A double solid yellow line is one of the many road markings used to refer to a strict prohibition on passing or crossing at any time. It indicates that traffic in both directions must not attempt to overtake or cross the line under any circumstances.
As one of the most common road markings on the Philippines, double solid yellow lines are typically found painted along the center of a two-lane road, separating lanes traveling in opposite directions. Its primary purpose is to indicate a no-passing zone, prohibiting drivers from overtaking vehicles or crossing into oncoming traffic. This road marking helps maintain traffic order, reduce the risk of collisions, and ensure the safety of all road users.
Double solid yellow lines typically appear at the center of a two-lane road, where traffic flows in both directions. Unlike single solid yellow lines, which permit passing with caution when safe and legal, double solid yellow lines convey stricter regulations.
Essentially, a double solid yellow line signifies an absolute prohibition on passing or crossing the line at any point. Whether it’s for overtaking another vehicle or executing a U-turn, crossing a double solid yellow line is strictly forbidden.
Implications of Crossing Double Solid Yellow Lines
The presence of double solid yellow lines mandates adherence to specific rules to maintain safety and prevent accidents. Here are key points to consider:
No Passing or Overtaking
When encountering a double solid yellow line, it’s crucial to understand that passing another vehicle or attempting to shift into another lane is not permitted under any circumstances. This restriction applies regardless of whether there’s a designated passing zone or if you’re unaware of any accompanying signs.
No Crossing for Turns
While it’s permissible to cross a double yellow line when making a left turn, it’s essential to recognize that this allowance doesn’t extend to overtaking other vehicles. Crossing the line solely for turning purposes should be done cautiously, ensuring there’s no oncoming traffic and that it’s safe to proceed.
Strict Enforcement and Penalties
Violating the regulations associated with double solid yellow lines can result in severe penalties. In many cases, such infractions are categorized as reckless driving, attracting fines and potential license suspension or revocation. These penalties escalate with each subsequent offense.
Fines and Penalties
As mentioned, if you don’t follow the rule and overtake on double solid yellow lines, you will be penalized under ‘Reckless Driving’ with the following Fines:
1st Offense: Php 2,000 Fine
2nd Offense: Php 3,000 Fine + 3 Months suspension of Driver’s license
3rd Offense:
For Non Professional License Holder: Php 10,000 Fine + 6 Months suspension and revocation of driver’s license on the succeeding offense for 2 years counted from the date of revocation.
For Professional License Holder: Php 10,000 Fine + 6 months suspension and revocation of driver’s license on the succeeding offense.
Note: Drivers with revoked professional license shall be perpetually disqualified from getting driver’s license.
Road Safety and Compliance
Understanding and adhering to the rules regarding double solid yellow lines is paramount for promoting road safety and preventing accidents. Drivers must exercise vigilance and respect the markings, refraining from actions that contravene established regulations.
In situations where overtaking is necessary, drivers should exercise patience and wait for designated passing zones or areas where passing is explicitly permitted. Attempting to pass in prohibited areas not only endangers oneself but also poses risks to other road users.
Video: Double Solid Yellow Line Road Marking (Strictly No Overtaking)
Here’s a video discussing the importance of double solid yellow lines on roads and highways.
Summary
Double solid yellow lines serve as important indicators of restricted areas where passing or crossing is prohibited. It is an important road marking that drivers must recognize and respect to ensure orderly travels and safer road and driving environment for all.
Riding in tandem crime refers to the crime involving snatch thievery and other crimes while one drives a motorcycle and his partner rides pillion. The act of two people riding a single motorcycle together is not the crime, but the commission of crimes involving two perpetrators riding together on a single motorcycle is what is colloquially known as “riding in tandem” in the Philippines. At least, that’s how it was before some cities penalized most motorcycles with male back riders in what is known in Mandaluyong as the Ordinance Regulating Motorcycle Riding-in-Tandem in Mandaluyong City or the Motorcycle Riding-in-Tandem Ordinance.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported over 3000 incidents of violence and criminality committed by motorcycle-riding criminals, commonly referred to as the “riding in tandem” criminals, in the Philippines every day. These motorcycle-related crimes are not only limited to robberies, mugging, or shootings, but there are also cases of motorcycle-assisted abductions and sexual assaults. However, this phenomenon of motorcycle-riding related crimes is not exclusive to the Philippines. In fact, other countries such as Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras, and Venezuela, for instance, have tried to curb motorcycle-assisted robberies, assaults, and shootings by forbidding riding pillions and compelling motorcycle drivers to wear vests and helmets printed with their license numbers. Some countries like China and Myanmar, on the other hand, solved the problem with a total ban on motorcycles in the streets of some major cities. Unfortunately, as motorcycles gain popularity in the Philippines, so do the motorcycle-related crimes otherwise known as “riding in tandem.”
