DOTr releases revised Anti-Distracted Driving guidelines

The Republic Act 10913 or better known as the Anti-Distracted Driving Act has brought massive confusion among drivers with its sudden implementation and complex provisions hence it was called for a suspension.

After a hearing was done to fix the issue, the Department of Transportation has finally issued revised guidelines on the implementation of the said law.

With the infographic above, the “Line of Sight” has been reduced from the middle to the upper portion of a vehicle’s windshield. This allows drivers to place devices on their dashboard with an allowance of up to 4-inches from the bottom of the windshield. Again, dashcams must be placed behind the rearview mirror or it’ll occupy the “Line of Sight” of the driver.

Of course, the basics of the law are still included. You’ll be penalized for doing the following while on the road:

• Making or receive calls
• Composing, sending, or reading text messages
• Performing calculations
• Playing games
• Watching videos
• Browsing the Internet

There’s no mention about the use of hands-free devices but it should be fine as long you keep your hands on the steering wheel and keep it away from the phone. Navigation apps like Waze should be set before the drive.

Penalties for violating RA 10913:

• Php5,000USD 85INR 7,223EUR 81CNY 621 fine for 1st offense
• Php10,000USD 170INR 14,446EUR 162CNY 1,241 fine for the 2nd offense
• Php15,000USD 256INR 21,669EUR 243CNY 1,862 and a 3-month license suspension for the 3rd offense
• Php20,000USD 341INR 28,892EUR 325CNY 2,482 and the revocation of driver’s license beyond 3rd offense

The only exemption is emergency calls to authorities should the occasion arise. The new guidelines will be formally announced on June 13 and will be in effect 15 days after.

Source: James Deakin (Facebook)