Anti-Distracted Driving Act (RA 10913): Penalties, Fines & What You Need to Know

Republic Act 10913, signed into law on July 27, 2016 and effective May 18, 2017, prohibits drivers from using mobile communications devices and electronic entertainment gadgets while a vehicle is in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light. The law aims to reduce road accidents caused by driver inattention — the Department of Transportation cited distracted driving as a factor in 30% of road crashes during the law's drafting. The act covers all motor vehicles on public roads, including expressways like NLEX, SCTEX, TPLEX, SLEX, Skyway, and CAVITEX. Violations are enforced by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), local traffic enforcers, and expressway patrol units. The law applies equally to private cars, motorcycles, buses, and commercial vehicles.

The law specifically bans using or holding mobile phones, tablets, laptops, gaming devices, cameras, video recorders, and any electronic device requiring visual or manual operation while driving. This includes making or receiving calls, texting, browsing social media, watching videos, playing games, reading emails, and taking photos or videos. The prohibition extends to temporarily stopped vehicles at red lights, toll plaza queues, or traffic congestion. Holding a device even without actively using it constitutes a violation. The law covers both handheld and hands-free devices if they require the driver to take their eyes off the road or hands off the wheel.

First-time violators pay a ₱5,000 fine. Second offenses within 12 months carry a ₱10,000 penalty. Third and subsequent violations cost ₱15,000 plus a three-month driver's license suspension. Fines must be settled at LTO offices or authorized payment centers within 15 days to avoid additional surcharges. The LTO maintains a centralized violation database — offenses from any region count toward your total. Unpaid fines block license renewal and vehicle registration. For expressway violations, tickets are typically issued at the next toll plaza or mailed to the registered vehicle owner based on RFID account details.

The law allows hands-free phone functions through Bluetooth, speakerphone, or voice-activated systems that don't require holding the device or taking eyes off the road. Drivers may use phones for emergency calls to police (911), fire (911), medical services (911), or roadside assistance — but only when safely parked on the shoulder or emergency lane. Dashcams, GPS navigation devices, and other safety equipment mounted on the dashboard or windshield are permitted if they don't obstruct the driver's view and don't require manual operation while moving. Parked vehicles with engines off are exempt. Law enforcement officers, emergency responders, and military personnel on official duty are exempt when using communication devices for their work.

1. 1

   Use hands-free systems only

   Bluetooth headsets, car audio integration, or voice commands that don't require touching the device

2. 2

   Mount navigation devices properly

   GPS units must be secured to dashboard or windshield edge, not blocking driver's view, and set before driving

3. 3

   Pull over for non-emergency calls

   Stop completely in a safe location (shoulder, parking area) before handling your phone

4. 4

   Emergency calls require safe stopping

   Even 911 calls should be made from a stopped position unless using voice activation

Expressway operators enforce RA 10913 through roving patrol units, CCTV monitoring at toll plazas, and traffic management centers that review footage from main lane cameras. NLEX, SLEX, Skyway, TPLEX, and CAVITEX all have dedicated traffic enforcement teams coordinating with LTO and Highway Patrol Group (HPG). Violations captured on camera result in tickets mailed to the vehicle owner's registered address or sent via the RFID account contact details. Common enforcement points include toll plaza approach lanes where drivers slow down and often check phones, and main lane sections with overhead CCTV gantries. The minimum fine of ₱5,000 applies regardless of expressway location. Toll operators cannot collect fines directly — violators must settle at LTO offices.

Violators receive a Traffic Violation Receipt (TVR) from the apprehending officer or a Notice of Violation by mail for camera-captured offenses. The TVR lists the violation code, fine amount, and payment deadline — typically 15 days from issuance. Payment options include LTO district offices nationwide, authorized Bayad Centers, SM Business Centers, and select banks with LTO payment facilities. Bring the original TVR, valid ID, and exact cash or check payment. After payment, request an Official Receipt and keep it for at least 12 months as proof. For expressway violations, check the mailed notice for the specific LTO office handling the case — usually the district office nearest the violation location. Online payment through the LTO Portal is planned but not yet fully operational as of February 2026.