The phrasal term “riding in tandem” was one of those nominated for the 2014 “Salita ng Taon” or Filipino Word of the Year. “Riding in tandem” lost to “selfie” that year, but it has certainly entered the consciousness of the Filipino public, as well as those in position to implement the law.
The textbook definition of the word “tandem” says that it refers to having two things arranged one in front of the other or having two pieces of equipment, people, etc. that are working together especially well or closely. In the Philippines, tandem is usually used as a Filipino-English term “riding in tandem” which has since taken its own meaning. In the Philippine context, “riding in tandem” is being used as a noun to refer to a range of crimes—from snatching to murders motivated by anything from extramarital affairs to political rubouts—perpetrated by more than one person, usually two men, on a motorcycle.
Is Riding in Tandem a Crime
In a perfect world, riding in tandem is a normal occurrence and not a crime. It simply refers to two people on a motorcycle, one driver and one riding pillion, which is perfectly fine. Nowadays, however, there is an emerging “new use” of the versatility of motorcycles. Lawless elements such as criminal syndicates and guns for hire are now utilizing motorcycles as instruments or modus operandi for their criminal acts, ranging from robberies, murders, to kidnappings, terrorism and extreme violence. After all, motorcycles offer great mobility, allowing criminals to get close to their targets and offering an expeditious escape from the crime scene without any apprehensions or predicaments.
Because of the increasing incidence of motorcycle-related crimes in the Philippines and in other countries, riding in tandem has gained negative connotation, associated with criminal acts. Because of this, riding in tandem has become a term relegated to motorcycle-riding criminals and their illegal acts ranging from robberies to mugging, shootings, abductions, and sexual assaults. Laws and ordinances enacted in the Philippines, riding in tandem has become a traffic violation. Depending on where you are, you may face fines and penalties, ranging from ₱500.00 to ₱5,000.00 and even jail time, ranging from ten (10) days to up to six (6) months of imprisonment.
Laws Against Riding in Tandem Crimes
Riding in tandem has long become associated with criminal acts, hence the Philippine government finds it necessary to enact ordinances and laws to combat the increasing incidence of motorcycle-related and assisted crimes.
Some ordinances and laws filed and enacted to stop such crimes include:
Mandaluyong City Ordinance Nos. 550 S-2014, 595 S-2015, and 694 S-2018
Mandaluyong City Ordinance No. 550 S-2014, as well as the subsequent amendments in Ordinance Nos. 595 S-2015 and 694 S-2018, are all known as Ordinance Regulating Motorcycle Riding-in-Tandem in Mandaluyong City or Mandaluyong Riding in Tandem Ordinance, all prohibit males from pillion riding or back-riding on a motorcycle, except if the driver is their first-degree family member or the back-rider is seven to 10 years old. The ordinance also imposed fines ranging from ₱1,000.00 for the initial offense to ₱3,000.00, along with a maximum imprisonment of three (3) months for the third offense or violation of the city ordinance. It was later galted and declared unconstitutional by the Court of Appeals (CA).
Bangued Ordinance No. 48 S-2015
The ordinance No. 48 series of 2015 Regulating Motorcycle Riding in Tandem in the Municipality of Bangued is an ordinance authored by Councilor Joel Bolante and co-authored by all members of the Sangguniang Bayan. It prohibits male back riders or passengers who are not within the first degree of consanguinity of the driver of a motorcycle.
