DOTr to review IRR of anti-distracted driving law

In a statement issued Tuesday, the DOTr said it will convene a technical working group to review the IRR in coordination with various stakeholders.(Photo: Philippine News Agency)

MANILA— The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will review the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the anti-distracted driving law.

In a statement issued Tuesday, the DOTr said it will convene a technical working group to review the IRR in coordination with various stakeholders.

The department will also conduct an information and education campaign as soon as the new IRR is crafted.

The DOTr, Land Transportation Office (LTO), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) have deferred the enforcement of Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) in response to the call of various sectors, such as members of Congress and transport groups and some drivers of public and private vehicles, for its suspension due to the confusion caused by its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

“In the meantime, we invite the public to continue the constructive discussion on this new law so as to contribute on how we could all better promote road safety, discipline, and responsible driving,” the DOTr said.

The ADDA prohibits motorists from making or receiving 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 functions 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 penalized with 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 in violation of the act shall both be held liable.