We respect our traffic enforcers. We do, we respect our Metropolitan Manila Development Authorities (MMDA) officers.

Let me just get that out of the way.

That being said, we all know that there are some exceedingly bad apples among these fine men and women keeping our roads somewhat safe and orderly. Said bad apples often abuse their power through intimidating drivers into coughing up money in exchange for getting away from made-up traffic violations. Kotong, for short.

With all the newly released traffic laws like the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, it’s getting harder and harder to know what traffic laws do exist and what’s total humbug. Luckily, one thoughtful Facebook user named Paul Libid posted a cheat sheet of sorts clarifying all the usual made-up violations wayward MMDA officers are known to use.

The three most important things that you should take note of from this post are:

Swerving is not a traffic violation. At least not the way MMDA officers often describe. Swerving is shifting to two lanes very quickly. Just moving from one lane to another is not the same thing. It’s an inconsiderate thing to do, but it’s not a violation. If you’re ever pulled over for swerving, kindly inform the officer that you know your rights. If he insists on ticketing you, get the ticket and the officer’s name and file a complaint against him.
MMDA officers cannot confiscate your driver’s license for traffic violations. They can only do so in cases of accidents or if it’s your third unpaid violation already.
The MMDA hotline is 163 and the METRO BASE can be contacted at 0920-9389861. You may call these numbers in case you’re faced with one of these abuses in power.

Photos courtesy of Inquirer.net

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