Gov’t readies implementation of Speed Limiter Act on PUVs, up to 50K fine

DOTr, LTO, LTFRB preparing for the implementation of speed limiters

Back in 2016, Republic Act (RA) 10916 or the Road Speed Limiter Act of 2016 lapsed into law. Basically, the law mandates certain types of vehicles such as Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), closed vans, haulers, shuttle service, tankers, and the like to have a speed limiter device installed.

Failure to do so may result in a fine of up to PHP 50,000 which may include prison time of up to 3 years.

Just recently, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Land Transportation Office (LTO), and the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have started the preparation for the implementation of RA 10916.

LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II said RA 10916 was supposed to be fully implemented in 2016 after it lapsed into law.

“The full implementation of this law is long overdue. We have to do something now for the interest and protection of all road users,” said Mendoza. “We will continue holding a series of meetings in order to come up with the guideline, with the intention of installing the required speed limiters in the soonest possible time,” he added.

The first meeting was held on September 18 and was participated in by Atty. Alex Verzosa, Consultant from the Office of the Assistant Secretary, LTO, together with Assistant Secretary for Road Transport Infrastructure James Andres Melad of the DOTr, Atty. Zoj Daphne Usita, and Chief Ms. Nida Quibic of the Information Systems Management Division (ISMD), LTFRB.

The same meeting also convened UV Express and bus operators.

The dialogue emphasized the ongoing efforts towards the mandatory implementation of speed limiters to enhance road safety and ensure compliance with government regulations.

“These measures aim to promote safer travel for commuters and elevate the standards of public transportation safety across the country,” said Mendoza.

The Republic Act 10916 introduces the use of speed limiter devices which electronically or mechanically control the speed of a vehicle without affecting the vehicle components. The law was enacted purposely as part of the government intervention in road accidents.

Based on the data of the World Health Organization, around 1.3 million people die in road accidents around the world while between 20 million to 50 million are injured, including injuries that result in disability.

The same data disclosed that road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5-29 years, and more than half of all road traffic deaths are among vulnerable road users, namely, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists.

In the Philippines, an average of 32 people die every day as a result of road accidents, according to UN data.

The installation of speed limiters for PUVs is part of the measures being pushed by DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan.

“Our goal of reducing road accident deaths by 35 percent by 2028 and by 50 percent by 2033 was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly. This is part of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan that actively promotes road safety,” Bautista was earlier quoted saying.

Taxicabs, jeepneys not included

While jeepneys continue to be the bulk of our poor and unreliable public transport, these are not included in the mandatory installation of speed limiters. Taxicabs are also excluded.

Section 3 of RA 10916 reads “(b) Covered vehicle refers to any closed van, hauler or cargo trailer, PUV, shuttle service, or tanker truck as defined under this section and such other vehicles as may hereinafter be determined and included by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) for the purpose of applying the provisions of this Act; excluding taxicabs, and public utility jeepneys (PUJs), without prejudice to the review by the DOTC after one (1) year on the necessity of their inclusion in the coverage of this Act;”

The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) document of RA 10916 can be found here.