CurvePhilippines

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Philippines. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


14. Curve

A curve is a section of road that changes direction to the left or right. A sharp, unexpected or poorly visible curve can reduce a driver’s view of approaching traffic, stopped vehicles, pedestrians and other hazards.

Drivers should reduce speed before entering the curve, remain within their lane and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Warning signs may indicate the direction of the first curve or a series of successive curves.

Curve
Warning for a curve to the left. (San Juan, Philippines)
Wikimedia.org • Judgefloro • CC BY-SA
What makes a bend dangerous in the Philippines?

Curves shorten the view ahead and reduce the margin for correcting a mistake. Grip, visibility, road condition and hidden traffic can make the safe speed much lower than the legal maximum. Slow before the bend, retain control and watch for people or vehicles beyond it.

🔗 issuances-library.senate.gov.ph • Philippines RA 4136 — Sections 35–54: prudent speed, traffic controls, safe circulation and local/facility restrictions

🔗 lto.gov.ph • LTO — Filipino Driver’s Manual, volume 1, 2nd edition; relevant official indexed excerpts, full download blocked

How should you approach a sharp curve in the Philippines?

Slow down before the bend, select the correct lane position, look through the curve and steer smoothly. Keep enough grip and visible stopping distance for the road and weather conditions.

🔗 issuances-library.senate.gov.ph • Philippines RA 4136 — Sections 35–54: prudent speed, traffic controls, safe circulation and local/facility restrictions

🔗 lto.gov.ph • LTO — Filipino Driver’s Manual, volume 1, 2nd edition; relevant official indexed excerpts, full download blocked

Is overtaking safe on a blind bend in the Philippines?

No. Do not start overtaking where your view of oncoming traffic is obstructed or where signs or road markings prohibit it. Wait until there is a lawful, clear and sufficiently long view ahead.

🔗 issuances-library.senate.gov.ph • Philippines RA 4136 — Sections 35–54: prudent speed, traffic controls, safe circulation and local/facility restrictions

🔗 lto.gov.ph • LTO — Filipino Driver’s Manual, volume 1, 2nd edition; relevant official indexed excerpts, full download blocked

Warning for a curve to the left. Warning for a curve to the left.

English • Traffic sign W1-3 • Bend to the left. Adjust your speed to the road layout and conditions.

Filipino • W1-3 • Kurba sa kaliwa. May kurba sa kaliwa sa unahan. Magbagal ayon sa hugis ng kalsada at sa mga kondisyon.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 14 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • W1-3 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: TagaSanPedroAko (Let's talk/Usap tayo) derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2015-05-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

Warning for a curve to the right. Warning for a curve to the right.

English • Traffic sign W1-3 • Bend to the right. Adjust your speed to the road layout and conditions.

Filipino • W1-3 • Kurba sa kanan. May kurba sa kanan sa unahan. Magbagal ayon sa hugis ng kalsada at sa mga kondisyon.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Fliphtml5.com • LTO • Road Traffic Signs & Pavement Markings • p. 14 (pampublikong kopya)
🔗 Lto.gov.ph • LTO • opisyal na materyal
🔗 Scribd.com • DPWH • W1-3 (pampublikong kopya)

SVG source: Government of the Philippines - Department of Public Works and Highways derivative work: Fry1989 eh? • Public domain • Original revision 2015-05-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

1 Philippines 2 Speed limit 3 Bike path 4 Bridge 5 Toll road 6 One-way traffic 7 Stop sign 8 Give way 9 Pedestrian crossing 10 Railway crossing 11 Turn prohibition 12 School area 13 Overtaking 14 Curve 15 Chevron 16 Roadworks 17 Weight limit 18 Traffic lights 19 Pedestrian lights 20 Driving licence 21 Parking 22 No parking 23 Reversing 24 Uncontrolled crossroad 25 Provisional licence 26 Licence plate 27 Charging station 28 Bus 29 Police 30 Ambulance 31 Pothole 32 Path 33 Particulates 34 Air pollution 35 Rush hour 36 Road code 37 Street gutter 38 Cargo bike 39 Forestry vehicle 40 Construction vehicle 41 Semi-trailer truck 42 Trolleybus 43 Speed pedelec 44 Delivery vehicle 45 Idling 46 Tow truck 47 Four-wheel drive 48 Bicycle 49 Motorcycle equipment 50 Rail track 51 Caravan 52 Trailer 53 Tow hitch 54 Fire truck 55 Siren 56 Convoy 57 Emergency vehicle lighting 58 Agricultural machinery 59 Electric bicycle 60 Electric vehicle 61 Pedelec 62 Quadricycle 63 Microcar 64 All-terrain vehicle 65 Van 66 Recreational vehicle 67 Scooter 68 Trikke 69 Personal mobility device 70 Skateboard 71 Segway 72 Kick scooter 73 Roller skates 74 Mailman 75 Hitchhiker 76 Toddler 77 Child 78 Disability 79 Motorail 80 km/h 81 mph 82 Speedometer 83 Ride height 84 Dirt road 85 Driving 86 Start-stop system 87 Manual transmission 88 Automatic transmission 89 Throttle 90 Tachometer 91 Steering wheel 92 Power steering 93 Visual scanning 94 Mirror 95 Fuel 96 Fuel gauge 97 Petrol 98 Diesel 99 Diesel exhaust fluid 100 Car insurance ...