Revised Rules on the Implementation of the Early Warning Device (EWD) Requirement
The LTO Memorandum Circular No. VPT-2012-1609 establishes revised rules regarding the mandatory requirement for Early Warning Devices (EWD) for all motor vehicles, excluding motorcycles and tricycles. Each vehicle must carry a pair of EWDs, which must be presented upon demand by law enforcement during any traffic stop. The EWDs must meet specific specifications for visibility and installation distance from the vehicle. Non-compliance will result in penalties, including fines and potential confiscation of the driver's license until EWDs are presented. The circular supersedes any conflicting prior issuances.
December 13, 2011
LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. VPT-2012-1609
| TO | : | All Regional/Assistant Regional Directors, Directors of LES and TAS, the Chiefs of FED, TSD and District Offices and RO Operations, Other Personnel and Deputized Agents Concerned |
| SUBJECT | : | Revised Rules on the Implementation of the Early Warning Device (EWD) Requirement |
Pursuant to the pertinent provisions of LOI No. 229 and consistent with the policy of this Office to promote road safety and to protect road users from the ruinous impact of road crashes, the following consolidated rules are hereby promulgated, effective immediately, for the observance of all concerned:
1. The EWD as mandatory accessory for all motor vehicles, except motorcycles and tricycles. Except for motorcycles and tricycles, a pair of EWD shall be a required motor vehicle accessory that shall be carried at all times and presented by the driver/operator upon demand by LTO deputized law enforcer when apprehended for another offense.
2. The EWD need not be presented at registration of the motor vehicle. Presentation of the EWD is not a requirement during the registration of a motor vehicle. It is strictly prohibited for any LTO official and/or employee to sell EWD's.
3. Where and when to install EWD. The EWD must be installed at least (4) meters to the front and at the rear of the motor vehicle whenever the motor vehicle is stationary for any reason, or it is compelled to stop on an area where standing or parking is prohibited.
4. Specification of the EWD. All EWD's must conform with the following specifications: HITAEC
a) Dimension and material.Each of the pair is triangular, collapsible, made of reflectorized plates, the sides of which are at least 40 cms. long and 5 cms. wide.
b) Quality of visibility.The triangles must be visible even in adverse weather conditions at a distance of at least 400 meters at high beam. These must lean slightly backwards, 5 to 10 degrees from the axis, perpendicular to the roadway, in order to provide maximum visibility from its reflectorized sides.
5. Penalty. The following liabilities shall be incurred for non-compliance with these rules:
a) For operating a motor vehicle without carrying a pair of EWD, a fine of P500 shall be imposed.
b) Should the charge sheet of the driver apprehended also include non-carrying of EWD, aside from payment of the fine, the license of the driver shall remain confiscated until a pair of EWD is presented during the adjudication of the case.
c) If a motor vehicle is impounded and among the violations included is the failure to carry a pair of EWD, the release of the vehicle shall be held in abeyance until a pair of EWD can be presented to the adjudicating officer.
6. Repealing Clause. All provisions memoranda, circulars and other issuances in conflict herewith are deemed superseded.
For guidance and strict compliance.
(SGD.) VIRGINIA P. TORRESAssistant Secretary