Motorists warned against using fog lights in city roads

Davao City, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / October 13, 2009) - The Land Transportation Office has warned motorists from using fog lamps and other unauthorized lighting devices in their vehicles while driving in city roads, the Philippine Information Agency reported.

It said regional LTO chief of operations Eleanor Calderon warned that motorists who violate Presidential Decree 96 or the law which prohibits the use of unnecessary lights on their vehicles will be fined.

Fog lamp violators are fined 300 pesos plus added 77 pesos more for computer fees. Unnecessary use of Fog lamps is a road hazard since its blinding light could distract oncoming motorists, she said.

Calderon also said that the LTO will clamp down on the unauthorized use of dome lights, blinkers and other signaling devices in accordance with the Presidential Decree 96. Calderon said that the authority to use blinkers, and sirens are only given to the military, the police, the LTO, fire trucks and ambulances.

She said there will be no exemption from their campaign. This after security escorts of officials from the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao who come to Davao were caught repeatedly violating the Presidential Decree 96.

Calderon said LTO teams had flagged down escort vehicles of known ARMM officials for violating the law. ARMM officials have been the subject of many complaints by city residents over their speeding convoys.(With a report from R.G. Alama)