No contact apprehension bill gets thumbs up in Congress

A bill that proposes to implement the no-contact apprehension rule against traffic violators has been approved on third and final reading at the House of Representatives, during the plenary’s session Monday.

House Bill 10811 mandates the use of no contact traffic apprehension on all roads nationwide

Voting 180 against six with no abstentions, lawmakers have passed House Bill 10811 or the “No Contact Traffic Apprehension Act.” This mandates the use of road surveillance technology in monitoring thoroughfares and catching erring road users. 

The bills’s fact sheet states several objectives: 

• Utilize available road surveillance technology in apprehending traffic violations, to enhance road discipline and road safety
• Curtail graft and corruption and abuse of authority by traffic enforcers employing physical or face-to-face apprehension
• Eliminate the prolonged exposure of traffic enforcers to road hazards when physically enforcing traffic rules and regulations 
• Harmonize traffic rules and regulations across all localities nationwide

Under the measure, the license of the erring driver will be tagged when a traffic violation is committed, instead of the vehicle’s registration. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be alerted regarding the violation. 

Depending on the gravity of the offense, the license of the motorist responsible for the infraction will be suspended or revoked if the fine or penalty is not settled within the specified period. Drivers who maintain a spotless record with no demerits will be rewarded every five years as specified by Republic Act 10930 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

The measure intends to reduce instances of corruption as well as minimize the exposure of traffic enforcers to danger  

The bill also allows data relating to motorists and other road users to be shared among authorized traffic agencies in accordance with Republic Act 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012. Duties and powers of these traffic agencies will be defined under the No Contact Traffic Apprehension (NCTA) guidelines, with a transition period for full implementation.

At present, the no contact traffic apprehension scheme is being implemented in several jurisdictions in Metro Manila, including the cities of Manila, Quezon City, and Parañaque.  

You’ll approve of our traffic-related stories at Philkotse.com.