PROTOCOL PLATE

DESIGNATIONS
MOTOR VEHICLE LICENSE PLATE
 MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR 582-2005
 IMPLEMENTING GUIDELINES IN THE
ASSIGNMENT AND ISSUANCE OF
LOW-NUMBERED (PROTOCOL)
LICENSE PLATES TO MOTOR
VEHICLES USED BY THE OFFICIALS
OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE
PHILIPPINES
 PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER
NO. 400 DTD 18 JAN 2005
 PLATE NO. OFFICE

1 President of the Philippines

2 Vice president of the
Philippines
3 Senate president
4 Speaker of the house
5 Chief Justice
6 Cabinet Secretary
7 Senators
8 Congressmen
 PLATE NO. OFFICE

9 Associate Justice
10 Presiding Justice & other
justices of the Court of Appeals
11 Comelec
12 Cabinet Undersecretary
PGMA abolished the OSG’s protocol plate number 13 by
virtue of EX 400-A
14 Chief of Staff AFP & C,PNP
15 * no designation *
16 Court Judges
 14 Chief of Staff AFP &
C,PNP
15 * no designation *
16 Court Judges
17 First Level Courts
(MTC & Shari’ah Circuit Courts) added by
MO# 297 signed by President GMA on 2
Mar 2009
Diplomatic and other exempted vehicle
plates
Blue character on a white background
diplomats, embassy, consulate
officials, country ambassador and
some expatriates such as scientist &
researchers of the International Rice
Research Institute in the form of
DDDD.
Ambassadors plates are always “1000”
and have the country they represent
at the bottom of the plate. These
plates are always a small decal on
the bottom left part with a “CM”.
1001-9999 – a small decal on the
bottom left part displayed as “DC” for
“Diplomatic Corps.”
1000-25999 – embassy vehicles a small
decal with bottom left part displayed as
“ OEV” for other exempted vehicle”
Department of Tourism vehicles
accredited by DOT (usually tour buses
& airport taxis) are issued plates that
look similar to their private vehicles,
but then yellow highlights mixed with
the green color and shown the same
first letter of every public utility
vehicles
These vehicles must be also have s
special stickers placed on the rear
windows indicating that they are
DOT- accredited.
PUJ – “P T U” in NCR since 1999,
they always have either “V W X or
Y” in the middle of the letter block.
Motorcycles private
green character on white background with
the letter “MC” stamped on the upper right-
hand corner next to the registration sticker
usually in the format LLDDDD, but with the
rise in the number
Motorcycles private
green character on white background with
the letter “MC” stamped on the upper right-
hand corner next to the registration sticker
usually in the format LLDDDD, but with the
rise in the number DDDDLL format has
come into use.
Tricycle private
green character on white background with
the letters “TC” stamped on the upper right
hand corner next to the registration sticker.
 The current series of Philippine
registration plates ("plaka" in the
Tagalog vernacular) measure 390mm
X 140mm. The characters are
stamped on an aluminum plate then
applied with reflectorised paint, with
watermarks of the Land
Transportation Office (LTO) logo
stamped all over the plate as well as a
small logo of the plate manufacturer.
This was replaced with a reflectorised,
printed coloured sticker featuring the
statue of Dr. José Rizal in 2003 with
the words "Matatag Na Republika"
(Strong Republic) at the bottom. All
plates issued by the LTO (as of 2008)
are solely produced by a privately-
funded manufacturer in Manila.
There were many variations prior to the
current format, and it depends on who
is the incumbent president; the trend of
the slogan on the license plate first
began within the Ramos administration
and followed by the next two
presidents. This can be seen on what is
the slogan written at the bottom of the
plate.
PILIPINAS (most common format)
(1981–1995, 2001–2003)
PHILIPPINES 2000 (1995–2000)
ANGAT PINOY 2004 (2000–2001)
PERLAS NG SILANGAN (2001–
2002)
MATATAG NA REPUBLIKA
(2003–present)
There were numerous typefaces
for Philippine registration plates.
The current typeface used for
Philippine registration plates was
first implemented in 1981. It is
loosely based on the
Australian license plate system.
There have been slight variations
on the font design since then.
Talks have been going around in the
Land Transportation Office regarding
