DOTr: Dashcams, accessories not covered by Anti-Distracted Driving law

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Transportation and other agencies on Wednesday said the Anti-Distracted Driving Act does not cover the use of dashcams and the placement of accessories on vehicle dashboards.

"Hindi po covered ng batas na ito ang dashcams. If you read strictly po ang batas, ang covered lang po nito ay mobile communications device… and entertainment electronic device. Hindi po covered ang dashcam,"  DOTr Assistant Secretary Leah Quiambao said in a televised press briefing.

"As of now, we do not know of a law which regulates the use of dashcams. But we know for a fact na meron pong mga initiatives in Congress naipa-pass soon, which will regulate or probably even require the use of dashcams pero we will not get ahead of ourselves, that’s still with Congress," she added.

For safety purposes, the drivers are instead encouraged to mount their dashcams on the back of the vehicle's rearview mirror.

Accessories which may be found on dashboards such as  rosaries, tachometers, figurines, dashboard toys, crucifixes, and stickers are also not covered by the law. Likewise, the transportation agency said that ADDA also does not cover putting on make-up, drinking coffee, and other similar acts.

Activities that the ADDA prohibits while driving include but are not limited:

• Making or receiving calls

• Writing, sending or reading text-based communications

• Playing games

• Watching movies

• Performing calculations

• Reading e-books

• Composing messages

• Surfing or browsing the internet

Quiambao clarified that drivers are allowed to use the hands-free function of their gadgets as long as these are not within the line of sight of the driver.

Mobile phones or GPS units on the same level or on top of the dashboard and even on the windshield are allowed as long as the device does not rise higher than four inches above the dashboard.

Mounting of cellphones on handlebars or other parts of motorcycles is also permitted because this does not interfere with the driver's field of vision.

The transport agency official said the four-inch line of sight was the result of the consultation with the World Health Organization, Automobile Association Philippines, other organizations and even motoring journalists and public utility vehicle drivers.

"Tinest din po naming kung talaga pong even on a practical use, ay yung 4 inches po ay appropriate. We even have a statement from AAP that 4 inches from the dashboard ay still a safe zone," Quiambao said.

"Where are we coming from with this line of sight? Iyon po ‘yung nakalagay sa batas. Sabi po sa batas, puwede nilang gamitin ‘yong hands-free function as long as [the gadget is not] within the line of sight of the driver," she added.

Despite permission to place these gadgets, ADDA said that drivers are strictly prohibited from holding and using cellphones or gadgets while vehicles are in motion or are temporarily stopped on a traffic light or when the driver is stuck in traffic.

Last May 23, transport agencies suspended the enforcement of Republic Act 10913, or the ADDA due to confusion on implementing rules.

The ADDA was first implemented by the DOTr and Land Transportation Office last May 18.