Truck owners have another five (5) months to conform to the rules on overloading or the maximum allowable gross vehicle weight (GVW).
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) extended from July 31 to December 31, 2016 the suspension of enforcement of maximum allowable GVW for truck semi-trailer with 3-axles at motor vehicle and 2-axles at trailer for a total of 18 wheels under Code 12-2 and truck semi-trailer with 3-axles at motor vehicle and 3-axles at trailer for a total 22 wheels under Code 12-3. Other truck/trailer codes must follow the latest maximum allowable GVW.
Other truck/trailer codes must follow the current maximum allowable GVW.
The latest suspension has considered the requests of the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines requesting to give them more time to acquire additional transport equipment.
By January 1, 2016, all trucks/trailers must be fully-compliant to with Codes 12-2 and 12-3 to have maximum allowable GVW of 41,500 and 42,000 kilograms respectively.
DPWH and DOTC through the Land Transportation Office (LTO) enforce the anti-overloading law with the installation of 24/7 weighbridge stations and portable weighing machines at strategic locations along national roads, and imposition of penalties on overloading vehicles.
Overloaded trucks are fined with 25% of the amount of their motor vehicle user’s charge (MVUC) applicable to the vehicle at the time of infringement.
The anti-overloading policy is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act 8794 otherwise known as “An Act Imposing a Motor Vehicle Users Charge on Owners of all Types of Motor Vehicle and for Other Purposes”, which aims to promote motorist safety and prevent early deterioration of roads cause by overloading.