A Guide to Road Courtesy

Not sure who goes first on the road? Let us show you a few tips.

• When entering a rotunda, always keep in mind that the vehicles in the rotunda have the right of way over you.

• When slipping on to the road you should give way to the incoming traffic.

• Left turners should always give way to all approaching vechicles. Signal left, yield to traffic, and complete the turn when it is safe to do so.

•  Always yield to pedestrians.

• When coming from a Private Property, always remember that the vehicles on the road have the right-of-way that is why here in the Philippines get pissed of by parking boys and guards who turn themselves into traffic barriers when guiding a motorist out of a parking slot.

• Give the right of way to Emergency Vehicles.

• On a traffic merge, the vehicle at the back should give way to the vehicle in front.

• Slow down at all intersections without "stop" or "yield" sign. Give way to vehicles already in the intersection or about to enter it.

• Vehicles must give way to cars coming from your right. Except of course those whose intentions are really to cut you off your lane (like taking the right lane when turning left)

• Always give way to cars using the continuous road especially when terminating or leaving a continuous road.

• In an uncontrolled intersection where the oncoming vehicle is turning left, you should give way even though if you are turning right.

I hope this makes driving a breeze. Releasing any fear of hitting that car approaching you or taking time anticipating what the other vehicle might do.

Buckle up and drive safely!

How to survive the Philippine road? Here's the TOP 10 List!

Top 10 Driving Rules, Regulations and Tips for the Regular Filipino Driver, and Drivers from all over the world who wants to drive while in the Philippines.

1. Don't get caught without a seatbelt!

     Non-compliance of this Act can bring about a fine of 300 pesos to a whopping 1000 pesos.

     Republic Act No. 8750 - Seat Belts Use Act

An act requiring the mandatory compliance by motorists of private      and public vehicles to use seat belt devices, and requiring vehicle manufacturers to install seat belt devices in all their manufactured vehicles.

2. Always bring your Driver's License with you.

This is one popular violation. Do not let the apprehending officer      get away with it especially if you have your driver's license but just did not bring it. This would only mean a failure to carry a driver's license with a fine of 200 pesos compared to 1500 pesos for driving without a license.

3. Number Coding Scheme!

Always check if the city you're going to drive in or drive to/through implements the number coding scheme. Check the schedule which plate number ending is allowed to be on the road on a certain day. Sometimes during holidays this regulation is suspended.

The penalty for the violation of this rule is 300-500 pesos.

links to number coding:

metro manila: http://www.backpackingphilippines.com/2011/01/mmda-number-coding-window-suspension.html

baguio: http://www.gobaguio.com/baguio-number-coding.html

4. Always have a spare tire and an early warning device.

     Stalled vehicles occur a 150-300 peso fine.

5. Check the speed limit.

     There are now some highways in the Philippines where this is strictly implemented.

     Metro Manila:

           Commonwealth Avenue: 60kph max

     Luzon:

           North Luzon Expressway: 100kph

           SCTEX: 100kph

6. Defense! Defense! Offense!

     Most of the time, driving in the Philippines will take all your attention and keep you at the edge of your seat especially during rush hour where you always have to anticipate other driver's moves. Keep in mind that its not only defense that matters, but also offensive driving too.

7. Familiarize yourself with hand signals.

     This will be put into good use and will keep you from getting confused.

8. Keep right.

Driving in done on the right-hand side of the road with overtaking on the left (but it doesn't necessarily mean its followed). So look to the left and to the right. Most roads are two-laned without enough sidewalk for pedestrian so you'll often encounter pedestrians or dogs on the shoulder.

9. Watch out for the traffic light! (or traffic officer!)

Vehicular traffic is often controlled by a traffic light, but during the rush hour, it can sometimes be controlled by an officer.

On the lighter side, they say that in the Philippines:
the “Red light” gives permission to the first four or five cars to pass through;

“yellow light” means accelerate your car as fast as you can;

and the “green light” means reduce speed and wait for the four to five cars passing through their respective red lights. But, hey, its always better to be safe than sorry, so be a good driver -- you really know what these lights mean.

*a little known fact: its time to start honking your horn as soon as the light turns green or when passing through a green light.

10. Always keep your car in tip top shape, with all the lights working, engine tuned-up, tires properly inflated, follow rules and road signs. This will keep you from all the hassle and keep your wallet closed while getting from one place to another.

Keep safe always! Happy driving!

Always keep your head cool. Bring a bottle of water if you must.