MMDA apprehend violators of revised Anti-Distracted Driving law

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has listed 31 motorists who violated the revised rules and regulations of the Anti-distracted Driving Act on Thursday morning, according to the report of GMA News' Cedric Castillo for "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."

Under the revised rules, the penalties and fines are as follows:

1st Offense: P5,000.00

2nd Offense: P10,000.00

3rd Offense: P15,000.00 + 3-month suspension of license

4th Offense: P20,000.00 +Possible revocation of license

The confiscated licenses and payment of fines are to be settled with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act or RA 10913 is a new law that prohibits motorists from using communication devices and other electronic entertainment and computing gadgets while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an intersection.

"Kasi nga, wala kaming measurement talaga, ma-adjudicate siya, wala siyang babayaran," Col. Rolando Abelardo of LTO Law Enforcement Service pointed out.

Lat May, when the law was first implemented, more than 300 were caught.

There was a confusion on handling car accessories, stuffed toys, and rosaries placed on a near the windshield of a vehicle.

In response to the confusion voiced by the public, the MMDA made revisions to establish an exact definition to what is considered the driver's 'line of sight'.

This was also due to several motorists who contested that they use the navigation apps on their devices.

The Implementing Rules and Regulations was revised and now allows electronic devices to be placed no more than four inches above the dashboard.

Prohibied acts are: phone calls, texting, perform calculations, playing games, watching videos, and browsing the internet unless the device is connected to hands-free gadgets or during an emergency.

Motorists are also advised to set their navigational apps before each trip. — Margaret Claire Layug/BAP, GMA News