the use of the German
Fälschungserschwerende Schrift/"
FE-Schrift" (falsification-hindering
script; similar typeface used on
German vehicle license plates) on
new license plates for vehicles with
regular registration, to serve as a
more effective way preventing plate
falsification. This typeface is already used
on personalized and vanity license plates.
Blue characters on a white
background plates reserved for
diplomats, embassy and consulate
officials, country ambassadors and
some expatriates such as
scientists and researchers at the
International Rice Research Institu
te
(IRRI), in the form of DDDD or
 Ambassadors' plates are always
"1000" and have the country they
represent at the bottom of the plate.
These plates have a small decal on
the bottom left part with a "CM".
 1001 - 9999: a small decal on the
bottom left part, displayed as "DC" for
"diplomatic corps"
10000 - 25999: embassy vehicles - a
small decal on the bottom left part
displayed as "OEV" for "other
exempted vehicle"
Private vehicles
 For private vehicles, the plate contains
green-colored symbols on a white
background with the number format as
"LLL DDD".
 On newer vehicles, the first letter usually
indicates the region where the vehicle is
registered. For example, if the plate
begins with the letter "N", the vehicle is
registered in the National Capitol Region.
Department of Tourism accredited vehicles
 Vehicles accredited by the
Department of Tourism (usually tour
buses and airport taxis) are issued plates
that look similar to those of private
vehicles, but have yellow highlights mixed
with the green color and share the same
first letter of current public utility vehicle
plates. These vehicles must also have
special stickers placed on the rear
windows indicating that they are DOT-
accredited.
Public utility plate.
Yellow plates (black characters on
a yellow background) in the form
LLL DDD and usually begin with
either the letter "P" or "T" or "U" in
NCR. Since 1999, they always
have either "V", "W", "X", or "Y" in
the middle of the letter block.
 Trailers
Yellow or green plates that mostly
have either "U" or "Z" in the middle
of the letter block.
Electric vehicles
For electric vehicles, orange
plates are used (white symbols on
orange background).
 Private motorcycle plate.
 Green characters on a white background
with the letters "MC" stamped on the
upper right-hand corner next to the
registration sticker. Usually in the format
LL DDDD, but with the rise in the number
of motorcycles on the road, the DDDD LL
format has also come into use.
Public utility
 Yellow characters on a Black background.
Same format as in private motorcycles.
 Tricycles
 Private
 Green characters on a white
background with the letters "TC"
stamped on the upper right-hand
corner next to the registration sticker.
This is also rare because when a
tricycle is purchased, its immediate
use is to be a public transport vehicle
and will be registered with black on
Public utility
Black characters on a yellow
background with the letters
"TC" stamped on the upper
right-hand corner next to the
registration sticker.
 Geographical designation
 "A" - Region I (Ilocos
( Region) and CAR
(Cordillera Administrative Region)
 "B" - Region II (Cagayan
( Valley Region)
 "C", "R" - Region III (
Central Luzon Region), "R" are overflow
series since the "C" series has been
exhausted
 "D", "V" - Regions IV-A (CALABARZON
(
) and IV-B (MIMAROPA
( ), "V" are
overflow series
 "E" - Region V (Bicol
( Region)
 "F" - Region VI (Western Visayas
Region)
 "G", "Y" - Region VII (Central Visayas
Region), "Y" are overflow series
 "H" - Region VIII (Eastern Visayas
Region)
 "J" - Region IX (Zamboanga
Peninsula) and ARMM
 "K" - Regions X and XIII (Northern
Mindanao and Caraga)
 "L" - Region XI (Davao Region)
 "M" - Region XII (SOCCSKSARGEN)
 "N" - National Capital Region, 1981–
1982, 2009–2010
 "P" - National Capital Region, 1982–
1991, 2010–present
"T" - National Capital Region, 1991–
1995
"U" - National Capital Region, 1995–
1997
"W" - National Capital Region, 1997–
2001
"X" - National Capital Region, 2001–
2005
"Z" - National Capital Region, 2005–
2009
 Plate Numbers in National
Capital Region
1981 NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF,
NG, NH, NJ, NK, NL, NM, NN, NP,
NR, NS
