responsibility can be ascertained. Notwithstanding that no
driver will readily accept that he initiated the accident. With these, the
traffic investigator is faced with a gargantuan task of bringing out the
truth on who should be held responsible for the unusual incident. His
primary concern will be to determine how and why the accident
happened.
1. Simultaneous Factors
a. Road conditions.
b. Drivers' attitude or behavior.
c. Weather condition.
 2. Sequential FFactor
a. Speed is greater or less than safe.
b. Defective vehicle (vehicle malfunction).
3. Operational Factors
a. Road hazards.
b. Driver's non-compliance to traffic laws, rules and regulations.

4. Perception Factors
a. Driver's inability to react promptly to a situation.
b. Driver's faulty action to escape collision course.
 When all possible causes of an accident have been grouped together by
an investigating officer and he believes the accident would not have
occurred if any one of these causes did not exist.

H. Chain of Events in a Vehicular Accident. For the purpose of reporting,

traffic accident may usually be described well enough as a single
occurrence but when accident is investigated, attention is directed to
particular stages of the occurrence. In fact, an accident may be usually
defined as a series of an expected events leading to damage or injury.
One event usually leads to another so that the series can be spoken of as
a “chain of events.”
I. Who Conducts the Traffic Accident Investigation? In some instances,
the police traffic officers assigned in the field or highways upon learning
of an accident usually responds and conduct initial inquiries. However,
police stations normally have designated traffic accident investigators.

K. Steps Taken by the Police during Traffic Accident Investigation. Like in

any other forms of police investigations, the traffic investigators follow
chronological steps in responding and investigating traffic-related
accidents to ensure gathering of thorough information.
L. The Traffic Accident Report. In the preparation of the traffic accident
investigation report, the officer of the case must consider the following:
1. Uniform traffic Accident Reporting System.
2. Preparation of Traffic Accident Report:
a. By a competent, bonafide traffic accident investigator.
b. Requirements for an investigator in the submission of report such as
evidence gathered, diagrams, sketches as well as sworn statements of
witnesses.
c. Traffic Accident Investigation Report will be accomplished in five (5)
copies for:
the Court or Prosecutor's Office; TRAFCOM (TMG) or Traffic
Division; the Investigator; the Insurance company of Party-involved
#1; and the Insurance Co. of Party- involved #2.
M. Sample of Traffic Accident Investigation Report Form. Attached on the
next pages is an example of the standard traffic accident investigation
report form used to facilitate speedy investigation of accidents.

The form is designed for an expeditious investigation because it is filled-

up mostly by checking the corresponding boxes that describe the
accident.However, additional paper is usually used by traffic accident
investigators to prepare the on-the-spot sketch of the accident scene.
LESSON 5.5
HIT-AND-RUN INVESTIGATION
Concept
Rationale. When there's a car accident and one of the drivers runs away,
people need to figure out who caused the accident and who ran away.
It's like solving a puzzle to find out what happened.

In this lesson, we will learn how to find the person who didn't follow the
rules when they got into a car accident. They didn't stop to help and tell
their name to the other people involved.
A.Hit-and-Run Cases Defined. A hit-and-run is when someone drives
away after causing a car accident without helping the person who got
hurt. It's against the law and the driver has to stay and help, unless they
are in danger or need to call for help.

B. Reasons of Apprehending and Prosecuting Hit-and-Run Drivers. Hit-

andrun drivers must be apprehended and the proper charges must be
filed against them because of the following reasons:
1. Injury might have been lessened or death prevented if the driver had
promptly sought help instead of leaving the accident scene;

2. Streets would not be safe if motorists could flee accident scenes

without accepting responsibility. Unless the negligent driver is found,
accident victims cannot get compensation for injuries and property
damage;
3. Public knowledge that the police usually apprehend and convict hit-
andrun drivers deters other drivers who might otherwise be inclined to
evade responsibility by committing this serious offense; and

4. Since leaving the scene of an accident is not socially acceptable, the

police secure increased public support for the entire traffic control
program by prompt apprehension and successful prosecution of these
offenders.

C. Two Important Considerations. In any investigation of this kind of

accident, two basic considerations must be kept in mind. These are:
1. The driver who flees the scene of an accident is not necessarily the
driver responsible for the accident. His reasons for flight are often more
important than the simple evasion of responsibility. He may be wanted
for another crime, or intoxicated, or without a valid license, etc.
2. The hit-and-run driver often will report the damage to his own vehicle
as having been the result of another hit-and-run accident in which some
"other mysterious driver" fled without identifying himself. Similarly, it is
not unusual for the hit-and- run driver to abandon his vehicle and then
report it stolen as a means of covering up his involvement in the
accident. As stated earlier, the basic objective of these investigations is
the identification of the driver who fled the scene. The discovery and
arrest of The driver, once identified generally comes after the location
and recovery of the vehicle.

However, the mere recovery of the vehicle does not always immediately
establish the identity of the driver.
D. Elements of Hit-and-Run. To attain the objective of identifying and
apprehending the hit-and-run driver, as the investigator:
1. You must prove suspect was driving the vehicle at the time of the
accident. Even if you have witnesses to prove this, get evidence to
disprove his alibi.

