MMDA implementation of higher fines for exclusive EDSA Bus Lane violations starts on Nov. 13, 2023
Sweet potatoes of the 2- and 4-wheel (or more) variety beware! If you get caught violating the EDSA Bus Lane, you’re in for a pretty big fine, and the MMDA is very serious about this, too. Starting on Monday, November 13, 2023, motorists will be given a generous supply of four strikes before the maximum penalty will be given, but make no mistake that your first offense in itself will cost a pretty penny. Here’s what you need to know.
EDSA Bus Lane Violators to be apprehended and slapped with hefty fines and penalties
Photo: Metro Manila Development Authority
Towards the end of last month, the MMDA announced its plans on how to curb the rampant and blatant disregard of motorists for the exclusivity of the EDSA Bus Lane. Despite the MMDA joining forces with the LTO’s enforcers, there wasn’t much of an improvement; yes, a lot were continuously being apprehended, but some dared to be chronic violators. It’s in this light that MMDA Regulation No. 23-002 was conceived.
Photo: Land Transportation Office
Already approved by the Metro Manila Council, it lines up the increased fines and other accompanying penalties for the violation of exclusive EDSA Bus/Carousel Lane regulation for both public and private vehicles. The increased fines apply to both drivers of public and private vehicles who are not authorized to use the exclusive bus lane, and they are as follows:
- First Offense – PHP 5,000
- Second Offense – PHP 10,000, plus one-month suspension of driver’s license, and required to undergo a road safety seminar
- Third Offense – PHP 20,000, plus one-year suspension of driver’s license
- Fourth Offense – PHP 30,000, plus recommendation to Land Transportation Office for revocation of driver’s license
“These EDSA bus lane violators will be reported to the Land Transportation Office and penalties will be attached to the vehicle owners,” said MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes. He likewise pointed out that the increase in penalties for EDSA bus lane violators is for the safety of motorists and undisrupted travel of authorized city buses plying in the exclusive lane.
Photo: Land Transportation Office
It’s become quite repetitive, hasn’t it? But really, we must see the reason as to why this issue has made the news consistently. Having a Driver’s License is a privilege and not a right, that’s one of the biggest cliches we’ve all heard, but truly, for those who do (and don’t!) and continue to break traffic laws, there is no excuse nor reason for any of you to be allowed to drive a motor vehicle or motorcycle.
We can all agree with the MMDA’s, LTO’s, and Metro Manila Council’s sentiment that such a regulation is in place for everyone’s safety, but with the ever-increasing number of violators along the EDSA Bus Lane, it cannot be ignored any longer.
It’s about time to hit law-breakers where it hurts, and it’s about time that these root-crops-turned-drivers feel more than a pinch for their motoring misdeeds.
Now, let’s see some consistent, constant, and fair implementation, right, MMDA and LTO?
