What are the consequences of illegal parking in the Philippines?
Here are the things that can happen to you if you’re caught illegally parked.
Earl Lee on Nov 29, 2021
Illegal Parking Consequences
Parking your car should only be done at designated areas. Local and national
government units impose various regulations to deter motorists from parking
just about anywhere.
So what are the consequences waiting for you should you ignore or park in a
no-parking zone? The answer is that it depends on a number of factors like
time, place, and duration of your illegal parking. Take note that different
government units on a local and national level will have different rules and
regulations regarding illegally parked vehicles. With that in mind, here are
the different things that can happen to you and your car if caught illegally
parked.
License points
Philippine Driver’s License
No, this isn’t anything good. These points are against your license and can
deter you from getting it renewed at the MMDA. A single violation will also
make you ineligible for a 10-year license.
Fines
Traffic Fines
According to the MMDA, illegal parking can net you a ticket depending on the
circumstances that surround your violation. According to the agency, there
are three types of illegal parking violations in their books that can get you
fined.
Related: Philippine traffic violation, fines, and ticket guide
The first is Attended Illegal Parking. This involves parking a vehicle while the
driver is still inside. You can be charged anywhere from P200 to P1,000
depending on the number of offenses you’ve incurred.
Second is Unattended Illegal Parking more severe than the last, this act
means that you had no intention of waiting in your car. The fine for this can
range from P500 to P1,000 as well.
Lastly, obstruction means that you’re illegally parked on the side of a road or
on a sidewalk without the authority to do so. The fine for this violation can
range from as little as P150 to as much as P1,000.
Clamping
Wheel Clamp
Wheel clamping is one of the less-involved ways that enforcers catch illegal
parkers, especially if the vehicle is unattended. For that reason, wheel
clamps are used to deter violators from leaving the premises and missing
their tickets. Usually, wheel clamps accompany a notice that includes a
phone number that the driver has to call in order to pay his fine and be on
his way. Otherwise, the car runs the risk of sitting in the spot for an extended
period of time and can get towed away should the owner overstay his
“welcome.”
As for the fines, it’s largely the same across the board. You will be issued a
ticket and a P1,000 fine or thereabout depending on the rules and
regulations of the LGU or national government unit.
Towing and impounding
Towing in the Philippines
Perhaps this is the most extreme measure that enforcers can use in order to
clear the road of illegally parked cars. Some LGUs also allow citizens to
phone and call an LGU-approved towing service to remove a car from their
parking lot or their driveways.
Attended illegally Parked Vehicle P 1,000
Unattended illegally Parked Vehicle P 2,000
Obstruction P 1,000
In addition, a standard towing fee shall be collected by both government and
private entities subject to the following rates:
Light vehicles (weighing less than 4,500 kgs) – P 1,500 for the first 4 km plus
P200 for each succeeding kilometer up to the impounding area
Medium vehicles (weighing between 4501 kg and 7500 kg) – P 2,500 for the
first 4 km + P200 for every succeeding km up to the impounding area
Heavy vehicles (weighing 7501 kg and above) P 4,500 for the first 4 km +
P200 for every succeeding km up to the impounding area
P200 shall be charged per kilometer on top of the base fee measured from a
place of towing to the impounding area.
