The Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) is volunteering to help the government draft the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the new motoring-related laws.

AAP president Gus Lagman offered the motor club’s help after three bills from the House of Representatives and the Senate lapsed into law 30 days after they were submitted to Malacanang for the signature of then President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The new laws are Republic Act (RA) 10913 (Anti-Distracted Driving Act), RA 10916 (Speed Limiter Act of 2016) and RA 10883 (the new Anti-Carnapping Law, which repeals RA 6539, also known as the Anti-Carnapping Act of 1972).

The IRR of the new laws have to be promulgated within 60 days from the effectivity of the Act to adequately carry out their provisions.

Lagman said AAP is willing to participate in the drafting of the IRR of these laws which aim to create a conducive environment for motorists and the general public.

“ AAP has always been eager to help develop a safe, orderly environment conducive to driving,” Lagman said. “We hope that once more we can share our experience to help shape the IRR of these laws that would benefit not just motorists but commuters and the general public as well.”

Lagman pointed out that in 2015, AAP was part of the Technical Working Group that created  the IRR of RA 10642, also known as the Philippine Lemon Law, together with the Truck Manufacturers Association, Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc., Philippine Automotive Competitiveness Council, Association of Vehicle Importers and Distributors, Land Transportation Office  and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

Meanwhile, drivers caught violating the new laws face stiffer penalties and heavier fines.

Private vehicle drivers who violate the Anti-Distracted Driving Act will be slapped with a P 5,000 to P 15,000 fine and a possible suspension of license for three months upon third offense, while a P 30,000 fine and  three-month suspension of license will be imposed on offenders driving public utility vehicles, school buses, or carriers of flammable or toxic material within a 50-meter radius from school premises.

Those who violate the Speed Limiter Act, which covers public utility vehicles (PUV) and certain types of vehicles, would be prohibited to register or receive a franchise permit and the owners or operators will face a P 50,000 fine.

The license of a driver using a PUV without a speed limiter will be suspended or even revoked. A succeeding offense could lead to a one-year suspension and an imposed fine for the third offense.

Those who tamper speed limiters face a jail term of six to 36 months and a P 30,000 fine.

The new Anti-Carnapping Act, which makes carnapping a non-bailable offense, increases the jail term from a maximum of 17 years and four months to 20 to 30 years.

Carnappers who resort to violence could get a longer sentence from 30 years and one day to 40 years. If the victim was raped or killed, offenders can get life imprisonment. Those who are proven to have been involved in the concealment of the crime face 6 to 12 years imprisonment and will be fined with the cost of the car or the cost of the car part involved in the crime.