Tips

Driving on the right side of the highway means adhering to a fundamental traffic rule in the Philippines that helps maintain order and safety on the roads. By driving on the right, drivers ensure that they are positioned correctly to pass oncoming vehicles safely and to overtake slower-moving traffic when necessary. This rule is essential for preventing accidents, especially on narrow or busy roads where clear lanes of traffic are crucial for everyone’s safety.

Also read: Driving a Car: Which Lane to Use in a Three (3) Lane Expressway

It’s important to know everything about driving on the right side of the highway to avoid confusion, prevent accidents, and comply with local traffic laws. Understanding this rule ensures that drivers can navigate the local roads confidently and responsibly, contributing to smoother traffic flow and reducing the risk of collisions. Being informed about driving regulations helps create a safer environment for all road users, promoting harmony and efficiency in transportation across the country. With this guide, we hope to help you understand why this rule is important and how it can be used to navigate highways responsibly.

Driving on the Right Side of the Highway

Driving on the right side of the highway is essential for maintaining safe and efficient traffic flow. This practice helps to organize the movement of vehicles, ensuring that those traveling in opposite directions are separated by designated lanes. By driving on the right, drivers reduce the risk of head-on collisions, which can be catastrophic on high-speed roads. This standard also simplifies navigation, as it provides a consistent framework for drivers to anticipate and react to the flow of traffic.

To drive on the right side of the highway, always keep to the rightmost lane that corresponds to your direction of travel. When encountering oncoming vehicles, maintain your position on the right to allow them to pass safely on your left. If you need to overtake another vehicle going in the same direction, move into the left lane temporarily after ensuring it’s safe to do so and signal your intention to change lanes. Adhering to these practices helps to maintain order on the road and ensures the safety of all motorists.

Why Drive on the Right Side?

Did you know that we didn’t always drive on the right side of the road in the Philippines? Yep, it’s true. But on March 10, 1945, the Philippines, like in many countries, were required to drive the vehicles on the right side of the highway, thanks to the provisions of Executive Order No. 34. 

E.O. 34 is a rule designed to maintain organized traffic flow and reduce the cost of vehicles and risk of accidents, especially head-on collisions. By staying on the right, you ensure that vehicles moving in opposite directions are properly separated. Plus, you get to enjoy the following benefits as well:

• Safety: Driving on the right helps reduce the risk of head-on collisions, as vehicles traveling in opposite directions are separated by lanes.
• Consistency: Consistent adherence to this rule allows for predictable traffic patterns, making it easier for drivers to anticipate maneuvers and react accordingly.
• Legal Compliance: Following the rule of driving on the right ensures compliance with local traffic laws, promoting orderly and lawful driving behavior.
• Efficiency: Proper lane discipline facilitates smoother overtaking and passing maneuvers, reducing congestion and improving overall traffic efficiency.
• Clarity: Driving on the right side minimizes confusion among drivers, especially at intersections and during lane changes, enhancing road safety.
• International Standard: Many countries drive on the right side, making it an international standard that helps facilitate driving across borders and in diverse regions.
• Reduced Accidents: With clear separation of traffic flows, the likelihood of accidents, particularly head-on collisions, is significantly reduced.

By driving on the right side of the road, motorists contribute to a safer, more organized driving environment that benefits everyone on the road.

Rules Regarding Driving on the Right Side of the Highway

When driving on the highway in countries like the Philippines, then here are some rules that you need to remember::

1. Stay in the Right Lane

Always drive in the rightmost lane that corresponds to your direction of travel.

2. Pass on the Left

When passing other vehicles traveling in the same direction, move into the left lane briefly, ensuring it’s safe and legal to do so.

3. Yield to Oncoming Traffic

When encountering vehicles coming from the opposite direction, maintain your position on the right side of your lane to allow them to pass safely on your left.

4. Use Turn Signals

Signal your intention to change lanes or overtake by using your turn signals to communicate with other drivers.

5. Obey Traffic Signs and Markings

Pay attention to road signs and lane markings that indicate where and when lane changes are permitted.

6. Follow Speed Limits

Adhere to posted speed limits to maintain safe driving conditions and prevent accidents.

