The 4 odd violations in the new MMDA Single Ticketing System

The new MMDA Single Ticketing System has been in effect since May 2, 2023. The system aims to unify and standardize traffic violations and their accompanying fines for the Metro Manila area.

The system was institutionalized following the creation of the Traffic Code of 2023, which the Metro Manila Council approved on February 1, 2023.

The STS covers the enforcement of traffic rules and regulations on all roads within the jurisdiction of Metro Manila. It covers areas such as Manila, Paranaque, Quezon City, Caloocan, San Juan, Muntinlupa, and Valenzuela.

Now that the new STS is being implemented, we have reviewed the complete violations list and found some odd ones.

Defective motor vehicle accessories

The Defective Motor Vehicle Accessories violation comes with a ₱1,000 fine which does increase if you are caught for your second or third offense and beyond. This violation might refer to instances where a vehicle has busted headlights or taillights where their operation is impaired. 

We found this odd because its closest former violation, “Defective Equipment,” only came with a ₱150 fine. 

Something to note is that the MMDA has yet to release its definitions for this violation and what it covers. 

You might as well give your ride a regular walkaround to check that everything's in order.

Unauthorized modifications

The MMDA has been cracking down on unauthorized modifications for motor vehicles for quite some time now. They have been targeting cars with extra foglights or LED light bars as they can blind other motorists.

We don’t exactly know what these “Unauthorized Modifications” are, as the description of the violation remains vague. We found it odd as “unauthorized” is very broad and lacks specifics.

It could mean that the violation, along with its corresponding fine, has been put into the system to future-proof it once the definitions of the violation get sorted out.

For this violation, expect to pay ₱2,000.

Failure to use a child restraint system

We are all for safety here at AutoFun; this should be a top priority whenever you go on a drive or your daily commute. 

However, the addition of this violation is odd as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act (CSMVA) was deferred in February of 2021 as the government found that it required more legislation to iron out some issues.

Failure to use a child restraint system comes with a fine of ₱1,000 for the first offense, ₱2,000 for the second offense, and finally ₱5,000 for the third offense onward.

According to the Child Car Seat law, children aged 12 and below must use a Child Restraint System (CRS) while riding a vehicle. However, the Land Transportation Office has clarified that even if your child is above 12, they must meet a minimum height requirement of 150cm or 4’11 to be exempt from this law. 

The CRS must also have a Philippine Standards seal and an Import Clearance Certificate sticker and conform to United Nations Regulations 44 and 149.

Use of substandard child restraint system

While this still relates to safety which is a good thing, we found the addition of this violation odd as it becomes difficult to check and police, especially as the child seat law has been put on pause.

The requirements for the child seat to be deemed safe by the Philippines are clear cut; all you need is the Import Clearance sticker and the Philippine Standards seal.

However, not all sellers have these kinds of seats available. Nor have their seats undergone further testing, and, as such, has the applicable certification. It becomes a hassle for the parents as they must go to the LTO to get the CRS certified. 

Enforcing this violation will become difficult as the traffic enforcer must physically check the seat to see if it is up to the set standards.

Regardless, if you are found with this traffic violation, you will face the following fines:

•  ₱1,000 (first offense)
•  ₱3,000 (second offense)
•  ₱5,000 (third and subsequent offenses)

What do you think of our odd traffic violations that have been added to the new STS? Do you have any more? Why not list them in the comments below?

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