1982 NT, PA
1983 PB, PC, PD
1984 PE, PF
1985 PG
1986 None
1987 PH, PJ
1988 PK, PL
1989 PM, PN, PP
1990 PR, PS, PT
1991 TA, TB, TC
1992TD, TE, TF
1993TG, TH, TJ, TK, TL
1994TM, TN, TP, TR, TT
1995UA(A-B), TS, UA(C-
onwards), UB, UC, UD, UE, UF
1996 UG, UH, UJ, UK, UL, UM,
UN
1997 UP, UR, US, UT, UU,
WA, WB
1998 WC, WD, WE, WF
1999 WG, WH, WJ, WK,
WL
2000 WM, WN, WP, WR
2001 WS, WT, XA, XB
2002 XC, XD, XE, XF, XG
2003 XH, XJ, XK, XL, XM
2004 XN, XP, XR, XS
2005 XT, ZA, ZB, ZC
2006 ZD, ZE, ZF, ZG
2007 ZH, ZJ, ZK, ZL
2008 ZM, ZN, ZP, ZR, ZS, ZT
2009 NA(IOQ), NB(IOQ), NC(IOQ),
ND(IOQ), NE(IOQ), NF(IOQ), NG(IOQ),
NH(IOQ) NI, NJ(IOQ), NK(IOQ), NL(IOQ),
NM(IOQ), NN(IOQ), NP(IOQ), NR(IOQ),
NS(IOQ), NT(IOQ), NU(IOQ), NV(IOQ),
NW(IOQ), NX(IOQ), NY(IOQ)
2010 NT(IOQ), NU(IOQ), NV(IOQ),
NW(IOQ), NX(IOQ), NY(IOQ)
2010 NO, NQ, PA(IOQ),
PB(IOQ), PC(IOQ), PD(IOQ),
PE(IOQ), PF(IOQ), PG(IOQ),
PH(IOQ), PI(IOQ), PJ(IOQ),
PK(IOQ), PL(IOQ), PM(IOQ),
PN(IOQ), PP(IOQ), PR(IOQ),
PS(IOQ), PT(IOQ), PU(IOQ),
PV(IOQ), PW(IOQ), PX(IO),
PY(IO), PZ(IO)
2011 PI, PY(Q)
I, O and Q are previously not used to
avoid confusion with the numbers "1"
& "0". But with the recent exhaustion
of the "Z" series, they are already
used by reverting to the old "N"
series. A new serial scheme is
implemented using these characters,
instead of the third letter coming into
series (e.g. after ZAA-999 has been
reached, ZAB-100) the middle letter is
the one being
replaced (e.g. after NAI-999 series has
been exhausted, NBI-100 will follow).
After all the possible combinations
with I, O and Q as third letter for the
same starting letter have been used,
I, O and Q are used as middle letters
and the third letter is being replaced
(e.g. After NZQ-999 has been used,
NIA-100 will follow)
e.g. NIA-100, PXO-296, NQZ-544
Motorcycle plate numbers - MC(NATIONAL CAPITAL
REGION)
Private:
"1980's" - NA, NB, NC, ND, NE, NF, NG,
NH, NJ, NK, NL, NM, NN, NP
"early 1990's" - NR, NS, NT, NU, PA, PB,
PC, PD, PE, PF, PG, PH, TA, TB, TC,
"mid to late 1990's" - PJ, PK, PL, PM, PN,
PP, PR, PS, PT, PU, RD, TE, TF, TG, TH,
TJ, TK, TL, TM, TN, TP, TR, TS, TT, TU
 "2000 - 2005" - UA, UB,
UC, UD, UE, OF, UG, UH,
UI, UJ, UK, UL, UM, UN,
UP, UQ, UR, US, UT, UU,
WA, WB, WC, WD, WE,
WF, WG, WH, WI, WJ,
WK, WL, WM, WN, WO,
XI, XO, XQ
"2006" - ZA, ZB, ZC, ZD, ZE, ZF, ZG, ZH, ZJ, ZK,
ZL, ZM, ZN, ZP, ZR, ZS, ZT
INVERTED PLATES(Provincial): DA, DB,
DC, DD, DE, DF, as same a "C"
Metro Manila : NA up to NH
"2007" - Inverted motorcycle plates - NI to NU,
DG TO DI
"2008" - PA to PL, DJ to DR
"2009" - PM to PU, DS to DU, WA to WC
"2010" - TA to TU, UA to present, WD to present
Motor
Motor Tricycle(TC)
"1980's" - NV, NW, NX, NY, NZ, DV,
DW, DX, DY, DZ, CV, CW, CX, CY,
CZ
"early 1990s" - PV, PW, TV, VV, VW,
VX, VY, VZ
"MID 1990S" - PX, TW, TY, TZ, VZ, VU
"late 1990's" - PY, PZ, VT, VS, VR, VP,
VN, VM, VL, VK
"2000 - 2005" - XA, XB, XC, XD, XE,
XF, XG, WP, WR, WS, UV, UW, UX
"2006" - WU, XH, XJ, XK, XL, XM,
XN
"2007" - WV, WW, XP, XR, XS, XT,
XU
"2008" - WX, WY, WZ, XV, XW, XX,
XY, XZ
"2009" - QA to QZ (including QI, QO,
QQ & QU)
Inverted Motor Tricycle licensed plates (TC)
"2010" - DV, CV, CW
"2011" - DW, CX
Special designation
"S" - Government
"Q" - Public Utility Motorized Tricycles
"O", "I" - Private Motorcycles
"P", "T", "U" - Public utility vehicles (they usually
begin with these letters but not always). They
always (since 1999) have "V", "W", "X", or "Y"
in the middle of the letter block (LLL). ex: PWM-
757
Personalized plates
A motorist who would like to have personalized
plates can have any letter combination he
fancies upon three conditions:
It is unique i.e., the plate does not have a
registered duplicate anywhere else in the
Philippines.
The plate should not have the same format as
government vehicles.
The motorist can afford to pay its PHP 25,000
($500+) price tag.
Optional motor vehicle special plates
(OMVSP)
A project of the Land Transportation Office since
2004, these plates are in the form of LLL DD.
e.g. FPJ-22
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT- refers to planning, organizing,
directing and controlling the safe, economic and
expeditious movements of people and goods thru traffic
engineering, traffic education and traffic enforcement in a
transport system.

