What are the consequences of illegal parking in the Philippines?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.