Republic Act 4136: Land Transportation and Traffic Code Rules

Republic Act 4136 (RA 4136), otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, is, perhaps, the most important driving law ever enacted in the Philippines. Not only did it create the Philippine Land Transportation Commission, currently known as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), but it also laid the groundwork for all Philippine traffic laws and regulations currently in effect. 

Also Read: List of LTO Driving Fines and Violations

The RA 4136 is like the official playbook in terms of vehicle and traffic regulation. It is quite comprehensive, covering everything from requiring vehicle registrations in a national database, setting the registration requirements and fees, setting the standards for the speed, penalties, and fees, and ensuring that all drivers have licenses that allows them to be on the open road legally. 

ra 1436 land transportation and traffic code philippines

What is RA 4136

Republic Act 4136 refers to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, also well-known as one of the most important driving laws ever enacted. It was enacted in 1964 and somehow became the cornerstone that laid the foundation for all Philippine traffic laws and regulations. It also mandated the creation of the Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) to oversee and manage the land transport and road traffic. 

The RA 4136 also serves as the Bible for everything that has anything to do with traffic management, road safety, and land transport in general. It mandated all motor vehicles to be registered. It also set the registration fees, requirements, and speed limits, as well as the penalties for non-compliance of vehicle and car owners. Likewise, it required the drivers to secure a license, whether professional or non-professional, and comply with the LTO’s registration and licensing requirements.

Scope and Coverage of RA 4136

As it serves as the basis of regulation of the land transport sector in the Philippines, the RA 4136 is comprehensive enough to cover every possible aspect of land transport. In its full range, the provisions covered by the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) includes:

Creation of the Commission (LTO)

This section covers the creation of an office designated and known as the Land Transportation Office (LTO), formerly Land Transportation Commission, headed by a Commissioner and a Deputy Commissioner in its mandate to administer the provisions and implementations of the law relative to road safety. It details the responsibilities and organizational structure of the LTO, along with its designated  responsibilities and power.

Registration of motor vehicles

This section details the mandatory registration of all motor vehicles and other vehicles before they can be used or operated on or upon any public highway of the Philippines. According to the law, the registration of motor vehicles must be renewed on or before the date fixed for different vehicle classifications, otherwise, it will become delinquent and invalid and unfit for use on open roads.

Setting of registration fees (for Motor Vehicles)

The law also provides for the mandatory LTO fees related to motor vehicle registrations and renewal depending upon the vehicle classification, weight, and dimension. The section also details the permissions for use of various types of vehicles in highways. 

Issuance, usage, and suspension of certificates of registration, records, number plates

RA 4136 also offers the provisions for the preparation, issuance, usage, and suspension of registration certificates and number plates of motor vehicles in the Philippines, including the rules for implementation of such. For example, the commission of three violations of the same type within a twelve-month period could result in the suspension of the registration certificate of the subject motor vehicle. 

Operation of motor vehicle, including application, fees, examination, issuance, suspension, revocation, and renewal of license to drive motor vehicles

The law also has provisions for the need for drivers to procure and carry around a valid license to drive and operate a motor vehicle for the current year as well as the possibility of having the vehicle impounded or the license confiscated when the licensee drives around when such license is delinquent, invalid, suspended, or revoked. The law also covers the implementing rules for foreigners, as well as the application fees and requirements and the conditions for suspension and revocation of a driver’s license in the Philippines. 

Illegal Use of Licenses, Number Plates, Etc.

The law also covers and defines what constitutes the illegal use of licenses and number plates in the country, including imitation and false representations in an attempt to make or use a driver’s license, badge, certificate of registration, number plate, tag, or permit whether it is for personal use or with the intent to sell. False or fraudulent statements or representations, especially those done knowingly and with the intent to deceive, in an application for the registration of vehicles, or for a driver’s license is also covered here. 

Passenger and Freight

This section covers the provisions for vehicle capacity, regardless if it’s in terms of passenger or freight or cargo and the ensuing penalties in cases of overloading. 