1. 1

   Receive your Traffic Violation Receipt

   Officer hands you TVR on-site, or you receive Notice of Violation by mail within 7-14 days for camera violations

2. 2

   Verify the violation details

   Check the date, location, fine amount (₱5,000/₱10,000/₱15,000), and payment deadline on the TVR

3. 3

   Pay at authorized centers within 15 days

   Visit LTO office, Bayad Center, or SM Business Center with TVR and valid ID; bring exact amount in cash

4. 4

   Collect and keep your Official Receipt

   Get stamped OR from the payment center; store it safely for 12 months as proof of settlement

Mount your phone on a dashboard holder before starting your trip and set navigation, music, and contacts. Use voice commands for calls, messages, and navigation changes — both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support full voice control. Enable Do Not Disturb mode or driving mode on your phone to block notifications and auto-reply to texts. For longer expressway trips like NLEX Balintawak to Dau (95 km, 1.5 hours), plan phone use stops at service areas: NLEX has rest stops at Bocaue, San Fernando, and Angeles. If you must check your phone urgently, signal and pull over to the shoulder completely, turn on hazard lights, and stop before touching the device. Never handle your phone in toll plaza lanes, even when stopped in queue — wait until you've exited and parked.

Myth: "I can use my phone at red lights." False — the law explicitly covers vehicles temporarily stopped at traffic signals. Myth: "Hands-free calling is completely legal." Partially true — hands-free is allowed only if you don't touch the device; manually dialing or adjusting volume while driving violates the law. Myth: "Only handheld use is banned." False — any device requiring visual attention or manual operation is prohibited, even if mounted. Myth: "Dashcams are illegal under this law." False — dashcams are exempt as safety equipment. Myth: "I can't be ticketed if I wasn't pulled over." False — CCTV evidence is valid; you'll receive a mailed notice. Myth: "The law doesn't apply on expressways." False — RA 10913 covers all public roads including all toll expressways.

The ₱5,000 first-offense fine for distracted driving exceeds most common traffic penalties. Seatbelt violations cost ₱1,000 first offense, ₱2,000 second, ₱5,000 third. Illegal parking fines range ₱1,000-₱2,000. Speeding penalties vary by excess speed: 1-20 kph over costs ₱1,000, 21-30 kph costs ₱2,000, 31-40 kph costs ₱3,000. Reckless driving carries a ₱2,000-₱5,000 fine plus possible license suspension. Driving without a license costs ₱3,000 first offense. The high distracted driving penalty reflects the government's priority on this safety issue — studies show phone use increases crash risk by 400%. Unlike seatbelt or helmet violations, distracted driving fines don't have a discounted settlement option.

Unpaid distracted driving fines block LTO license renewal — your application will be flagged in the system until all penalties are settled. The violation appears on your LTO driving record for 12 months from the offense date. Car insurance companies don't typically access LTO violation records for private vehicle policies, so a distracted driving ticket won't directly increase your CTPL or comprehensive insurance premium. However, three or more violations within 12 months result in a three-month license suspension, which could affect your ability to maintain commercial driving employment or company vehicle privileges. Fleet operators and businesses with company cars may face higher insurance rates if multiple drivers accumulate distracted driving violations. The violation doesn't add demerit points to your license — the Philippines doesn't use a points system — but the financial penalty and potential suspension serve as the deterrent.

Republic Act 10913 was authored by Senator Vicente Sotto III and Representative Cesar V. Sarmiento, passed by Congress in 2016, and signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on July 27, 2016. The law's Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) took effect May 18, 2017 after the required 90-day public consultation period. The legislation responded to rising road fatalities — the World Health Organization reported 12,690 road deaths in the Philippines in 2013, with distracted driving cited as a contributing factor in 25-35% of crashes. The law references Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) as its basis for traffic regulation authority. Initial enforcement in Metro Manila issued over 10,000 tickets in the first six months. The LTO reports consistent enforcement nationwide with approximately 50,000-60,000 distracted driving violations recorded annually.

Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integrate your phone with compatible car infotainment systems, allowing voice-controlled calls, texts, navigation, and music without touching your phone. Aftermarket head units with these systems cost ₱8,000-₱25,000 installed. Bluetooth speakerphones clip to visors and enable hands-free calling for ₱800-₱2,500. Phone mounts with wireless charging (₱1,200-₱3,500) keep your device visible for navigation without handling. Driving mode apps automatically silence notifications and send auto-replies when the vehicle is moving — both iOS and Android have built-in versions. For motorcycles, Bluetooth helmet systems (₱3,500-₱12,000) provide hands-free communication and GPS audio. Dashcams with driver monitoring (₱6,000-₱15,000) can alert you if you're looking away from the road too long, helping build safer habits.