The government seems to be on a roll with new President Aquino. Understandably, he’s out to flex his authority in the streets of the capital by ordering the universal apprehension of cars with unauthorized sirens and blinkers.
While we wholly agree and approve of this effort to bring order to the Wild West known as the streets of Metro Manila, there have been some odd reports of ignorant cops that are just out to catch anyone with bright lights like HIDs and LEDs (like on newer Audis) without actually researching what should and shouldn’t be illegal or improper on the roads.
A quick check on the website of our very own Land Transportation Office uncovers a long list of offenses on what should and shouldn’t be on our roads. As I browsed through the list, it became obvious how much our roads have gone to the crapper since these have been enforced.
Some are controversial, especially when it came to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol because there’s no testing equipment (breathalizers and such) available to our police force, but there are plenty that are easily enforceable, all you need is just some common sense.
And so, drumroll please…
DIRTY OR UNSIGHTLY OR UNSANITARY MOTOR VEHICLE (PhP 300)
If unsightly motor vehicles are illegal, then why do we see so many of them around?
DILAPIDATED OR DEFECTIVE MOTOR VEHICLE (PhP 500)
Seriously, we need some kind of motor vehicle testing and certification office.
UNAUTHORIZED USE OF BELL, SIREN OR EXHAUST WHISTLE (PhP 15,000)
Since they’re now enforcing this violation, I can only hope they’re also collecting the PhP 15,000 fine that comes along with it. Our budget deficit can surely use that.
WITHOUT RED FLAG OR RED LIGHTS ON PROJECTING END OF LOAD EXTENDING MORE THAN A METER BEYOND THE BED OR BODY, AND IN THE EVENING RED LIGHTS VISIBLE AT LEAST 50 METERS AWAY (PhP 500)
I don’t know about you, but a plastic bag or an empty sack of rice tied to the end of the steel rods that trucks carry are NOT adequate safety markers.
FAILURE TO INSTALL EARLY WARNING DEVICE 4 METERS FROM THE FRONT AND REAR OF THE STALLED MOTOR VEHICLE (PhP 500)
The other day I drove by a delivery van that had an old desk chair as its EWD. At least it was visible… relatively.
INSTALLATION OF DIM/COLORED LIGHTS, STROBE LIGHTS, DANCING LIGHTS OR SIMILAR LIGHTS (PhP 600)
Sorry Fast and the Furious fans, but seems like your underbody neons are quite illegal on the road.
USE/INSTALLATION OF GLARING/STAINLESS OBJECT AT THE FRONT AND/OR REAR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE (PhP 500)
They’re kidding right? The ever-popular bullbars and overriders are clear violations… not to mention the fact that they make whole jeepneys out of stainless steel.
UNREASONABLE REFUSAL TO CONVEY PASSENGERS (PhP 1,500)
Ever been refused by a taxicab before? Bet you can’t count the times they refused you with both hands.
PERMITTING PASSENGER TO RIDE ON RUNNING BOARD, STEPBOARD OR MUDGUARD OF MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE IN MOTION (PhP 1,000 for the 1st offense)
Maybe they should change the fine to PhP 1,000 per passenger riding on the running boards and for sure the jeepneys would start following it.
SMOKE BELCHING (PhP 1,000 for the 1st offense)
They sure would make a lot of money if they enforced this on EDSA.
There are many more things on the list, and enforcing all of them is going to be difficult at best. Hopefully, this new age won’t be just some new fad that’ll fade over the next few years. After all, if you can’t enforce the easier, clear cut rules on the roads, how can you succeed in righting the more complicated wrongs plaguing our country?