MMDA: Buses barred from using motorcycle lanes

City and provincial buses are “strictly prohibited from driving on the EDSA Blue Lanes” reserved for motorcycles and scooters, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said in a traffic discipline memorandum issued Friday and that will take effect on Monday.   A fine of P500 will be imposed on lane violators. The MMDA memo reminded its traffic enforcers that drivers of private vehicles “shall not be apprehended for merely driving on the EDSA Blue Lanes” except when they violate other traffic laws.   Traffic Discipline Director Yves Gonzalez said the memorandum was issued to ensure “order, fairness and consistency" in the implementation of the MMDA resolution on motorcycle lanes.  

The directive also specifies the fines and penalties against riders of motorcycles and scooters who fail to observe traffic and safety laws. Driving without a helmet comes with a P150 MMDA fine. The Land Transportation Office fine for this violation is P1,500.   Having excess passengers or cargo on a motorcycle or scooter has a P1,000 fine. Using an unregistered motorcycle or delinquent/invalid registration comes with a P900 fine and impounding of the vehicle.   Reckless driving penalties range from P500 and seminar in the first instance of violation to P1,000 and revocation of the rider’s driver’s license. — ELR, GMA News