TRAFFIC CONTROL- is the control of people and goods on

the existing road network by means of such devices as
signals, signs and markings in the short term and law
cost capital in order to achieve safety, mobility, good
environment and energy conservation.

TRAFFIC ENGINEERING- includes the geometric design

of the street, traffic control device and traffic operation.
Electronic vehicles
orange plates are used (white
symbols on orange
background)
Trailers
yellow green plates that mostly
have either “U” or “Z” in the
middle of the block letters.
 KINDS OF ENFORCEMENT
ACTION
 TRAFFIC ARREST – is an enforcement
action which consists of taking a person
into custody for the purpose of holding or
detaining him/her to answer for a law
violation charge before a court.

1. offense committed is serious

2. detention is necessary to avoid continued
violation

3. there is reasonable doubt that the violator
will voluntarily appear in court.
TRAFFIC EDUCATION- process of teaching and training
conducted towards pedestrian, commuters and drivers to
develop them to become courteous, disciplined and
competent road users

TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT- includes traffic direction and

control, traffic accident investigation and apprehension
preformed by police and other agency with authority to
include voluntary compliance.

TRAFFIC LAW ENFORCEMENT- an action taken by the

police and other authorized agencies who induce
voluntary compliance and compel adherence to traffic
laws and ordinances by regulating the use and
movement of vehicle along the highway for the purpose
of creating a deterrent to all violators.
 34 people involved in daily road accident
every day during the 1st quarter of the
year, according to the latest survey
conducted by the DOH. The latest
National Electronic Injury Surveillance
System showed a total of 3,077 injuries
sustained from road accidents in the 1st
quarter of 2010.
 The South Luzon tollways corporation
(SLTC) said some motorists have been
speeding up to 100 kilometers per hour
because of the widening of the South
Luzon Expressway (SLEX). “Now that
road accidents have become one of the
leading causes of injuries in the country
today, we at SLTC felt the need to institute
more safety measures at the SLEX,” said
SLTC spokesman ALMA TUASON.
 SLTC has constructed emergency lay-bys
in key areas along the toll road. The roving
patrol services is also on call 24 hours to
provide towing and mechanical services.
There are also ambulances, emergency
lifeline support and pre-hospital care on
standby.
 Electronic message boards have been
installed along the main carriageways to
provide real-time advisory to motorists
about the traffic situation and the location
of accidents. SLEX records showed that in
2009, the number of accidents was cut by
50 % from 2007, when 146 road accidents
were recorded.
 Recognizing road accidents as a “major
public health problem,” with a “broad
range of social and economic
consequences,” the United Nations
passed a resolution declaring 2011 to
2020 the Decade of Action for Road
Safety. (philstar dtd Aug 15, 2010)
 The resolution urges governments to
create partnerships with the private sector
to implement road measures. Titled
“Improving Global Road Safety,” the
resolution was endorsed by numerous
international organizations, including the
International Federation of Red Cross and
Red Crescent Societies.
ACCLERATION LANE- A speed-change lane for the
purpose of enabling a vehicle to increase its speed to a
rate in which it can more safely merge with through
traffic.

ACCIDENT- An event, occurrence or happening which is

unexpected or undesired, which has an element of
chance or probability, and which usually produces
unintended injury, death of property damage.

ACCIDENT PREVENTION FORMULA- the description and

details of an accident, usually reported in an standard
form, for the purposes of determining guilt and/or
preventability and compiling accident statistics as guide
for countermeasures
ACCELERATOR- The primary control of a motor vehicle
usually a foot pedal operated by the right foot which
controls the inflow of fuel into the engine increasing or
decreasing its revolution per minute and power.

ACCESORY- any attached on a motor vehicle usually for

aesthetic purposes and not an essential part of the
vehicle for its operation.

ADDITIVE- A chemical compound usually added to fuel, oil

radiator coolant to create a change in its original
qualities. Additives in fuel are used to increase the
octane rating or retard bacterial growth. Additives are
used to increase the lubricating qualities of oil such as its
viscosity and slipperiness. A radiator additive is one
used to both lubricate the cooling system and prevent
rust from forming.
AIR COOLED ENGINE- An internal combustion engine
usually of a motorcycle, farm tractor, stationary or air
craft which uses the floe of air in and around cooling fins
on its cylinder or cylinders to dissipate the hat generated
during its operation.

AIR CONDITIONING- the process by which air

dehumidified, cooled and circulated with a compressor
using its Freon as its refrigerant.

ALTERNATOR- the component of a motor vehicle

designed to provide electric power for the ignition,
electrical requirements as well as recharge the battery of
the vehicle while the engine is runni9ng.

AMBULANT VENDOR- individuals selling small items such

as cigarettes , newspapers and foodstuffs to occupants
of vehicles while the engine is running.
ANTENNA- an attachment of a radio designed to receive,
transmit and/or increase radio signals.

APPREHENSION- the act of person in authority when he

confronts a driver for the purpose of informing him that
he has committed a violation and is issuing him a ticket
or violation receipt for that traffic violation.

ATV (all terrain vehicle)- a type of vehicle designed to be

able to travel on different surface conditions.

AUTOMOBILE- a vehicle usually w/ 4 weeks w/ a capacity

of 2 or 8 people including the driver, powered by its own
means of propulsion which may be a gasoline or diesel
engine or an electric motor.
AUV (Asian utility vehicle)- A pick up type vehicle specially
designed for the Asian market. i.e. Toyota tamaraw,etc.
ASSEMBLE- to physically put together separate parts or
components to create one operational unit.

BICYCLE- a device propelled by human power, having to

tandem wheels both of which are more than 20 inches in
diameter

BLOOD-ALCOHOL CONCENTRATION- the percentage of

alcohol in a person’s bloodstream, used by enforcement
agencies to determine the degree of a driver’s
intoxication.

BRAKE DETONATOR DEVICE- an instrument used to

demonstrate and measure reaction, braking and
stopping distances by firing a marker on the pavement
when brakes applied.
BRAKE FADE- a temporary reduction of brake
effectiveness resulting from heat.

BRAKING DISTANCE- the total distance traversed by a

vehicle while it is being brought to the rest, measured
from the position of the vehicle at the instant the brake
shoe touches the break drum.

BRAKING TIME- the time elapsed between the instant of

first applying the brakes and the instant at which the
vehicle comes to rest.

BYPASS- a highway intended to divert through traffic from

a particular area by going around or passing the area.

BAGAGE COMPARTMENT- the area usually behind a

vehicle designed for the purpose of carrying a limited
amount of cargo & baggage as well as the reserve tire &
tools.
BASTOS- a Filipino term to denote a person who is rude, ill
mannered, inconsiderate, uncouth, crude, brazen or a
combination of all these (Oh My God!). A description of
Philippine traffic and Filipino driving habits will never be
complete w/o this term.

BATTERY- a component of a vehicle and to provide

electrical power for its electrical components and
accessories while the engine is not in operation.

BLOW OUT- the process by which a pneumatic tire

explodes or disintegrates due to its inability to contain
the air inside under pressure usually due to material
failure.

BORLOLOY- a term in Filipino used to denote over

decoration, similar to the term “bows, bangles and
beads”.
BRAKES- the primary mechanism used to stop a motor
vehicle usually activated by a brake pedal.

