72 drivers caught violating new law

More than 70 drivers were caught violating the modified Anti-Distracted Driving Law which took effect on Thursday, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said.

MMDA no contact apprehension chief Ronnie Rvera said that as of 3:30 p.m., 72 drivers were caught through the agency’s using closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed in strategic places all over Metro Manila in apprehending violators.

The MMDA has more than 300 CCTV cameras installed in major thoroughfares all over Metro Manila.

The first offense has a fine of P5,000, the second offense goes up to P10,000 while P15,000 for the third offense including suspension of the driver’s license for three months and P20,000 for the fourth offense including revocation of the driver’s license.

Under the new law, motorists are not allowed to use their mobile communication devices, electronic entertainment and computing gadgets or devices while vehicles are in motion or temporarily stopped on a traffic light or an intersection.

The law prohibits acts like making or receiving calls, writing, sending or reading text messages, playing games, watching movies, performing calculations, reading e-books, and browsing the internet.

Motorists are allowed to use hands-free applications like Waze, Google Maps, and Spotify or gadgets like dash cams as long as these do not interfere their line of sight. There are heavier penalties that will be imposed for public utility vehicle drivers, drivers of school service ve- hicles or drivers of a common carrier of flammable or toxic materials. Those caught in violation within a 50-meter radius of a school will be fined P30,000 and driver’s license suspension for three months.

The law also covers motorcycles and cargo haulers carrying hazardous materials, among others.