Mandaue hikes fines for traffic violators

CEBU, Philippines — Motorists traveling along the thoroughfares of Mandaue City should be extra cautious not to commit any traffic violations following the approval of higher fines for violators.

During the Mandaue City Council’s regular session yesterday, June 20, 2024, the august body approved on third and final reading “An Ordinance amending Section 1 of City Ordinance No. 14-2016-1120, or the ordinance imposing and increasing the penalties of traffic violations in the City of Mandaue.”

Based on the approved Ordinance, it noted that some of the current penalties imposed pursuant to City Ordinance No. 14-2016-1120 had to be amended to address their current traffic situation.

“Some of those apprehended for a violation enunciated in the City Ordinance are habitual offenders. The penalty of fine, which is promulgated eight years ago, is way too low to serve as a deterrent. And there are accessory penalties which are no longer applicable during this present time, as they are deemed illegal,” the ordinance read.

“Hence, it is respectfully submitted that no matter how noble the objective of the law, the traffic violators remain elusive because the penalty is unrealistic. The penalty must be upgraded,” it added.

Hyll Retuya, assistant department head of Mandaue City’s Traffic Enforcement Agency (TEAM), told The Freeman that the new penalties shall take effect when Mayor Jonas Cortes signs it.

“It’s the best deterrent for traffic violators kay they are becoming worst and some are already mga repeat offenders,” Retuya explained.

Among the violations that now carries a huge penalty is the “Speed Away” which previously carried a penalty of P1,000. With the amendment, violators will now be meted a P5,000 penalty, and impounding of the subject vehicle.

However, if the subject vehicle has absconded but its details were positively determined by the apprehending officer, it shall be reported to the proper authorities, like the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Modern Public Utility Jeepney (MPUJ) and Public Utility Jeepney (PUJ) drivers who operate a unit without an LTFRB Franchise/Special Permit or with an expired Franchise/Special Permit will be slapped with a P3,000 fine and impounding of the unit shall be imposed. The previous fine was at P1,000.

The penalty for counterflowing, which used to be P500, has increased to P2,000, while driving with a delinquent, invalid, suspended, ineffectual or revoked or improper driver’s license has increased from P1,000 to P2,000.

Drivers loading/unloading of passengers not on a designated stop will be fined P1,000 while overloading of passengers carries a penalty of P2,000. The previous penalties for the said violation were at P500 and P1,000, respectivley.

A driver who refuses to convey their passengers to the proper destination or will be caught trip cutting will be fined P2,000 from P1,500.

Other traffic violations which fines have increased by P500 to P2,000 includes unqualified driver of Public Utility and impounding of the unit; failure to show or surrender driver’s license for a cause and upon due demand by a traffic enforcer; driving while under the influence of liquor or prohibited drugs; and allowing another person to use his/her driver’s license.

Also included are violations for insolent, discourteous drivers; transfer and use of plates/tags or stickers from one unit to another; reckless driving; disregarding traffic lights and signs; obstruction to traffic, parking on the opposite direction of traffic; parking/driving on the sidewalk; parking/standing on PUJ/MPUJ stop; abandoned/stalled vehicles; and refusing to sign the Traffic Citation Ticket.

Retuya added that the penalty for jaywalking remains at P50, as well the penalty for overcharging of fare outside the allowable fare matrix duly issued by the proper authorities is still at P1,000. – ATO (CEBU NEWS)