The coronavirus pandemic has made driving a car through Metro Manila a difficult activity – with major roads choking with inching traffic as more people venture out of quarantine, wary of public transportation.
There is no doubt that a highly visible 'Do Not Delay' sign on a motorist's windshield will notify the traffic enforcers and other drivers that he has precious essential cargo in his vehicle, putting him ahead of everybody else. In most cases you can expect other drivers to respect that fact and hopefully they drive less aggressive around him and give him more time or room.
But one of the downsides is that a sign such as this one can be prone to abuse.
Think about the times you've seen a 'Do Not Delay' sign in a car's windshield while driving. It piques a little bit of curiosity on your part. The sign makes you look over the car, and you have to admit, it's one of the most annoying feeling when you suddenly realize it was put there by the driver just to get pass traffic for his own convenience. In the end, you too, might get tempted to follow his example and resort to the use of this sign.
But there is one absolutely important caveat to add. Only do this if you are actually carrying an essential frontliner or cargo inside your car. The unnecessary posting of 'Do Not Delay' and any other stickers on the vehicle’s front and rear windshields is punishable under LTO laws and can result in a hefty fine.
An advisory that was posted on the Facebook page of the Land Transportation Office VII (LTO-7) says that anyone caught for the violation may be penalized under JAO 2014-01 issued by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
“(The) placement of unauthorized stickers, or signages (“DO NOT DELAY”, etc.) on the FRONT and REAR WINDSHIELDS which affects visibility of the driver regardless of the condition of the vehicle IS NOT ALLOWED and IS A VIOLATION under DOTr JAO 2014-01″ said the LTO advisory.
“This is to distinguish LTO & other Government-issued stickers intended for windshield display,” it added.
JAO 2014-1 that was issued on June 2, 2014 provides “the revised schedule of fines and penalties for the violation of laws, rules and regulations governing land transportation.” The memo circular carries a fine ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP10,000.
The 'Do Not Delay' safety signs are a great idea because they remind the traffic enforcers and other drivers to be a bit more courteous. There are good reasons for and against such, but frankly, these signs aren't for everyone to use.
Have you ever placed a 'Do Not Delay' sign on your car's windshield?
Share your ideas by commenting.
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