BRIDGE- a structure designed to carry a road or path over

and across another road, a railway, or a river or any
short body of water.

BUMPER- the front and back end component of a vehicle

usually made of steel of fiberglass designed to absorb
part of the force of a collision directly from the rear or
front of a vehicle.

BUS- a large road vehicle designed to carry passengers.

CALIBRATE- to test the accuracy of an instrument or

component as in a speedometer, fuel gauge or fuel
injection system.
CANNIBALIZE- the act of disassembling a vehicle for the
purpose of selling the components separately or to use
them to replace similar components that have broken
down.

CARBURETOR- the component of a gasoline engine

designed to mix gasoline vapor band air in the proper
proportion and feed the mixtures into the cylinders of an
internal combustion.

CARNAP- the act of stealing, forcefully obtaining or the

unlawful taking of a motor vehicle.

CASUALTY- a person who is either injured or dead as a

result of an accident.
“CHOP-CHOP”- a vehicle illegally brought into the
Philippines as “parts and components” which were
disassembled outside the country and brought into the
country to form a complete working unit.

CLUTCH- the component of a motor vehicle power train

system designed engage and disengage the engine from
the transmission usually for the purpose of shifting gears
and controlling speed w/o overloading the engine.

CLUTCH RIDER- a driver who unnecessarily rests his rest

left foot on the clutch pedal.

COLLISION- an event wherein two or more vehicles

physically contact each other w/ sufficient force to create
damage while trying to occupy the same space at the
same time.
“COLORUM”- Filipino term for any vehicle used for
commercial purposes w/o a franchise or permit to
operate in that capacity.

COOLANT- the liquid usually water or alcohol compound

which is recirculated in then cooling system of an internal
combustion engine through a radiator for the purpose of
reducing the heat from in that capacity.

COUNTERFLOW- the authorized or unauthorized use of

the opposite lane of a two way or separated raod or
street to move against the direction of the flow of traffic
in that particular lane.

CROSSWALK- pedestrian lane

CROSSBAR- a structure designed to physically prevent
the entry of vehicles usually located on railroad
crossings and enter/exit gates of subdivisions and
industrial/commercial compounds

CURB- the concrete edge bordering a street sidewalk.

CAR LENGTH- the measurement in feet of an average

automobile. Usually used in the abstract sense to
measure the distance between two vehicles, especially
when determining following distance. When used in this
sense, a car length should never be figured at less than
20 feet.

CAUSE (of accident)- a combination of simultaneous and

sequential circumstances w/o which the accident would
not have happened.
CENTRIFUGAL FORCE- the component of apparent force
on a body in curvilinear motion that is directed away from
the center of curvature. This is responsible for the “pull”
of an automobile going around a curve or corner.

CONTRIBUTORY NEGLIGENCE LAW- a statute providing

that a driver may not recover damages resulting from
anthers negligence in a motor vehicle accident if he also
contributed to the accident by his own negligence.

CRITICAL APPROACH SPEED- at an intersection, that

speed above which the vehicle does not sufficient
distance to stop in time to avoid collision w/ another
vehicle approaching the intersection on the cross street.

DAYTIME- including twilight, from a half hour before

sunrise to a half hour after sunset.
DECELARATION LANE- a speed-change lane for the
purpose of enabling as vehicle that is it make an exit
from a roadway to slow to a safe speed for the turn or
exit ramp after it has left the main stream of faster-
moving traffic.

DEFENSIVE DRIVING- driving to prevent accidents in

spite of the incorrect action of others and adverse
condition.

DISCOURTESY-N one of the errors which makes driving

unpleasant and more hazardous, and which defensive
drivers must avoid.

DRIVER-JUDGMENT TIME- time required by a driver to

appraise a situation and immediately before reacting to
it.
DRIVER IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM- a National Safety
program with the mission of saving lives and preventing
injuries and property damage due to traffic accidents,
chiefly by administering the Defensive Driving Course.

DRIVING UNDER THE INFLUENCE- Operating or being in

physical control of any vehicle while faculties or
judgment are impaired by ingested alcohol of any kind.

DETOUR- a temporary usually short distance route

deviation path.

DISTRIBUTOR- a component of a gasoline engine

designed to distribute a high voltage electrical charge
from the coil to the correct cylinder at the precise
moment.
DIESEL- an internal combustion engine which uses the
combustion of diesel fuel which ignites upon application
of high heat and pressure. It does not require an external
electrical source such as a spark plug to ignite the fuel
air mixture in the cylinders as in a gasoline engine; the
fuel to run a diesel engine.

DIVERSION ROAD- Usually a highway designed to bypass

the main district of a town city or another road.

DISASSEMBLE- to take apart piece by piece of component

by component.

DRIVEWAY- Usually any motor vehicle access path to or

from a road or street.
DRIVER- a person seated in front of the steering wheel and
is in control of a motor vehicle while it is in motion.

EARLY WARNING DEVICE- a triangular device consisting

of two folding reflectorized pieces, one colored amber
and one colored red required by law to provide disabled
or stalled vehicles with a means of forewarning other
vehicles of their presence.

EMBANKMENT- a raised portion of earth, stone or

concrete constructed to confine a river or canal or to
carry a road, street or railroad.

EMERGENCY LIGHT- a fleshing red or rotating red light

usually used to inform other drivers that the vehicle using
it is in an emergency and should be given priority.
EMERGENCY VEHICLE- a vehicle designed to respond to
emergency situations. e.i. Ambulances, Fire trucks,
etc.

