Navigation devices above dashboard OK in new anti-distracted driving rules

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has released tweaked guidelines for the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, now allowing navigational devices placed above the dashboard.

The agency said the use of navigational devices in vehicles will be allowed as long as its height is up to four inches above the top of the dashboard.

In a report by Susan Enriquez on "24 Oras" on Friday, LTO chief Edgar Galvante said, "During the review of this provision, coming from our resource persons na 'yun ang na-arrive na suggestion."

The revised Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) will be implemented on Tuesday next week, June 13.

The LTO said devices installed above the dashboard should not be used to make calls, watch videos, send text messages and play games.

Dashcams, meanwhile, are allowed as long as these are placed behind the rear view mirror.

"Gusto sana nating i-emphasize na itong batas na ito, hindi para curtail-in 'yung privilege no. But rather to help us sort of disseminate some information on how accidents can be prevented," Galvante said.

Meanwhile, some motorists said they were in favor of this new policy of the agency.

"Magandang tingnan pa din, meron nang gadgets... kasi ano na tayo, future na eh," one motorist said.

"Oo, pwede. Hindi naman nakakaistorbo," another motorist added.

On May 23, the enforcement of the ADDA was suspended after calls by lawmakers to review its implementing rules and regulations. —Anna Felicia Bajo/JST/ALG, GMA News