7. Use Seat Belts

Ensure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing seat belts for safety.

8. Be Considerate of Others

Drive courteously and be mindful of other road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and fellow motorists.

9. Keep a Safe Following Distance

Maintain a safe following distance from the vehicle ahead to allow for adequate braking in case of sudden stops.

10. Avoid Distractions

Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions such as using mobile phones or engaging in other activities while driving.

Following these rules helps ensure orderly and safe driving practices on highways and contributes to overall road safety.

Additional Rules 

Some other rules regarding driving on the right side of the highway include:

Overtaking Vehicles

If you need to overtake a slower vehicle traveling in the same direction, move to the left side of your lane when it’s safe and legal to do so. Signal your intention to overtake, check for clear visibility ahead, and proceed carefully.

Lane Selection on Two-Lane Carriageways

On highways with two lanes for two-way traffic, keep your vehicle in the appropriate lane based on your direction of travel. Do not cross to the other side of the road unless it’s necessary and safe, even if there are no solid lane markings.

Lane Selection on Carriageways with More Than Two Lanes

If you’re driving on a highway with more than two lanes, choose the rightmost lane that’s suitable for your direction of travel. Use the left lane only for overtaking or when preparing to make a left turn. This practice helps maintain traffic organization and allows for smoother lane changes.

Video: Why is the Philippines a Left-hand Drive Country?

Have you ever wondered why we drive on the right side of the highway in the Philippines? Well, if you watch this video from ABS-CBN News, then you’ll get your answer:

Summary

Driving on the right side of the highway is crucial for ensuring safety and order on Philippine roads. Whether you’re planning a trip or just refreshing your knowledge of local regulations, you must make sure that you follow the rules and practice responsible driving habits, in order to make the roads safer for everyone. Always remember: Safe driving begins with you. So, next time you need to go, remember to drive on the right side and stay vigilant on the highways for a secure and enjoyable journey.

Driving along expressways in the Philippines requires following the rules and regulations established by both the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and expressway management authorities. These regulations are put in place to prioritize road safety and ensure efficient traffic flow on these high-speed roadways. The LTO governs aspects such as vehicle registration, driver’s licensing, and overall compliance with national traffic laws, which are crucial for maintaining order and safety on expressways.

Also Read: Speed Limits in Philippine Toll Expressways

Expressway management bodies, such as the Manila North Tollways Corporation (MNTC) or South Luzon Tollway Corporation (SLTC), enforce specific regulations tailored to expressway usage. These regulations cover aspects like designated entry and exit points, prohibited vehicle types, speed limits, and emergency protocols. By implementing and enforcing these rules, expressway authorities contribute significantly to reducing accidents and ensuring the smooth operation of these critical transportation arteries. Ultimately, the collaboration between the LTO and expressway management entities plays a vital role in implementing the rules safeguarding road users and promoting a safer driving environment across Philippine expressways.

Driving Along Expressways 

Driving along expressways in the Philippines offers a faster and more efficient way to travel between major destinations. These well-maintained roads typically have controlled access and higher speed limits compared to regular highways, allowing for smoother and quicker journeys. To drive safely on Philippine expressways, it’s important to adhere to specific rules and practices.

The rules and regulations regarding driving along expressways are designed to prioritize safety and efficiency for all road users. These guidelines ensure smooth traffic flow, reduce the risk of accidents, and maintain order on the expressway. By implementing specific rules that prevent unsafe driving behaviors and potential hazards, both the LTO and the expressways’ management address the unique challenges posed by high-speed travel on expressways. By adhering to these rules, drivers can better anticipate and respond to road conditions, reducing the likelihood of accidents and ensuring a more predictable commute for everyone using the expressways. Overall, these regulations contribute to a safer and more efficient transportation network throughout the Philippines.

Philippine Expressway Rules and Regulations

Driving on expressways in the Philippines, like the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) and South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), offers a convenient way to traverse Luzon. However, it’s essential to understand the specific rules and regulations governing expressway use to ensure safety and compliance.

1. Designated Entry/Exit Points

Vehicles must use designated entry and exit points to access expressways. Unauthorized ingress or egress is prohibited.