EXHAUST SYSTEM- The component of a motor vehicle

designed to channel and expel gases generated by its
engine into the atmosphere.

ELEMEMTS OF DEFENSIVE DRIVING- Five elements

which defensive driver must possess and use at all times
are: knowledge, alertness, foresight, judgment and skill.

EVASIVE ACTION- The response of a driver to a

dangerous situation that has been perceived.

FATALITY- a casualty that has died of an accident

FAN BELT- a belt usually made of highly flexible rubber
and synthetic material designed to provide power to the
radiator fan, the water pump, the alternator, and
sometimes the air conditioning unit through a pulley
system.

FILTER- a component of a motor vehicle containing a semi

porous element to clean and purify by collecting the
impurities in the fuel, oil or air used in any internal
combustion engine.

FLAT TIRE- a pneumatic tire wherein the air inside has

escaped resulting in low or no pressure at all.

FLYOVER- basically the same as an overpass but in most

cases refers to a high, multiple overpass.
FOG LIGHTS- high intensity amber (yellow) colored
headlamps designed for greater penetrating power
during fogs or heavy rain; all the yellow colored lights
that you see on the “borloloy monsters”.

FOUR WHEEL DRIVE (4 WHEEL DRIVE 4X4) – a wheel

with the capability to provide power from its engine to
power all its wheels through a modification of the
transmission.

FRANCHISE- a privilege granted by the government or a

company to an individual or another company to
undertake and operate a regulated service as in a bus
line franchise or a taxi franchise.

FATAL ACCIDENT- An accident that results in the death of

one or more involve persons within 12mos of the date of
the accident.
FUEL INJECTION- the component of a diesel engine
designed to directly inject diesel fuel under pressure into
the cylinders of the engine for burning. 2) a new
component of a gasoline engine replacing the carburetor
characterized by its capability to directly introduce
vaporized fuel into the cylinder for burning.

FINANCIAL RESPOBSIBILITY- a driver’s or car’s owner’s

ability to pay up to a legally limited amount for damage
caused by negligence in driving. It may be in the form of
property, a bond or a liability insurance.

FIXED OBJECT- an obstruction hit by a vehicle, which

amounts of approximately 5% of all traffic deaths each
year, Fixed object collisions are an accident classification
coverting vehicles that strike a light pole, bridge
abutment or like objects immediately adjacent to the
FLASHING RED- a red lens illuminated by blinking,
intermittent flashes. A driver of a vehicle must stop
before entering the nearest crosswalk at an intersection
or at a stop line when marked, and the right to proceed
shall be subject to the same rule relating to stopping to a
stop sign.

FLASHING YELLOW- a traffic signal indication for which a

yellow lens is illuminated w/ intermittent flashes to signify
that drivers of vehicles may proceed through the
intersection of past such signal only w/ caution.

FOLLOWING DISTANCE- the distance from the front of a

vehicle to the rear of a car ahead in the same traffic lane.
FOUR-STEP PRESCRIPTION- four rules used by
defensive drivers to guard against the head-on crash are
(1) read the road ahead, (2) ride to the right, (3) reduce
speed and (4) ride right off the road.

FRONTAGE ROAD- a roadway contiguous to and

generally paralleling an expressway, freeway, etc. so
design as to intercept traffic desiring to cross or enter
such facility and to furnish access to property which
other side would be isolated as a result of the controlled-
access feature.

GRADE SEPARATION – a crossing at different levels of

two highways or a highway railroad.

GRADIENT- the rate rise or fall w/ respect to the horizontal

along the length of a road, or a length of road which is
not level.
GUARDRAIL- a highway safety device consisting of posts
and rail members, or of wall sections, erected at the
sides of a roadway to mark points of major hazard and to
restrain out-of-control vehicles.

GLOVE COMPARTMENT- 1) the small compartment to

store small items located on the dashboard beside the
instrument panel of a vehicle. 2) the place in a motor
vehicle where you should always have your copy of the
Philippine Rules and Regulations Handbook.

GRILL- the frontal section of a motor vehicle usually

covering the radiator.

HEAD ON COLLISION- a frontal collision usually of two

vehicles.
HAND BRAKE (emergency brake)- a component of a motor
vehicle primarily designed to prevent a vehicle from
unintentionally moving while parked. Though much less
effective than the foot brake of a vehicle, if adjusted and
maintained properly it can be used in an emergency to
slow down a vehicle to a complete stop should the foot
brakes fail.

HANDICAP SIGN- a road sign indicating the availability of

a specific service or road facility for a handicapped
person to use.

HIGH OCTANE- an octane rating of gasoline higher than

95.

HUMPS- usually concrete protrusions on a street or raod

designed to slow down traffic.
HIGH TENSION CARD- a specially designed electrical wire
used to convey the high voltage electrical charge from
the coil to the distributor to the spark plug of a gasoline
engine. It is usually made of high quality rubber or plastic
material surrounding a copper or carbon core.

HIT AND RUN- an accident wherein the driver directly

causing the accident intentionally does not stop at the
site of the accident to give assistance or for identification
as required by law.

HORN- a part of a vehicle mostly used to attract attention

and forewarn pedestrians and other drivers w/ an audible
tone.

HIGHWAY- a public road usually wide, direct, paved and

designed for unobstructed high speed traffic.
HORSEPOWER-the power of an engine measured in
standard horsepower units.

HYDROPLANE- a very dangerous situation that may occur

during periods of heavy rain wherein the wheels of a
vehicle are prevented from coming in contact w/ the
surface of a road by a thin layer of water resulting in the
lack or complete absence of control.

