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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.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Philippines

1. Philippines

The Philippines is a Southeast Asian archipelago where traffic drives on the right. Driving conditions vary greatly between the heavily congested streets of Metro Manila and other large cities, provincial highways, coastal roads and steep routes through mountainous areas. The country's tropical climate is an important consideration: monsoon rains and tropical cyclones can cause flooding, landslides and road closures, so conditions should be checked before longer journeys during severe weather.

Luzon has an extensive network of controlled-access expressways, many of which are tolled; the Philippines does not use a nationwide vignette, and toll expressways operate cashless/contactless electronic collection using RFID systems. Road signs follow national DPWH standards and use internationally recognizable symbols, with English commonly used on text and direction signs. Foreign tourists with a valid foreign driving licence may generally drive for up to 90 days after arrival.

Let's explore the traffic rules of the Philippines.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA

Can you use a mobile phone while driving in the Philippines?

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act prohibits motorists from using handheld mobile communication or electronic entertainment devices while driving, including when temporarily stopped at a red traffic light. Proper hands-free use is permitted when it does not interfere with the driver's line of sight.

🔗 ldr.senate.gov.ph • Philippine Senate, Anti-Distracted Driving Act 10913, sections 4–6

When must children use a child seat in the Philippines?

In vehicles covered by Republic Act 11229, children 12 years old and below must normally use an appropriate child restraint. A child at least 150 cm tall may use the regular seat belt if properly secured. The law also restricts front-seat travel and provides specific vehicle and medical exceptions.

🔗 ldr.senate.gov.ph • Philippine Senate, Child Safety Act 11229, sections 3–5

Are motorcycle helmets compulsory in the Philippines?

Yes. Both the motorcycle driver and back rider must wear a standard protective motorcycle helmet.

🔗 ldr.senate.gov.ph • Philippine Senate, Motorcycle Helmet Act 10054, sections 3–4

Speed limit

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 ...