2. Suspect was involved in an accident resulting in death, personal injury

or damage to property.

3. Suspect failed to stop, give aid or information as to his identity to

other person(s) involved, to police or to anyone at the accident scene; or
failed to take reasonable steps to notify the owner of damaged property
other than a vehicle. Do not overlook the possibility of a simulated
second accident to explain damaged caused by the first accident.
D4. Suspect had knowledge of the accident.

E. The Hit-and-Run Operator. The personality of the hit-and- run driver

may be one of the following:
1. Three categories based upon possible psychological explanations for
their motivation of flight: a. Apprehensive-panic-drive, fearful driver:
intoxicated drivers; without license; no insurance; his companion in the
car is not his/her mate; stolen car; stolen goods in car; leaving scene of
another crime; and fleeing crime scene or wanted for crime

b. Projectionist-projects guilt. This type of drivers sits as judge and jury,

tries the case himself, finds the other driver at fault refuses to be a party
to the accident and drives off as the offended person.
c. The sneak operator. This type involves minor property-damage-only
accidents like one that smashes a fender and smashes grillwork in his
daily occupational activities and chalks up his action as the calculated risk
shared by all vehicle owners who place their vehicles on the roadway.

2. Classes of Hit-and-Run Drivers. They could be: Drunk drivers; criminals

fleeing from the scene of the crime; improperly licensed drivers or
drivers with no license or with revoked or expired license; drivers who
fear publicity and prosecution; ignorance of the accident; driver who
flees in panic; drug addicts; insurance or financial reasons; and or
juveniles.
F. Preliminary Steps in Hit-and-Run Investigation. The following usually
serve as the guideline for hit-and-run cases investigators.
G. Follow-up Investigation. During follow-up investigation, the
investigator should:
1. Interview persons living along the route taken by the hit- and-run
driver; also, operators of filling stations and garages.

2. Canvass parking lots and other filling stations and garages.

3. Return to the accident scene at the same time on subsequent days

and on the same day of the following weeks to obtain additional
witnesses such as delivery men operating on scheduled routes.

4. Follow-up phone calls to garages and dealers of auto parts.

5. Continue appealing for information through the press, radio and TV.
H. Search for Suspect Car. If it is located and recovered:

•Look for physical evidence, such as latent fingerprints, pieces of

clothing, marks, damaged parts, hair, blood, etc which will identify the
car as that involved in the hit-and-run accident.
•Search the undercarriage of the suspect car. Determine also if there is
indication of disturbance in the grease or dirt adhering to it.
•Make a careful investigation for replaced parts.

I. Interview of Suspect. When the suspect is apprehended:

•Obtain a signed statement if you can.
•Get a full account of suspect's whereabouts and write it down just in
case he refutes in later.
• Approach and apprehend the driver of the suspect car as soon as his
identity and whereabouts are ascertained.
• Place the driver in a defensive position by properly directed questions
upon approach.
LESSON 5.6
SKIDMARK AS A TOOL IN TRAFFIC ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION
Concept

Skidmarks. When you hit the brakes really hard, the wheels can get stuck
and slide instead of rolling. This happens because the brakes squeeze
really tight and create more friction than the tires on the road.

A. Skidmarks as a Tool in Traffic Accident Investigation.

Skidmarks on the road can help people figure out what happened during
a car accident. They help investigators understand how fast the cars
were going and if the drivers tried to stop before the accident.
When a car skids and leaves marks on the road, we can tell how fast it
was going before it crashed. This can help the police figure out who
caused the accident and if they were driving too fast. It's important for
them to be sure they're right, so they don't blame someone who didn't
do anything wrong. There was a car accident and the police measured
how long the skid marks were. They found that the skid marks were 80
feet long. They did a test to see how long skid marks would be if a car
was going 20 miles per hour and found that they would be 20 feet long.
But in court, some people argued that because the skid marks were 80
feet long, the car must have been going 80 miles per hour. This was not
fair, because the driver was actually only going 40 miles per hour.
The detectives need to figure out if the mark on the road was made by a
car sliding or if it was made by something else. They need to look at
different types of marks that cars can leave on the road.
1. Centrifugal skid mark. A marking on a roadway left by a rotating tire
and wheel of a speeding vehicle on a curv when the speed of the vehicle
is above the critical speed of the curve and the centrifugal force entirely
or partially overcomes the friction between the mass of the vehicle and
its tires and the surface of the roadway.

2. Impending skid marks, Marks caused by the forward rotation of the

wheelsbeing slower than the forward movement of the vehicle. The
shadowy beginning of a skid mark along the approach path of the vehicle
is the impending skid mark (aka. as tire shadow marks), while the darker
markings re the skid marks which begins in the impending skid mark and
ends at the point of collision or final rest.
3. Yawn mark. A scuffmark made while a vehicle is yawning the mark
made on the road by a rotating tire which is slipping in a direction
parallel to the axle of the wheel.

