[Ultimate Guide] Anti-Distracted Driving Act and its Regulations

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA), officially known as Republic Act 10913, is a crucial legislation in the Philippines aimed at promoting road safety by discouraging drivers from engaging in distracted driving behaviors. It addresses the prevalent issue of drivers being distracted by mobile devices while operating a vehicle. This comprehensive guide provides an overview of the ADDA, its exemptions, fines and charges for violations, settlement procedures, covered vehicles, prohibited acts, and authorized enforcers.

1. Exemptions from ADDA Violations

The ADDA recognizes certain exemptions to the use of mobile devices while driving. These exemptions include:

•  Using hands-free apps and devices, such as speakerphones, earphones, and microphones, to make and receive calls without holding the mobile device.
•  Placing mobile devices on the dashboard or using phone mounts as long as they do not obstruct the driver's line of sight.
•  Emergency situations, where making or receiving calls for urgent help or medical assistance is permitted.

However, it is important to note that listening to music is not considered an exemption, as it is classified as a major distraction.

2. Fines and Charges for ADDA Violations

The ADDA imposes significant fines to ensure compliance with the law. The following fines and penalties are applicable for violations:

•  First offense: PHP 5,000
•  Second offense: PHP 10,000
•  Third offense: PHP 15,000 and a three-month driver's license suspension
•  Subsequent violations: PHP 20,000 and revocation of the driver's license

Unpaid fines will be recorded in the driver's records, which can hinder the renewal of the driver's license.

3. Settlement of ADDA Violations

When apprehended for ADDA violations, drivers should not pay fines directly to the enforcer. Instead, they should settle the fines at the respective authorized payment centers, which vary depending on the enforcing agency:

•  Land Transportation Office (LTO) offices for LTO officials and/or Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group apprehensions.
•  City or municipal halls for local government unit (LGU) enforcers' apprehensions.
•  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) main office in Makati City for MMDA enforcers' apprehensions. Fines can also be paid through designated banks or Bayad Centers within seven days.

Failure to settle fines may result in the impounding of the vehicle, and if the fines remain unpaid for six months, the LTO has the authority to sell the impounded vehicle.

4. Covered Vehicles under the ADDA

The ADDA applies to various types of vehicles, including:

•  Public and private vehicles
•  Wheeled agricultural machinery and construction equipment
•  Other forms of conveyances, such as bicycles, pedicabs, trolleys, wagons, carriages, and carts, operated or driven in public thoroughfares, highways, or streets.

Apprehended drivers of the mentioned vehicles will be issued tickets and directed to authorized payment centers to settle fines.

5. Prohibited Acts and Exceptions

The ADDA prohibits several acts that contribute to distracted driving, including:

• Making or receiving calls
• Writing, sending, or reading text-based communications
• Playing games
• Watching movies
• Performing calculations
• Reading e-books
• Composing messages
• Surfing or browsing the internet

It is important to note that making or receiving calls is allowed only through hands-free functions or devices, while other activities listed above are strictly prohibited.

6. Authorized Enforcers

Only designated government agencies have the authority to apprehend motorists for ADDA violations. These agencies include:

•  Department of Transportation (DOTr) - Land Transportation Office (LTO)
•  Philippine National Police - Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG)
•  Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)
•  Local government units (LGUs) with authorization to enforce ADDA

Anti-Distracted Driving Act FAQs

Q1: Where is the safe zone in a car?
A1: The safe zone in a car refers to a four-inch area from the vehicle's dashboard. Any objects or gadgets placed beyond this zone are considered part of the driver's line of sight and are prohibited under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

Q2: When can a driver be allowed to use their mobile phone while driving?
A2: A driver can be allowed to use their mobile phone while driving only if they utilize hands-free functions or devices, such as speakerphones, earphones, or other similar devices. Making or receiving calls is permitted through these hands-free options.

Q3: How much is the fine for the 1st offense in the Anti-Distracted Driving Act?
A3: The fine for the 1st offense under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act is PHP 5,000.

Q4: Where is the legal place to put your communication device?
A4: The legal places to put your communication device, such as a mobile phone or GPS device, are below, at the same level, on top of the dashboard, or on the windshield. The highest point of the device must not exceed four inches from the dashboard surface.

Q5: How many inches from the dashboard is not allowed to use a communication device?
A5: Using a communication device is not allowed if it exceeds four inches from the dashboard surface.

Q6: How much is the fine for the 3rd offense under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act?
A6: The fine for the 3rd offense under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act is PHP 15,000, and the driver's license will be suspended for three months.

Q7: How much is the fine for more than three violations of the Anti-Distraction Act?
A7: For more than three violations of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, the fine is PHP 20,000, and the driver's license will be revoked.

Q8: Is using a mobile phone illegal while driving in the Philippines?
A8: Using a mobile phone is not inherently illegal while driving in the Philippines. However, it is regulated under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act. Drivers are allowed to use their mobile phones only through hands-free functions or devices and must follow the specified guidelines.

Q9: When can a driver be allowed to use their mobile phone while driving?
A9: A driver can be allowed to use their mobile phone while driving when they utilize hands-free functions or devices, such as speakerphones, earphones, or other similar devices. Making or receiving calls is permitted through these hands-free options.

Q10: What law prohibits having extra decorations and accessories, especially in a vehicle's dashboard?
A10: The Anti-Distracted Driving Act does not specifically prohibit having extra decorations and accessories, such as rosaries, tachometers, figurines, dashboard toys, crucifixes, or stickers, on a vehicle's dashboard. These items are allowed as long as they do not obstruct the driver's view or contribute to distracted driving behaviors.

Conclusion

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act plays a vital role in ensuring road safety by discouraging distracted driving behaviors caused by mobile devices. Drivers must familiarize themselves with the exemptions, fines, and settlement procedures outlined in the law. By complying with the ADDA regulations and avoiding distracted driving, individuals contribute to creating safer roads for themselves and others.