HALOGEN- a type of high intensity lamp or bulb used usually

for headlights and fog lights of a motor vehicle. It replaces
TUNGSTEN type bulbs.

HAND TRACTOR- a small farm implement which uses a

small diesel or gasoline engine usually w/ a simple power
drive system driving two (2) wheels attached to a trailer to
carry people and farm produce.
HEADLIGHT- the front lights of a motor vehicle equipped w/
a dimmer switch and designed to illuminate not less than
300 to 500 ft. in the vehicle’s forward direction of travel.

HEADWAY- the time interval between passages of

consecutive vehicles, measured from head to head,
moving in the same direction as they pass a given point.

HYDROPLANNING- a phenomenon whereby automobile

rides up on a wedge of water between the tires and the
road. This occurs when the right combination of speed,
road surface, water volume, vehicle weight and tire tread
is present.

INNER LANE- the left lane in one direction on a road w/ two

or more lanes in that direction.
INNER TUBE- a tube usually made of synthetic rubber
used to contain air under pressure within a pneumatic
tire.

IGNITION- the component of a vehicle usually provided w/

a key and designed to turn on the electrical system and
engage the starter to start the engine.

IMPLIED CONSENT- under this law, prevailing in all states,

a driver by virtue of his possessing a driver’s license
consents to a chemical test if arrested for an offense
involving drinking and driving.

INTERCHANGE- a system in conjunction w/ a grade

separation of interconnecting roadways providing for the
interchange of traffic between two or more roadways on
different levels.
INTERSECTION- the area embraced within the
prolongation or connection of the lateral curb lines, or, if
none, then the lateral boundary lines of the roadways of
two highways which join one another at, or
approximately at right angles, or the area within which
vehicles traveling upon different highways at any other
angle may come in conflict.

INTERSTATE SYTEM- a Nat'l network of 41,500 miles of

arterial limited-access highways which, according to
Congressional directive, shall be “so locates as to
connect by routes, as direct as practicable, the principal
metropolitan centers to serve the Nat'l defense, and to
connect border points w/ routes of continental
importance in the Dominion of Canada and the Republic
of Mexico.
JUNCTION- the general area where two or more highway
join or cross within which are included the roadway and
roadside facilities for traffic movements in the area.

JEEP- originally introduced in the Philippines by the US

military forces during World War II as a four-wheel drive
“general purpose vehicle”. This type of vehicle is
presently popularly assembled as the “owner type” w/ the
same general configuration usually using surplus
components.

JEEPNEY- (also jitney) a small bus type vehicle usually

multi color and heavily decorated using a basic jeep
design and modified to carry 10 or more passengers.

KNOCK- the sound created in the internal combustion

engine due to faulty combustion.
KILOMETER POST- a marker usually made of concrete
provided w/ abbreviations and numbers to inform drivers
of the distance in kilometers TO the next town as well as
the distance From the center of a certain City.

LOCAL TRAFFIC- that part of a traffic circulating within a

given area having both origin and destination within the
area.

LAGAY- 1) literally “to put”. 2) Filipino term used to indicate

bribe or grease money.

LANE- a series of parallel marked sections of a road street.

LICENSE- a written authorization or manifestation that one

is allowed by law to exercise a certain privilege.
LICENSE PLATE- usually a metal galvanized iron plate
containing raised (embossed) numbers and codes and
securely attached to front and back of every registered
motor vehicle for the purpose of identification.

LOAD LIMIT- the maximum weight that a structure, usually

a bridge, can safely carry.

MAGS- “rims” of various designs originally manufactured of

magnesium but now more commonly of aluminum.

MANHOLE- ports located on a road or sidewalks in most

cases to provide access to below surface utility facilities
and connections such as water pipes, telephone lines,
sewer lines or electrical lines. They are usually but not
always covered by a cast iron or concrete “manhole
cover”
MERGE- to join another lane or to form one lane.

MOTOR VEHICLE- any self-propelled vehicle powered by

an internal source usually an internal combustion engine
designed to carry a person/persons and/or cargo.

MEDIAN- the portion of a divided highway separating the

traveled ways for traffic in opposite direction.

MOTORCYCLES- a motor vehicle having a seat or saddle

for use of the rider and designed to travel not more than
three wheels in contact with the ground.

MORTOR SCOOTER- a motor-driven vehicle with two

wheels less than 18 inches in diameter.
MOVING VIOLATION- a violation of any law, ordinance or
regulation affecting the use or protection of streets or
highways enacted primarily to regulate safe movement
of vehicles and pedestrian.

MYSTERY CRASH- the run-off-the-road accident which

accounts approximately 30% of all traffic deaths. It is
called because the only witness is often killed in the
accident and the exact cause is difficult to determine.

NAL’T HIGHWAY SAFETY ACT- the Act passed by

congress in 1966 that provides standards for states
safety programs developed jointly by federal and state
officials and agencies.
NON-PREVENTABLE- an accident which occurred in spite
of the fact that the driver (s) did everything reasonable to
prevent it.

NAT’L SAFETY COUNCIL- a federally chartered, non-

governmental, not-for-profit organization of industries,
agencies, school, associations and individuals organized
to promote industrial, traffic, transportation, home, farm
and other forms of safety directly and in cooperation w/
local chapters and other safety organizations.

OPERATOR- every person, other than a chauffer, who

drives or is of actual physical control of a motor vehicle
upon a highway or who is exercising control aver or
steering a vehicle being towed by a motor vehicle.

