146 violators on first 2 days of Anti-Distracted Driving Law implementation

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has apprehended 146 violators of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act during the first two days of its implementation. (Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA—The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has apprehended 146 violators of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act during the first two days of its implementation.

As of 1p.m.Friday, the MMDA has nabbed 19 violators through its no contact apprehension policy which are broken down as follows: nine private vehicles, nine motorcycles and a bicycle.

The agency has apprehended a total of 127 motorists Thursday which consists of 89 motorcycles, 25 private vehicles, seven trucks, five public utility buses and a UV Express.

Through its “no contact” traffic apprehension policy, the MMDA utilizes CCTV cameras at the Metrobase to capture videos and images to apprehend vehicles violating traffic rules and regulations.

Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Law prohibits drivers of both public and private vehicles to use their mobile phones and other electronic gadgets to make or receive calls, writing, sending or reading text-based communications, playing online games, watching movies, surfing or browsing the Internet, among others, while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an intersection.

Drivers are however allowed to apply hands-free function or applications in using such devices or gadgets, so long as these do not obstruct their line of sight.

Violators will be fined PHP5,000 for the first offense, PHP10,000 for the second offense, and PHP15,000 for the third offense with a three-month suspension of driver’s license.

Violations incurred beyond the third offense shall be result in the revocation of the driver’s license and a fine of PHP20,000.

Owners and operators of public utility vehicles (PUV) and commercial vehicles found to have violated the Act shall both be held liable.

The Land Transportation Office is the lead implementing agency and has the authority to deputize members of the police, MMDA, and local government units to enforce the law.