Guide to Driving In Philippines - Drive Safe in Philippines

The enforcement of the law varies across the country but to be on the safe side, ensure that you and all occupants of the car wear seat belts where they are fitted.

All you need to carry is your passport or a copy and a driving licence which is in English or with a certified translation. You’ll also need a copy of the insurance certificate and it’s useful to have the registration document as well.

You have to be at least 17 to be able to drive in Philippines. If you're renting a car the minimum age is 21 but with some companies it can be 23. Even at this age you are likely to be charged a premium to cover your lack of experience.

Filipino drivers are renowned for driving fast and make use of the legal radar detectors to spot the radar traps before it’s too late. 

The police in the Philippines are generally fair and honest and you will find that if you are stopped, the officer will explain why. You will be issued with a ticket which gives details of the offence, the applicable fine and where too pay it. 

As of 2018 a new law is soon to be put in place in the Philippines where children must to be in a child safety system whilst in the car on any street, road or highway. It is prohibited that any child under 12 to sit in the front seats and must be seated in the back seat.

The house of representatives have approved a bill, number 1319 and 5595 but the bill still has to go to the plenary for discussion and then final approval.

Drivers will be fined P 1,000 for the first offense, P 2,000 for the second offense and P 5,000 and a one year suspension of driving for the third offense.

A minimum of third party insurance is compulsory in the Philippines and you must be able to prove it by way of a valid certificate.

The drink driving laws in Philippines state that you must have no more than 50mg of alcohol per 100ml of blood. You’ll find that police patrols stop drivers regularly for random checks.

There are no laws governing towing in the Philippines, just use common sense to ensure safety.

There are no fixed speed cameras in Philippines but you’ll find regular patrols armed with speed guns as well as vans with cameras which tour the motorways taking photographs of those that pass it.

You are not allowed to talk or text on a mobile phone unless you have a hands free kit.

Traffic lights in the Philippines follow the same sequencing as in much of the rest of the world so should be familiar to drivers. As with many other countries, a red light doesn’t always mean stop to some drivers so proceed through a green light with caution.

All the Expressways in the Philippines are toll roads. The tolls are expensive compared to the average wage but you’ll drive on much better roads.