Bacoor City Ordinance No. CO 57A-2015 S-2015
In 2015, the City of Bacoor in Cavite also introduced their own “Anti Riding-in-Tandem Ordinance,” the Bacoor City Ordinance No. CO 57A-2015 S-2015. The ordinance prohibits two or more male passengers riding in tandem between 7:00am up until 10:00pm within the city premises. The ordinance also imposed fines ranging from ₱3,000.00 for the initial offense to ₱5,000.00, along with a maximum imprisonment of six (6) months for the third offense or violation of the city ordinance.
Caloocan City Draft Bill
In 2018, a draft bill on riding in tandem was filed in the city council of Caloocan. Just like the Mandaluyong ordinance, the draft bill in Caloocan restricts who can ride pillion in motorcycles. There are exemptions too, as females and first-degree relatives are not restricted. Also exempted from the ban are military and police personnel wearing their official uniform. Students and officemates who wish to ride together on a motorcycle must have proper IDs—school IDs or immediate certification from the boss to spare themselves from apprehension. Both the rider and passenger will be required to show proof of residency and their relationship with each other, too, when flagged down by local authorities. Violations of the proposed bill may entail fines ranging from ₱500.00 to ₱5,000.00 along with 10 to 60 days of imprisonment.
Republic Act No. 11235
In an effort to curb the spate of motorcycle-related and assisted crimes involving motorcycle-bound perpetrators, known as the “riding in tandem,” former Senator Richard Gordon, authored the Republic Act (RA) 11235, also known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act or Doble Plaka Law. As the head of the then Senate Justice and Human Rights committee, Gordon had said that RA 11235 was a means to protect the innocent public from criminals using motorcycles. It will allow easier identification of specific vehicles used in many crimes, through the requirement of larger, more legible, more identifiable motorcycle license plates and sticker/decal plates put in the front so that it might be readable 15 meters away. The effort was halted, of course, following nationwide protests.
Other Laws
Some local government units also considered options to curb the problem by exploring the possibility of banning motorcycle ride sharing on the streets of Manila” or launching campaigns intended to increase the awareness among the public.
Other pending laws regarding motorcycle-related crimes include:
Quezon City Anti Motorcycle Riding Criminals (Anti-MRC)
The Quezon City government, for instance, is planning to unveil its own campaign to curb criminality in their area known as the “Anti Motorcycle Riding Criminals” or ANTI-MRC. In the said campaign, a 30-kph speed limit among motorcycles will be imposed and riders are exhorted to wear vests with their license number indicated on the back.
House Bill 5720 (Riding-in-tandem Interdiction Act of 2012)
House Bill 5720, also known as the “Riding-in-tandem Interdiction Act of 2012, is a bill filed by Rep. Winston Castelo of Quezon City in response to the different viewpoints related to motorcycle riding crimes. The bill authorizes law-enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), to adopt a strategic policy against criminals riding-in-tandem on motorcycles through more aggressive interdiction operations in the name of promoting public security and welfare.
House Resolution 2189
Las Piñas City Rep. Mark Villar filed House Resolution 2189 for the same purpose: to curb motorcycle riding in tandem crimes. The HB suggess imposing heavier penalties against motorcycle riding-in-tandem criminals and amending the Revised Penal Code.
PNP Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS) and Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives (MASCO)
While these bills await approval to be passed into laws, the PNP had established its own formal crime prevention program called the Police Integrated Patrol System (PIPS). PIPS was designed to be the anti-criminality and police security operations involving higher police visibility measures, intensified foot and mobile patrols together with force multipliers, checkpoint/chokepoints operations, saturations drives, and police interventions against motorcycle riding criminals. The PNP PIPS also have the Motorized Anti-Street Crime Operatives or MASCO which deploys motorcycle riding-in-tandem policemen armed with high-powered firearms to counteract motorcycle mounted criminals in Metro Manila and other urban areas including Bacolod City and San Fernando City.
Summary
Riding in tandem crime may not seem as scary as other types if you haven’t been on the receiving end, but in reality, it’s more than simple snatch thievery and mugging. Other crimes involving motorcycle riders and their back-riding partner include abduction and in worse cases, murder. Unfortunately, riding in tandem crime remains a tough nut to crack not only because there are no specific laws against it, but also because each law must bear a certain balance between crime prevention and human rights violations.
