LTO 7 to Fully Implement Anti-Drunk Driving Law upon Arrival of Breath Analyzers

The Land Transportation Office (LTO 7) will fully implement the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act in Central Visayas upon the arrival of breath analyzers, an official said.

LTO 7 Director Arnel Tancinco said he requested for 63 breath analyzers for Region 7, which groups Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.

Tancinco said majority of the breath analyzers will be for Cebu.

Republic Act No. 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act provides stiffer penalties for drivers caught under the influence of liquor or drugs while driving.

The penalties range from a minimum of three-month imprisonment and PhP20,000 fine, to a maximum of a 20-year imprisonment and PhP500,000 fine.

The implementing rules and regulation (IRR) provides that an allowable blood alcohol limit is below 0.05 percent for most drivers while public utility vehicles drivers should not have any amount of alcohol in their blood.

Under the IRR, an apprehended driver who is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol will be subjected to three field sobriety tests.

The tests include the eye test, which requires the driver to follow with his gaze an object that the law enforcer moves around one foot away from the driver’s face, and the walk-and-turn test, which requires the driver to walk nine steps heading different ways without difficulty.

The driver would also undergo the one-leg stand test, which requires the driver to stand on one leg and raise the other around six inches from the ground for about 60 seconds.

Earlier, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said that if the driver passes these tests, he will be apprehended for his traffic violation only, and not for violation of R.A. 10586.

But if the driver fails any of the three tests, he will be subjected to an Alcohol Breath Analyzer Test, which will verify whether the driver violated the blood alcohol level limits.

The driver found to have a higher blood alcohol level than the prescribed limits will be arrested and his vehicle will be impounded.

If he is found to be within the allowed limits, he will be apprehended for his traffic violation only. (PNA) SCS/EB