4. Skip mark. A braking skid mark interrupted at frequent regular

intervals; the skid mark made by a bouncing wheel on which brakes keep
the wheel from turning. Compare with gap skid.

5. Side Skid Mark (Scuff mark) - It is a roadway marking left by the tire
and wheel of a vehicle sliding sideways as a result of force other than
centrifugal force

6. Gap skid. A braking skid mark which is interrupted by release and

reapplication of brakes or which terminates by release of brakes before
collision.
C. Other Marks and Impression Left by a Motor Vehicle either on the
Road Surface or on the Other Motor Vehicle. When a motor vehicle
overturned or collided with another object like another motor vehicle, it
sometimes impresses or leaves marks that may be used to identify the
motor vehicle, if it fled the accident scene. These impressions or
markings are:
1. Ruts. A sunken track worn by a wheel, as in road; hence, a groove
forming a path for anything.

2. Gouge. A groove made by a hard part of a motor vehide to another car

after side sweeping each other or it may be left on a road surface by a
motor vehicle which overturned then slid on the road surface.

3. Paint Strips. When a vehicle collided with other object, it sometimes

transfers its paint to the other object.
D. Skidmarks as Evidence in Accident Cases. Skidmarks will: Aid in
determining the speed prior to the accident or collision; show if the
vehicle was traveling in the wrong side of the road; indicate if the driver
failed to observe the right of way; and also show if the driver did not
obey a traffic signal.

E. Skidmarks Do Not Show All of the Speed. Skidmarks never show all of
the speed of a car before the accident happened. They show only how
far the car would have had to slide to stop in the distance shown by
skidmarks. Evidence of Additional Speed. A car is somewhat going faster
and often faster is calculated from skidmarks because in addition to
losing speed is sliding the distance shown by the skidmarks, the car
losses some of its speed on one or more of the following ways:
1. Sliding with one or more wheels before any skidmarks as gravel and
dirt.
2. Braking without skidding. Cases that the motor vehicle does not skid
particularly: before sliding begins; during gaps; and after marks and
before the car comes to rest.

3. Dragging the car as it hits some object.

4. Damaging other cars or objects.

5. Sliding other cars or objects along the way

6. Vaulting or bouncing up into the air.

F. How to Estimate the Approximate Speed of Motor Vehicle in Case Skid
Mark is not present? In many accidents of course, other evidence of
terrific speed is the WRECKAGE (EXTENT OF DAMAGE), but there are no
skidmarks at all because brakes were not put on hard enough to lock the
wheels. The following guides the investigator:

1. When brakes are put on just before contact of vehicles, the skidmarks
maybe only two or three feet long and therefore, show a speed of only
five or six miles per hour. While the wreckage tells that total speed may
have been ten times as great.

2. In accident in which most of the speed is lost in skidding, the speed

calculated from skidmarks may come close to showing how fast the car
was actually going. Accidents involving pedestrians are the most
common ones of this kind.
3. In any accident in which great damage was done will
skidmarks show more than small part of the speed, often a very minor
part of it; but if the skidmarks have been rightly identified and measured,
it can be said that the car was going faster than the speed calculated
from the skidmarks, much faster if there was considerable damage.

G. Things that Determine Skidding Distance. How far a car will take to
skid or slide to stop when all four wheels are locked depends on many
things. Three of these factors are important, and you must consider
them in every estimate of speeds based on skidmarks: Speed itself is by
far the most important; slipperiness of the pavement; and grade or slope
of the road whether road up or down.
H. Other Factors that Affect the Skidding. Every driver knows, of course,
that it takes much longer to stop on pavements that are slippery, and
that he can stop more quickly on an upgrade than downgrade road.
I. Speed Estimates. For most ordinary purposes, you do not have to
consider those minor factors in establishing speeds from skidmarks.
Because the minor factors are neglected, we can not calculate speeds
precisely. We only estimate them. Some of the minor factors would tend
to give a higher speed and others a lower speed, and they would partly
balance or cancel out.

J. Facts Needed. Good estimate of speed is based on certain facts that

come from observations and measurements at the scene of the
accidents. The accuracy of the estimate depends upon the accuracy of
these observations and measurements.
2. Coefficient of Friction or Drag Factor. It is the measurement of the
maximum frictional resistance of pavements. It is equal to the force
exerted when the wheels are skidding divided by the weight of the car.
Slipperiness of surface must also be known in order to calculate speeds
from skidmarks. We tell what this slipperiness by a number, usually
decimal less than 1.00. When any object is sliding, the surface it slid on
puts a friction drag on sliding tire that slows the car. A slippery
movement creates a small friction drag and an abrasive pavement a big
drag. If we divide the amount of friction drag in pounds by the weight of
the car in pounds, we get the number that describes the slipperiness.

3. Grade or slope (Gradient). This is the degree of inclination or

declination of the road. It is quicker to stop uphill than on level road and
downhill road.
4. Reaction Time. This is the distance traveled before applying the
brakes.
5. Brake Tests. The brakes of the car can be tested when the test skids
are made. If the brakes are inadequate, the operator should be advised
that he may attempt to demonstrate their adequacy.