Rosaries, crucifix, toys, other accessories allowed under Anti-Distracted Driving Act

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified on Wednesday that accessories such as rosaries, figurines, dashboard toys, crucifix, and stickers are allowed under the Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA).

"The scope of the law prohibits only two things... actually only one... the holding of that named devices while driving. So ibig sabihin, we have to be clear on what devices to hold and use while driving," LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III explained in a press briefing.

"So ibig sabihin ho, 'yung ibang bagay na hindi nasabi sa batas, hindi ipinagbabawal na ilagay doon sa dashboard... kahit na gagamitin mo, so lang as you're not holding it. What do I mean? Lumihis ito sa mga discussions before about other things you can put [on] the dashboard... and these other things other than those mentioned in the law may be placed [on] the dashboard. We mentioned about 'yung mga toys, even crucifix, all of those are not prohibited by the law. I want to be very clear about that," Delgra said.

The clarification was issued due to confusion caused by the implementation of the law, especially after rosaries were initially listed as  among the “distractions,” along with mobile phones or gadgets on dashboards.

The ADDA is a law that prohibits a person who is driving a motor vehicle — whether moving or stuck in traffic — from holding and using mobile communication devices. It applies as long as the driver is "behind the wheel."

Violators will be penalized with a fine P5,000 for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense and P15,000 for the third offense with a three-month suspension of the driver's license. — MDM, GMA News