2. Right-of-Way Fences

Removing or tampering with right-of-way fences along expressways is prohibited by law. These fences serve an important purpose in ensuring the safety and integrity of the expressway infrastructure. Violating this regulation can lead to legal consequences and jeopardize the overall security of the roadway.

3. No Stopping or Parking Except in Designated Areas

Standing, stopping, loading, unloading, or parking is strictly allowed only in designated spots, ensuring the free flow of traffic.

4. Emergency Vehicle Removal

In case of breakdowns or accidents, impaired vehicles must be promptly removed from travel lanes by authorized towing services at the owner’s expense.

5. Prohibited Vehicles

Certain vehicles are restricted from expressways, including motorcycles below 400 cc, tricycles, scooters, bicycles (with limited exceptions), dilapidated vehicles, smoke belchers, and trucks carrying uncovered construction aggregates.

6. Lane Usage

The innermost lane (Lane No. 1) is designed solely for overtaking other vehicles. Slow-moving vehicles like buses and cargo trucks should avoid this lane at all times to maintain smooth traffic flow and allow faster vehicles to pass safely. It is important for drivers to adhere to this rule to prevent congestion and ensure efficient travel on the expressway.

7. Damage Responsibility

Drivers bear responsibility for any damages caused to expressway property by their vehicles. This includes incidents where vehicles damage rail guards, lamp posts, perimeter fences, median barriers, buildings, or other infrastructure. It is essential for drivers to exercise caution and drive responsibly to prevent accidents that may result in property damage along expressways.

8. Speed Limits

To ensure safety and maintain smooth traffic flow, it is important to comply with the posted speed limits on expressways, which typically range from 60 to 100 kilometers per hour (unless otherwise posted). Following these speed restrictions helps reduce the risk of accidents and promotes orderly driving conditions on the road. Always be vigilant and adjust your speed accordingly based on the prevailing limits and road conditions to ensure a safe journey for yourself and others.

By understanding and adhering to these rules and regulations regarding driving along expressways, drivers can easily navigate the expressways, while making sure that they come out of it alive and in one piece. Remember, responsible driving is key to enjoying the benefits of our expressway system.

Tips for Safe Expressway Driving

Aside from following the rules and regulations, it is important for drivers to practice safe or defensive driving techniques while driving along expressways in order to avoid untoward incidents like accidents and the like. For some of the best practices regarding protecting safety while driving along expressways, you may want to check out this list below:

• Vehicle Check-Up: Before embarking on an expressway journey, inspect your vehicle’s condition, including tires, brakes, fluids, and lights.
• Maintain Awareness: Stay alert and focused on the road ahead. Expressways demand heightened attention due to higher speeds.
• Merge Smoothly: Use turn signals when merging onto the expressway, accelerating briskly to match traffic speed.
• Safe Distance: Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead to allow for adequate braking. Maintain at least a two-second gap under normal conditions.
• Follow Traffic Signs: Adhere to posted speed limits, road signs, and markings to ensure safe navigation.
• Prepare for Toll Fees: Have cash ready for toll payments, which are required on expressways.
• Handling Emergencies: If faced with a blown tire, gradually reduce speed without abrupt braking, and maneuver safely to the roadside.
• Take Breaks: Long journeys can be tiring; plan stops every two hours to rest and stretch.
• Exiting the Expressway: Pay attention to exit signs, change lanes in advance, and reduce speed appropriately.

Observing safe driving tips while driving along expressways not only enhances the overall road safety by reducing the risk of accidents and collisions, especially at higher speeds, but it also promotes smoother traffic flow, minimizes disruptions and congestion on busy expressways, and ensures a more enjoyable and stress-free journey for all.

Video: Driving Along Expressways

For a better understanding of the rules and regulations of driving along expressways, you may check out this explainer video from DriveSafe PH

Summary

Navigating expressways in the Philippines requires strict adherence to rules and regulations set by the LTO and the expressway management authorities. These guidelines prioritize road safety and efficient traffic flow, addressing the unique challenges posed by high-speed travel which contributes significantly to reducing accidents and ensuring a smooth operation of the expressway network. Ultimately, responsible driving practices and adherence to these regulations create a safer and more enjoyable experience for all motorists who are using the expressways.