‘Running away’ from enforcers is automatic 3rd offense

Not stopping after being flagged down has higher penalties

Today marks the first day of implementation of Metro Manila Council’s Resolution 20-002, which prescribes stiffer penalties to those who violate or continue to violate the EDSA Bus Lane/Carousel policy.

Even before this new policy, a lot of motorists tried to ‘run away’ after being flagged down by traffic enforcers. Many of these motorists are fellow motorcycle riders, who, taking advantage of their steed’s agility, try to outrun MMDA’s traffic enforcers by weaving in and out of the vehicular traffic.

But, did you know that not heeding a traffic enforcer after being flagged down for a bus lane violation will automatically land you a 3^rd offense + a recommendation to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) of 1-year driver’s license suspension?

According to EDSA NTFSOU Commander, Col. Bong Nebrija, trying to run away from enforcers will be an automatic 3^rd offense, even though it was your first time to be apprehended on the EDSA bus lane. “If you try to run, that’s automatic 3^rd offense,” said Nebrija.

And since trying to avoid the penalty by trying to outrun MMDA’s traffic enforcers can be dangerous not only to them but also to other road users, an additional Reckless Driving violation will be slapped on the erring motorist.

As of this writing, there are already 3 motorcycle riders who were meted with a PHP 20,000 bus lane fine for trying to outrun the enforcers. A recommendation for 1-year suspension of their driver’s licenses will be forwarded to LTO.