Road markings consist of visual symbols and lines painted or applied on road surfaces to convey essential information to drivers and pedestrians about lane usage, merging, traffic regulations, and accident prevention. They serve multiple purposes, including directing traffic flow, defining lane divisions, marking pedestrian crossings, signaling hazards, and designating specific areas like bus or bicycle lanes.
Road markings are essential for conveying meanings, offering clear instructions, and guiding drivers to navigate roads safely, preventing accidents, and complying with traffic laws. This article explores the common road markings on Philippine roads, along with their significance and implications for all road users.
Road markings serve as crucial elements of road infrastructure, conveying vital information to both drivers and pedestrians through their placement on the road surface. Utilizing durable materials like paint or thermoplastic, these markings feature diverse shapes, colors, and patterns, each carrying a distinct significance and purpose.
The different types of road markings include:
Longitudinal Lines (Lane dividers)
Longitudinal lines refer to markings on the road that run parallel to the direction of traffic flow. These lines are used to separate lanes, indicate prohibited areas for overtaking, and guide drivers safely along the roadway.
Traverse Lines (Intersection markings)
Traverse lines, such as stop lines and give way lines, are pavement markings that indicate specific points where vehicles must stop or yield to other traffic, enhancing safety and regulating traffic flow at intersections and pedestrian crossings while facilitating orderly movements.
Other lines (Special purpose lines)
Other lines encompass various pavement markings that serve specific purposes beyond traffic regulation. These include markings for parking bays, loading and unloading zones, “Do Not Block” intersection lines, turn lines for guiding vehicles during turns at intersections, and designated lanes for buses and public utility jeepneys (PUJ).
Object Markings (Hazard warnings)
Object markings typically refer to visual cues or symbols painted on or adjacent to the roadway to indicate the presence of objects such as islands, median strips, bridge piers, or other obstructions to provide advance warning of potential hazards on the road.
Raised pavement markings
Raised pavement markings are physical elements installed on the road surface, such as reflective cat’s eyes or rumble strips, designed to provide tactile and visual feedback to drivers, alerting them to changes in road conditions or potential hazards ahead.
Benefits
Knowing and following road markings offer the following benefits:
White lines on the road typically indicate lane boundaries, dividing traffic flows in opposite directions or separating lanes traveling in the same direction, reminding drivers to stay within their lanes for safety.
1. Solid White Shoulder Line
Meaning: Denotes the edge of the roadway, indicating that vehicles should not encroach beyond this line during normal operation.
Implication: Drivers should stay within the designated roadway and avoid using the area beyond the solid white line.
2. Diagonal White Lines
Meaning: These lines, bordered by solid white lines, designate areas outside the roadway proper. Vehicles are expected to refrain from entering these areas except in emergencies.
Implication: Drivers should avoid occupying spaces delineated by diagonal white lines, maintaining clear passage for emergency vehicles and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
3. Solid White Center Line
Meaning: Divides traffic on multi-lane roads, indicating separate flows of traffic in opposite directions.
Implication: Overtaking is discouraged over solid white center lines, and drivers should maintain their respective lanes to prevent collisions with oncoming traffic.
4. Broken White Center Line
Meaning: Marks the center of a two-lane road or separates lanes on multi-lane roads, allowing for overtaking or lane changes when safe to do so.
Implication: Drivers may cross broken white center lines when overtaking or changing lanes, exercising caution and yielding to other vehicles as needed.
5. Double White Center Lines
Meaning: Indicates areas where overtaking is prohibited. Left turns are permitted if the road is clear, but right of way is granted to oncoming traffic.
Implication: Drivers should refrain from overtaking across double white center lines and exercise caution when making left turns.
6. Solid White Horizontal Line
Meaning: Indicates stopping points at intersections or traffic lights, ensuring orderly traffic flow.
Implication: Drivers must come to a complete stop behind solid white horizontal lines and proceed only when safe to do so.
7. Solid White Lane Divider
Meaning: Reminds drivers to stay within their lanes, particularly near intersections.
Implication: Drivers should adhere to lane discipline and use turning lanes appropriately to facilitate smooth traffic flow.
Yellow Lines
Yellow lines on the road generally signify restrictions or warnings for drivers. They can indicate no-passing zones, delineate lanes reserved for specific vehicles such as buses or bicycles, or warn of potential hazards like curves or intersections.
