Illegal Parking Law: Consequences and Penalties

With the modernization and economic growth of the Philippines, Filipinos enjoy prosperity and more purchasing power. But in addition to pollution, overpopulation, rising living costs, and challenges, economic development brings with it other problems.

Due to unruly parking, poor knowledge of the traffic code, and disregard of the traffic signs, the Metro experiences major gridlock every day due to car owners violating parking regulations. While other cities also suffer from congested traffic because of varied reasons, one of the most common problems prevalent across the country is illegal parking. That's why it is imperative to choose a residential community that is strategically located in accessible areas. Lumina Homes, a credible housing developer in the country, can proudly offer you an affordable house and lot in the Philippines with a parking provision.

If you're a newbie driver or someone who needs to refresh yourself about the illegal parking laws in the Philippines, we listed some below for your reference.

Illegal Parking Laws-Philippines That You Must Know

Parking Policy in the Philippines

It's a certain thing that you are not allowed to park a vehicle on an area with a "No Parking" signage; and that you can park areas without the "No Parking" signs as long as it's not a private road with its respective car park rules. You must not park at or inside an intersection, double park, or block a driveway. Also, you shouldn't park within a crosswalk or within the vicinity of footbridges or overpasses. It is also illegal to park on all major national roads.

Keeping a distance of a minimum of 4 meters from a fire hydrant and fire station entrance is also recommended. Additionally, keep a distance of at least 6 meters from curb line intersections.

Law Parking in Front of a Garage

Parking in front of someone else's garage space is considered illegal because it may become an obstruction for the owner. Besides, it's annoying to have someone parking in front of your garage, right? It's a waste of time and such a disrespectful action.

Blocking/Parking on a Driveway

Blocking a driveway is one of the most trigger-inducing acts any driver can commit against their neighbor. There is undoubtedly one of the most annoying yet most commonly committed mistakes that cause road disruptions.

Parking Laws in Residential Areas

You will also have to learn the specific rules of each village and residential area. It is mandatory to adhere to the rules before entering these areas since they are considered private.

Due to the narrow roads in these residential areas, double parking laws and obstruction laws are strictly enforced. You should also be aware that most of these villages are gated communities, so refrain from blocking driveways.

Laws Against Sidewalk Parking

By parking your car on the curb or sidewalk, you obstruct people from walking freely on the designated sidewalk, putting them in danger of oncoming traffic. This is related to street parking which covers the responsible way of resting your vehicles.

These are just a handful of most common illegal parking laws you should know. As a responsible driver or vehicle owner, you should know where to park without causing any trouble for your fellow drivers. Following MMDA's announcement in December 2019, the penalty/fine for illegal parking has been increased to the following:

• Attended Illegal Parking - Php 200 up to Php 1000
• Unattended Illegal Parking - Php 300 up to Php 2000
• Obstruction - Php 150 up to Php 1000

Consequences of illegal parking in the Philippines

It is recommended that you park your car only in designated parking areas. The government imposes a variety of regulations to discourage motorists from parking anywhere.

Do you know what the consequences are if you ignore or park in a no-parking zone? The time, place, and duration of illegal parking all play a part in the answer. Illegally parked vehicles will be subject to different traffic rules and regulations depending on the government unit on a local or national level. So with that in mind, listed are a few of the things that can happen if you are caught parking illegally.

• License points
• Fines
• Clamping
• Towing and Impounding

LTO Fines and LTO Penalties in the Philippines

Occasionally, we may get a ticket for breaking traffic rules and committing LTO violations. Motor vehicle safety and comfort are the responsibilities of the Land Transportation Office. In addition to collecting fees associated with motor vehicle registration, LTO issues licenses to qualified motor vehicle drivers collect fines and penalties for infractions related to motor vehicles, and sell license plates.

For this reason, it is pivotal that you know the basics of the law to avoid violating them and paying fines and penalties.

