Oh, you don’t say! Last week, the LTO shared a reminder to the motoring public that using “illegal” taillights is actually punishable by law. When they say “illegal”, that deals with assemblies, bulbs and their colors, as well as accessories that are installed on the rear of the car that can blind drivers behind. We say that yes, please, do enforce this law. But before we ramble on, what exactly was in their statement?
Rules of the LTO regarding illegal taillights start at motor vehicle inspection during registration
In an aired clarification shared by the LTO, details of the illegality of certain taillights and accessories were bared. Through a statement from a Board Member of the Automobile Association of the Philippines, it was made clear that according to Land Transportation and Traffic Code, only red (for brakes) and yellow/orange (turn signals) are allowed. That said, rear-facing white lights are simply not legal. The only white lights allowed are those indicating that a vehicle is moving in reverse (backing up/reversing taillights); and to a certain extent, plate lights.
Many might not be aware, but standardization of lights and their colors does exist internationally, and locally. You can find the PH rules in and under Republic Act 4136 Section 4. But how come there is an obvious proliferation of motor vehicles (read, 4-wheelers and above, as well as motorcycles and tricycles) that use such accessories? Here’s where it gets interesting.
A representative from the LTO stated that “enforcement of RA 4136 starts during the inspection of a motor vehicle”. Wait, what? But what if the vehicle owner installs these illegal implements after an LTO inspection? Loophole, right? Well, yes, but there’s another method of law enforcement, apparently.
The same representative from the LTO stated that the agency has what’s called “Field or Roadside Enforcement”. In case anyone is apprehended for having and using these illegal lights and accessories, there’s a hefty accompanying fine of PHP 5,000. In closing, the LTO representative advised those who might want to put or install these implements to read first on their being legal or not before spending for them.
A lot has been said, and we’ve even gone on to feature these odd-colored and blinding lights, as well as those full-backglass lighting films, and call them horrible, ridiculous, and yes, illegal. Because really, they are. And if there’s anyone who argues and stands with any justification that they are not, well, these accessories should be made illegal because again, they are.
But don’t take it from us. Take it from the LTO. Before they rightfully take PHP 5,000 from you and your wallet.
if truly the concerned government agency is serious in implementing the law against illegal lights, violators should be apprehended/penalized during inspection prior to registration. at the end of the day those law abiding motorists are the ones who suffer from bright and blinding lights installed by iresponsible car drivers/owners.