1. Double Yellow Center Lines
Meaning: Signifies hazardous conditions where overtaking is prohibited at all times.
Implication: Drivers must avoid overtaking over double yellow center lines, particularly in areas with limited visibility or fast-moving traffic.
2. Solid Yellow Lane Divider
Meaning: Identifies bus lanes or bicycle lanes, restricting access to designated vehicles.
Implication: Private vehicles should refrain from entering bus or bicycle lanes to ensure safety and compliance with traffic rules.
3. Broken Yellow Lane Divider
Meaning: Allows vehicles to merge into bus lanes or prepare for turning off major roads.
Implication: Drivers should exercise caution when merging into bus lanes and yield to buses as required.
4. Yellow Box
Meaning: Designates intersections that must be kept clear at all times to facilitate traffic movement.
Implication: Drivers should avoid entering yellow boxes unless they can clear the intersection completely, preventing traffic congestion and ensuring smooth traffic flow.
Other Lines, Signs, and Symbols
Other lines on the road serve various purposes, including guiding traffic flow, indicating parking or loading zones, and highlighting pedestrian crossings, ensuring efficient use of road space.
1. Mixed Center Line with Broken White Line
Meaning: Allows overtaking from one side indicated by a broken line while restricting overtaking from the other side with a solid line.
Implication: Drivers should only overtake from the side indicated by the broken line, ensuring clear visibility and yielding to oncoming traffic.
2. Directional Lane Arrows
Meaning: Indicates permissible directions of travel within lanes, guiding drivers on lane usage and turning maneuvers.
Implication: Drivers must follow directional arrows to comply with traffic regulations and avoid violations.
3. Broken Blue Lane Divider
Meaning: Designates lanes reserved for motorcycles, promoting safer travel for motorcyclists.
Implication: Drivers should respect designated motorcycle lanes and yield to motorcyclists when using these lanes.
4. Mixed Double Lane Divider
Meaning: Restricts lane changes from one side while allowing merging from the other side.
Implication: Drivers should observe lane restrictions and merge safely when transitioning between roads or lanes.
5. Rumble Strips
Meaning: Alerts drivers to hazards such as sharp curves or merging traffic, prompting them to reduce speed and exercise caution.
Implication: Drivers should heed warnings provided by rumble strips and adjust their speed accordingly to avoid accidents.
6. Zebra Crossing
Meaning: Marks pedestrian crossing zones, requiring drivers to yield to pedestrians and refrain from stopping over the crossing.
Implication: Drivers should stop behind zebra crossings to allow pedestrians to cross safely and avoid traffic violations.
7. Cat’s Eyes
Meaning: These are raised pavement markers typically embedded in the road surface, often used to enhance nighttime visibility for drivers by reflecting headlights.
Implication: Cat’s eyes provide visual guidance and warning to drivers, especially in areas with low-light conditions, poor visibility, or adverse weather conditions.
8. Parking Bay
Meaning: Designates designated space for parking.
Implication: Indicates areas where vehicles are permitted to park, facilitating organized parking and preventing congestion.
9. Loading and Unloading Bay Lane Line
Meaning: Indicates the proper location for loading and unloading zones of public utility vehicles, typically with parking restrictions.
Implication: Helps ensure efficient loading and unloading operations while minimizing traffic disruptions.
10. Speed limit at 60KPH
Meaning: These pavement markings supplement the speed limit signage posted on the roadside, indicating a maximum speed of 60 kilometers per hour.
Implication: By clearly indicating the speed limit, these markings help enforce traffic regulations, promote safe driving practices, and reduce the risk of accidents caused by excessive speed.
Penalties
Some of the penalties associated with failure to follow road markings include:
Disregarding traffic signs (DTS) or specific colored lines, except for yellow bus lanes along EDSA, incurs a PHP 1,000 fine for all offenses according to MMDA’s penalties.
In essence, reading road markings is an important skill for both new and veteran drivers, yet it’s one that even the authorities painting them often seem puzzled by where they should actually go. By understanding these common road markings, you as a driver or other type of road user can help regulate traffic, improve road safety, and facilitate efficient transportation systems.