1. Getting behind the wheel without a license.

Make sure you have your license card before you start your drive. When your driver's license is expired, suspended, or revoked, you will receive a ticket with an LTO violation fee of up to Php 3,000. Do not let a license suspension ruin your driving experience. Make sure to renew your license in time to avoid a penalty for driving without one. The suspension of your driver's license and license to drive a motor vehicle will also last a year.

2. The LTO imposes a penalty for not wearing a seatbelt.

Both drivers and passengers are required to wear seat belts under the Philippine seat belt law. Drivers must also pay for a ticket if they have children under the age of 6 in the front seat without a seat belt. When you wear a seatbelt while driving, you not only keep yourself safe, but you also avoid the LTO penalty of Php 1,000 for the first offense, Php 2,000 for the second offense, and a whopping Php 5,000 for the third offense.

3. The act of driving under the influence of dangerous drugs or alcohol.

The first time a motorist drives after drinking alcohol or using drugs, they may get a twelve-month suspension of their driver's license (applicable only to non-professional drivers). Those holding professional licenses shall have their license revoked forever for a first offense.

The LTO Violation Fees are as follows:

• Php 20,000 to Php 80,000 if it does not cause injuries or death
• Caused injuries: Php 100,000 to Php 200,000
• For causing death: Php 300,000 to Php 500,000

4. Driving carelessly

When drivers change lanes, they must pay attention to signal lights. Most of the time, when traffic signs are not followed, serious accidents can occur or tickets may be issued. In addition, this regulation encourages drivers to be aware of visibility and road quality as well as weather conditions when entering the highway. To avoid endangering the safety or rights of third parties. First-time offenders face a Php 2,000 penalty, a Php 2,000 penalty for a second conviction, and a Php 5,000 penalty for each subsequent conviction.

5. Other LTO fines and penalties for breaking traffic rules.

In cases of traffic violations such as illegal parking, disobeying traffic lights, or beating the red light, a Php 1,000 LTO fine will be applied. You will also get fined for driving on prohibited roads, failing to darken your headlamps, and doing an illegal turn or overtaking.

LTO Fines and Penalties Connected with Car Registration/Renewal

1. Driving with invalid vehicle registration.

If you drive an unregistered motor or if your registration has expired, this LTO violation applies. Hence, it is imperative that you secure an updated registration for your vehicle to avoid paying up to a Php 10,000 fine.

2. Driving a vehicle that has been illegally modified.

You should not modify parts of your motorcycle, such as the cover, or tint the windows, without first registering with the LTO. You will be fined of up to Php 5,000 if you drive it otherwise.

3. Driving a right-hand car.

The Philippines prohibits the operation of right-hand steering wheel motor vehicles on public and private roads under Republic Act No. 8506. You can get an LTO ticket of up to Php 50,000 for driving a right-hand car.

Besides the mentioned violations, LTO also fines and inflicts penalties for violations in connection with vehicle accessories, equipment, and parts. You shouldn't be driving a car without proper or authorized devices, equipment, accessories, or car part or operating a car with an improper attachment or unauthorized motor vehicle license plate. Also, there's a corresponding violation fee for smoke belchers. There are still other LTO violations that you should be aware of to avoid paying for the fees and penalties.

Invest in a Community Offering Ample Space for You and Your Vehicle.

With the different Lumina Homes projects in the Philippines, you can choose an affordable house and lot that will give you great value for your money. You'll find plenty of options to settle down in over 50 key locations throughout the Philippines.

We have earned the trust of our homeowners because we always look out for their best interests, provide passive income and provide safe, secure, easy-to-own properties for their families. It is our highest priority to ensure the safety and satisfaction of our residents. Therefore, we have equipped our communities with many functional amenities including guarded entrances, basketball courts, multipurpose halls, playgrounds, mini gardens, jogging paths, and commercial spaces.

Hence, if you're interested in starting your home investment, contact a Lumina Homes accredited seller and reserve your unit today!