Illegal Parking Laws in the Philippines: How not to be a Parking Jerk

The advent of modernization and economic growth brings forth prosperity and more purchasing power for a country’s citizens but as the great Notorious BIG once said: “Mo money, mo problems".

Economic development brings along with it problems such as pollution, overpopulation, the rising cost of living and gentrification and with a densely packed metropolis such as Metro Manila, it seems like another problem has arisen that can actually hinder economic advancement and urban development: the parking situation.

With car owners ignoring parking rules and regulations it has been seen to be a primary factor in the major gridlocks in the Metro every day.

More people leads to more traffic leads to more headaches

Imagine 12.8 million inhabitants packed together in an area just around the size of Singapore, which by the way only has a population of around half that number. Parking requirements also differ from city to city within the Metropolitan area each having their own car parking laws.

This makes it even more confusing and difficult for the average driver who just wants to park their car in peace knowing they won't be coming back to a blank space with a ticket taped to the pavement.

Everyone is jostling for position and paying high premiums for parking

Today, we will be discussing the different laws against illegal car parking in the Philippines, because it is much easier to know what not to do instead of what to do. That’s the sad reality of things in Metro Manila. Welcome to the Jungle, Baby!

1. Parking Policy in the Philippines

Generally speaking, you cannot park on the side of the road with a NO PARKING signage on it, nor can you stop and wait inside your car lest you want to be fined for a parking obstruction law violation. You can park on streets without No Parking signs as long as it a not a private road with its own car park rules and adhere to these following exceptions:

• At or inside an intersection
• Never Block a Driveway
• Double Parking or stopping on the driver’s side section of a stopped or parked vehicle
• Within a crosswalk
• within the vicinity of footbridges
• All major national roads.
• Stay away at least 4 meters from a fire hydrant
• Stay away at least 6 meters from the intersection of curb lines
• Stay away at least 4 meters from the entrance to and fire station

If you don't want to get towed, there are a few simple rules to follow

As you can see the general parking policy in the Philippines, and basically everywhere is to not hinder traffic movement, entry or exit to and from homes and to never obstruct fire and other safety-related services and pedestrians. It’s not that hard, just don’t be a jerk or get flagged for a parking violation. Let’s discuss some of these major No-No in parking.

2. Blocking/Parking on a Driveway

One of the most trigger inducing moves any driver can do against their fellow man is blocking their own driveway. Not only is this disrespectful but in case of emergency, the occupant would not be able to freely drive out of their own garage. These are the things that can get people to post you on Facebook and tell on you to local TV host Raffy Tulfo.

Parking on the driveway is a mortal sin and the No Parking Law in the Philippines has your back. No need to make a huge fuss about this as you can report the cretin to the local government unit responsible and they would do the rest.

Blocking the driveway is dangerous as it hinders exit in emergencies

>>> Related: Is it really illegal to block a driveway in the Philippines?

3. Parking Laws in Residential Areas

As if it weren’t enough that each City within the Metro Manila area has its own Parking regulation and No Parking Law, you will also have to learn each village’s and residential area's specific guidelines. These areas are considered to be private areas so abiding by their own rules is a must or risk earning a traffic violation.

Within the walls of these residential areas, they strictly adhere to no double parking laws and obstruction laws due to the narrow roads. Also, keep in mind that most of these villages are gated communities so be wary about blocking driveways.

Residential areas are mostly gated communities with strict parking laws

>>> Useful tips to find a parking lot in the Philippines: 

• The guide to paid parking and parking spaces for rent in Manila
• A guide to Parking in BGC: List of popular parking lot with respective rates

4. Law parking in front of the garage

If you have your own garage but have multiple cars and both of them would not fit, is it okay to park right in front of your own garage? This is quite a tricky question because, on the one hand, you are not obstructing someone else’s driveway but your own and therefore aren’t really hurting anyone.

Traffic police may see this as a violation nonetheless as your car is still creating an obstruction but not for cars or for the reason you think it is.

This is the best example of how NOT to park

>>> Read more: 6 reasons to park your car in a garage

5. Laws against sidewalk parking

The previous point leads us to this matter, you cannot park along the sidewalk. If your car sticks out of your own property and is parked on the curb or sidewalk it obstructs people from walking freely on the designated sidewalk opening them up to harm due to oncoming traffic.

You can see this a lot along the streets of Manila and other cities without proper parking. Ushers will actually let you park along the sidewalk which is not the right thing to do. You risk yourself being issued a ticket for your trouble and no it’s not to the latest Post Malone concert.

Parking on the sidewalk is dangerous for pedestrians

>>> Also check out: 8 car parking etiquettes that every Filipino drivers should practice

6. Parking law: Parking on the street

Street parking is like manna from heaven. You can see this implemented in Makati City within the streets of Barangay San Lorenzo and the execution is great. They do charge quite a fee for it and you are limited to 3 hours but sometimes that time is all you need.

Maybe you just need to grab a bite or have a quick meeting. Street parking is not utilized in all cities due to the sizes of the street, otherwise, it is illegal to park on the side of the street especially major thoroughfares unless otherwise allowed to do so.

Street parking is a god-send and can earn the city money

7. Fines for illegal parking 

As just announced by MMDA last December 2019 the fine for illegal parking in the Philippines has been increased and stated as below:

So there you have it, boys and girls, illegal parking law Philippines need not belong litanies or reading dogma and brushing up on law school 101. As long as you are mindful of your actions and considerate of everyone, you won’t have that many hassles with the fuzz.

Keep in mind that parking, very much like driving relies on a lot of common sense and discipline. So stay safe out there and keep following us at Philkotse.com to keep up with news, reviews, and features on everything about Philippine Motoring and car culture.