(Eagle News) — Starting today, May 18, law enforcers will start implementing Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.
“Anything that can distract, blur, or obstruct the sight of the driver while operating the vehicle, or if he does not have a full view of the roadway, are not allowed anymore,” announced Land Transportation Office (LTO) chairman Edgar Galvante in a briefing on Wednesday, May 17.
Based on the Republic Act 10913 Section 4, motorists who will be caught using their mobile phones or any electronic device while driving will be apprehended and will be fined the following:
• P5,000 for the first offense
• P10,000 for the second offense
• P15,000 for the third offense plus 3-month suspension of license
• P20,000 for the fourth offense, plus a revocation of the driver’s license.
However, the new law said that motorists can still use their phones if it is done hands-free and will not block their line of sight.
The law covers private and public vehicles including agricultural machines, construction equipment, motorcycles, tricycles, pedicabs and carriages and even those with diplomatic plates, nationwide.
