Motorist, enforcer in heated debate over faded ‘solid yellow line’ in Pasay

A motorist and a traffic enforcer got into an argument during an apprehension after the motorist changed lanes along the EDSA flyover portion of the Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City despite a solid yellow line, which is barely visible to traffic.

According to Mark Salazar’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” a video showed a motorist attempting to change lanes before going up the flyover to check if traffic enforcers in the area were really notorious for issuing traffic violation tickets.

A traffic enforcer suddenly appeared, causing the driver to abruptly stop, citing the motorist of violating the yellow line. 

In its website, the Land Transportation Office said a double solid yellow line is a road marking that strictly prohibits passing, overtaking or crossing at any time.

The motorist countered that the yellow line is so faded that it can no longer be seen, especially in low light conditions.

The argument, which had both parties cursing, ended without the issuance of a traffic ticket.

Ferdinand Lee, Pasay Traffic and Parking Management Office (PTPMO) chief, said they will advise their traffic officers to guide motorists in the meantime, as he admitted that the yellow paint has faded.

The viral video is a significant part of the investigation, but it is insufficient to confirm the violation since the traffic enforcer still has to be interviewed.

Lee said the video showed how dangerous the apprehension was, pointing out that PTPMO has reminded its traffic enforcers to prioritize their safety while on duty.

Some traffic enforcers defended their coworker, stressing that changing lanes along a solid yellow line is prohibited since it is an accident-prone area.

Violators may face penalties for disregarding traffic signs, disregarding lane markings, or obstruction.

Meanwhile, the motorist in the video submitted a formal complaint against the traffic officer at the PTPMO.

GMA Integrated News is reaching out to the motorist for comment. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News