OUTER LANE- the right lane in one direction on a road w/

two or more lanes in that direction.
OBSTRUCTION- an object or vehicle that hinders or
prevents the smooth flown of traffic.

OCTANE- a performance rating placed on gasoline to

indicate its combustibility. The higher the octane rating of a
fuel used in a gasoline engine, the lower its susceptibility
to knock.

OVERPASS- 1) a roadway passing OVER another roadway

2) a bridge like structure designed for pedestrians to cross
OVER a roadway.

OVERTAKING- the act of passing another vehicle moving in

the same direction.

PASSENGER- any person riding a motor vehicle who is not

driving & thus not in control of the vehicle.
PASSING LANE- a marked stretch of road or street.
Designated solely for the purpose of passing or
overtaking.

PARKING- the act by which a driver temporarily leaves a

vehicle unattended by the roadside or any space
designated specifically for tat purpose w/ its engine
turned off for any given length of time.

PARKING LIGHT- a low intensity light designed to be used

while a vehicle is parked or is already parked.

PARKING LOT- a piece of real estate specifically

designated for the purpose of providing parking stalls for
vehicles.

PICK-UP- a small truck type vehicle.

PARKING STALL- the areas designated by painted
strips in parking lot or on a street or road designated to
accommodate and park one(1) standard size vehicles.

PAVEMENT- concrete or asphalt covering on a road

designed to smoothen out the surface of the road, make
it more durable and allowing vehicles to travel at faster
speeds and with heavier loads.

PEDESTRIAN- any person going about bon foot.

PEDESTRIAN LANE- a painted portion of a street usually

located but not confined to an intersection for the sole
purpose of allowing pedestrians to cross the street.

PEDICAB- a tricycle arrangement using a pedaled bicyclen

as its means of propulsion.
PENALTY- a punishment for breaking the law, or for committing
an offense against established law.

PLY- the mesh usually nylon, fiberglass or steel imbedded in the

rubber forming the casing of a tire. It is designed to give the
tire shape and durability. The number of plys that a tire has
indicates the number of layers contains. Ex. 4ply/ 6ply/ 10ply

POWER TRAIN- the complete propulsion system which

transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It includes the
engine, the clutch, the transmission and transfer case (in the
case of a 4 wheel drive vehicle) the differential and the
wheels of a motor vehicle.
PASENGER CAR- a four-wheeled self-propelled vehicle
designed for transportation of persons, but not including
busses. It includes taxicabs, limousines and station
wagons, but not motorcycles.

PASSIVE RESTRAINTS- devices used to enhance the

occupant’s chances of surviving a crash by preventing
his ejection and minimizing the effects of the second
collision (hitting steering wheels, etc.) the passive
system, unlike the active ( safety belts, etc.), requires no
conscious effort on the part of the occupant. Passive
devices range from air bags to cushions to padded dash-
boards and energy-absorbing steering assemblies.

PERFECT DRIVING- safely completing each trip by

avoiding the errors of accidents, traffic violations, vehicle
abuse, schedule delays, and discourtesy.
PORTRAIT OF A PERFECT PASS- executing a perfect
pass by following these twelve steps: 1) ask yourself “Is
it necessary?” 2) stay back, 3) check ahead, 4) check
behind, 5) signal left, 6) move left, 7) accelerate, 8) tap
horn, 9) signal right, 10) move right, 11) cancel
directional signal, 12) resume speed.

PRE-TRIP MENTAL INVENTORY- the defensive driving

practice of taking a few minutes before each trips to
determine what adverse conditions of light, weather,
traffic, road, vehicle and driver are present, and how they
can be met.

PREVENTABLE- a preventable accident is one in which a

driver failed to do everything he reasonably could have
done to prevent it.
RAMP- a turning roadway at an interchange for travel
between intersection or junction legs.

REACTION DISTANCE- the distance traveled during reaction

time, depending on speed.

REACTION TIME- the time that a person takes, after sensory

perception of a situation, decide what to do about it, and
start acting.

REVOCATION- the termination by a formal action of a state

Department of Motor Vehicle or a person’s driver’s license
or privilege to operate a motor vehicle on the public
highways, which termination shall not be subject to renewal
or restoration, except that an application for a new license
may be presented and acted upon by the department after
the expiration of at least one year from the date of
revocation.
ROADWAY- that portion of a highway which
 Types of traffic streams
 INTERRUPTED TRAFFIC FLOW – traffic flow is
periodically interrupted by the presence of fixed
elements no matter how much traffic exists. Fixed
elements include traffic signals, stop signs, and other
types of control.
 UNITERRUPTED TRAFFIC FLOW – vehicles are not
required to stop by any cause external to the traffic
stream. Traffic flow conditions are the result of
interaction among vehicles in the traffic stream, and
between vehicles and the geometric and environmental
characteristic of the roadway. There are no fixed
elements external to the traffic stream that cause
interruptions to traffic flow.
 Car following – a vehicle follows the other vehicle ahead.
 Lane changing – a vehicle chooses to move faster or ahead of the
vehicle it follows by transferring to the other lane.
 Overtaking – is similar to lane changing except that the vehicle
transfers from one lane to adjacent but opposite stream and returns
to the former lane.
 Weaving – two or more traffic flows running in almost the same
direction.
 Crossing – two traffic streams cross each other.
 Merging – a vehicle in one stream merges with another stream.
 Diverging – a vehicle departs from one stream toward another.
 Queuing – a group of stopped vehicles wait due to interuuption.