No, a driver cannot allow a cyclist to hitch on their vehicle. This practice is unlawful in the Philippines because it poses significant risks to the safety of both the cyclist and other road users. Understanding this regulation is essential to promote road safety and prevent accidents.
Hitching onto moving vehicles is explicitly forbidden under various Philippine traffic laws. Both the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforce this prohibition along with hefty fines as consequence for violations in order to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Public awareness of these rules helps to promote safer road behavior and to avoid hefty fines and potential harm.
Hitching in the Philippines: What Does the Law Say?
The Metro Manila Council (MMC) issued MMDA Regulation No. 04-005 to address this safety concern. This regulation is part of the broader RA 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which strictly prohibits any form of hitching, hanging on to, or riding on the outside or rear end of a vehicle. The regulation, in particular, explicitly prohibits any person from hitching, hanging on to, or riding on the outside or rear end of a vehicle.
Republic Act 4136, specifically Sections 32 and 51, also forbids overloading and hitching practices. The Joint Administrative Order issued by the LTO in June 2014 further enforces these rules with substantial fines for violators, emphasizing the importance of compliance. Section 32 of RA 4136 addresses exceeding the registered capacity of vehicles, while Section 51 covers the prohibition of hitching. Collectively, these laws are implemented so no driver allows passengers or cargo beyond the vehicle’s capacity or permits hitching and its enforcement is backed by significant penalties to maintain public safety.
Safety Concerns
Hitching is also particularly dangerous as it involves cyclists or skaters holding onto moving vehicles, which also translates to high risk of losing control, accidents, and legal consequences. Allowing hitching or overloading can lead to severe road accidents, causing injuries or fatalities. Drivers must understand that adherence to these regulations is not only a legal obligation but also a moral one to protect all road users.
Hitching poses significant dangers to all involved. A cyclist hitching onto a vehicle is at high risk of severe injury or death if they lose balance or the vehicle stops suddenly. Additionally, this practice endangers other motorists who may not anticipate the erratic movements of a hitching cyclist, potentially leading to accidents. The laws are designed to prevent such risky behaviors and ensure a safer traffic environment. By complying, drivers contribute to reducing the incidence of road mishaps.
Risks and Dangers
Some of the specific dangers associated with hitching to a moving vehicle include:
- Increased risk of accidents
- Potential for serious injuries or fatalities
- Disruption of traffic flow
- Legal consequences for both drivers and hitchers
- Strain on emergency services
Enforcement by Authorities
The LTO and its deputized officers actively enforce these regulations. Regular operations are conducted to ensure compliance and to reduce road mishaps caused by overloading and hitching. The LTO also stresses the importance of adhering to vehicle load limits to prevent accidents and ensure public safety.
Metro Manila Specific Regulations
In Metro Manila, the MMDA also has specific rules against hitching. MMDA Regulation No. 04-005 reinforces the prohibitions set by the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. This regulation applies to all vehicles in Metro Manila and includes penalties for both drivers and hitchers. The goal is to enhance public safety and reduce traffic incidents related to hitching.
Penalties
Violating these regulations results in specific penalties.
MMDA
When apprehended by MMDA enforcers, the following fines apply:
- Drivers who allow hitching can be fined PHP 500.00,
- The hitching individual and any passengers involved can be fined PHP 150.00 each.
LTO
When apprehended by the LTO, the following fines apply:
- Overloading (Section 32) can be fined with PHP 100.00 before but after the issuance of the Joint Administrative Order in June 2014, the fine has increased to:
- 25% of the Motor Vehicle User Charge (MVUC) for 150% more than the vehicle’s allowed capacity
- Waived if the excess load is less than 150%.
- Hitching (Section 51) originally has a fine of not less than PHP 25.00 but not more than PHP 50.00 before the JAO, but has since changed to:
- Minimum fine of PHP 6,000 for violations
Video: LTO Violations and Penalties
Watch this video from Wander J to learn more about the other LTO violations and the corresponding penalties involved.
Summary
Allowing a cyclist to hitch on a vehicle is illegal and dangerous in the Philippines. The prohibition also covers hanging on to or riding on the outside or rear end of any vehicle as well as holding fast to a moving vehicle while on a bicycle, roller skate, skateboard, or similar device. Drivers are responsible for ensuring that no one hitches to their vehicle, making both the hitcher and the driver liable for penalties under various laws and regulations to ensure safety for all road users.