LTFRB reminds PUV drivers: No vlogging or social media use while driving

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has reminded public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers that vlogging and using social media while driving are prohibited under the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

The agency is finalizing a memorandum circular that will require PUV operators to ensure their drivers comply with the law, with violators facing a P5,000 penalty once the policy takes effect.

The move came after the LTFRB observed a growing number of PUV drivers producing online content while operating their vehicles, prompting the agency to reinforce compliance with existing road safety rules.

READ: Road safety: What to do when road accidents happen

Reinforcing road safety

In a statement, LTFRB Chairman Vigor D. Mendoza II said vlogging and interacting with social media while driving are forms of distracted driving prohibited under Republic Act No. 10913, or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.

“Let us be mindful of the safety of our passengers and all our road users. Everybody knows that even a split-second of distraction can result in fatal road crashes,” he said.

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Mendoza said these activities not only violate the law but also undermine its purpose of protecting drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users from preventable crashes.

He also noted these actions violate a basic rule in every Certificate of Public Convenience, which requires operators and drivers to put the safety and convenience of passengers first.

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Activities covered

The memorandum covers vlogging, content creation, and social media engagement while driving a PUV.

This includes browsing, scrolling, liking, commenting, or otherwise interacting with social media applications while operating a vehicle.

Meanwhile, the LTFRB also urged PUV operators to regularly remind their drivers to comply with road safety laws and regulations.

Penalty and implementation

Once implemented, the memorandum circular will impose a P5,000 fine on PUV drivers caught vlogging, creating content, or engaging with social media while driving.

Mendoza said the circular is being finalized and will take effect only after completing the required process, including publication in newspapers of general circulation.

What the law prohibits

Under Republic Act No. 10913, motorists are prohibited from using mobile communication devices to send or read text messages, make or receive calls, or perform similar activities while a vehicle is moving or temporarily stopped at a red light.

The law also prohibits using electronic entertainment or computing devices to browse the internet, watch videos, play games, compose messages, read electronic books, perform calculations, or carry out similar functions while driving.

Exemptions only apply to motorists using mobile phones during emergencies and personnel operating emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, while performing their official duties.

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