Motor Vehicle Accessories

The Land Transportation and Traffic Code also have provisions for allowed use and modifications of specific vehicle accessories, including:

  • Tires of motor vehicles.
  • Brakes
  • Horns
  • Headlights
  • Taillights
  • Stop lights
  • Motorcycle and other vehicle lights
  • Lights when parked or disabled
  • Windshield wiper
  • Use of red flag
  • Mufflers

Traffic Rules

The law also defines specific traffic rules and the conditions of violations along with its corresponding fines for the following:

  • Speed limit
    • Speed limits uniform throughout the Philippines
    • Driving on right side of highway
    • Classification of highways
  • Overtaking, Passing other vehicles, and Turning at an Intersection
    • Overtaking a vehicle
    • Driver to give way to overtaking vehicle
    • Restrictions on overtaking and passing
  • Right of way and signals
    • Right of way
    • Exception to the right of way rule
    • Signals on starting, stopping or turning
  • Turning and Parking
  • Miscellaneous traffic rules
    • Reckless driving
    • Right of way for police and other emergency vehicles
    • Tampering with vehicles
    • Hitching to a vehicle
    • Driving or parking on sidewalk
    • Driving while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drug
    • Obstruction of traffic
    • Duty of driver in case of accident

Penal and other provisions

This section details information on penalties and fines for violations related to road safety and land transport. The section contains the following:

  • Penalty for violation
    • late registration
    • failure to carry driver’s license
    • driving with delinquent license
    • driving with expired motor vehicle registration
    • driving with suspended or revoked license or motor vehicle registration
    • driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act)
  • Punishment for other offenses
  • Duty of clerks of court

Collection of fees, taxes and fines, liens, and allotment of funds

The law also includes provision and guidelines for collection of fees, national and local taxes, toll fees, as well as all other fees, taxes, and fines and their appropriation.

  • The lien upon motor vehicles
  • Disposal of monies collected to the Highway Special Fund according to Philippine Highway Act of 1953

Republic Act 4136 LTO Tagalog Filipino Version PDF

The PDF document titled “Republic Act 4136 LTO Tagalog Version” offers a comprehensive guide on the Land Transportation and Traffic Code in the Philippines. Please check out the Tagalog PDF file here:

Please check this page for the Tagalog LTO RA 4136 – https://www.scribd.com/document/387952856/RA-4136-LAND-TRANSPORTATION-CODE-docx

This document, available in the local Filipino language, serves as an essential resource for understanding the rules, regulations, and rights pertaining to land transportation and traffic in the country. It provides detailed information on licensing, vehicle registration, penalties for violations, and more, as outlined in the Republic Act 4136.

Video: What does the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) say?

Learn more about RA 4136: Land Transportation and Traffic Code and its provisions and prohibitions by watching this video from MamiZang Vlogs:

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Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some of the most common questions and answers related to RA 4136:

1. When was RA 4136 enacted?

RA 4136, was authored and enacted in 1964. It’s a 58-year-old law so as new modalities of transportation emerge, and more private vehicles are being used, the law gets more and more amendments time and time again until it has become strongly tied with economic rights and the dignity of labor.

2. Did RA 4136 create the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) as well?

No. The Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) did not create the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). It was borne out of another law, Republic Act No. 11854. 

3. What does the law say about the application and issuance of a Student Driver’s permit?

Section 30 of the RA 4136 says that upon proper application and the payment of the fee prescribed in accordance with law, the Director or his deputies may issue student driver’s permits, valid for one year to persons not under sixteen years of age, who desire to learn to operate motor vehicles. That is, provided that they meet the minimum qualifications and are able to provide the documentary requirements. 

Summary

True enough, Republic Act (RA) 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, has long been considered as the most comprehensive law on driving and traffic regulations is our Republic Act (RA) 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. The law laid the groundwork for almost all of the traffic regulations in effect, including the creation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). 

RA 4136 required both the (1) registration of all motor vehicles; and (2) the application of all drivers for either a professional or non-professional license. The law also set the corresponding penalties for failure to comply with the registration and licensing requirements and rules, and the penalties were updated every now and then by the LTO through the enactment of other laws.

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