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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City, Metro Manila 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10707
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
In the Philippines, road safety remains a paramount concern amidst the increasing vehicular 
traffic and accident rates. To address this issue, the proposed legislation mandates that all car and 
motorcycle manufacturers must ensure that headlights automatically turn on when the vehicle’s 
engine is running. This measure is designed to enhance vehicle visibility, reduce accidents, and 
foster a safer road environment for all. 
The primary objective of this Act is to elevate road safety standards by improving the 
visibility of vehicles on Philippine roads. Automatic headlights that activate with the engine 
running serve as a proactive measure to mitigate accidents arising from poor visibility conditions, 
especially during daylight hours when drivers may overlook the necessity of manually activating 
their lights. This initiative aligns with global best practices and addresses a critical aspect of 
accident prevention. 
The Philippine Statistics Authority reports a concerning prevalence of road traffic 
accidents, with motorcycles and cars being prominent contributors to these incidents. Enhancing 
vehicle visibility emerges as a crucial strategy in curbing these risks. 
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has proactively implemented safety measures such 
as mandatory helmet use for motorcyclists and seatbelt laws. This Act complements these 
initiatives by addressing vehicle visibility, a pivotal factor in accident prevention. 
August 5, 2024
8:00 am


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   The legislation proposes that all car and motorcycle manufacturers and importers equip 
new vehicles sold in the Philippines with an automatic headlight activation system when the engine 
is running. This directive encompasses both domestic production and imported vehicles. 
To reinforce the Act's implementation, public awareness campaigns will be conducted by 
the LTO and relevant government agencies. These initiatives aim to educate the populace on the 
benefits of automatic headlights and promote broader vehicle safety awareness. 
Automatic headlights ensure continuous visibility of vehicles to other road users, 
diminishing the likelihood of collisions, particularly in conditions of low visibility such as dawn, 
dusk, and adverse weather. Improved vehicle visibility is anticipated to contribute to a reduction 
in road traffic accidents and associated fatalities and injuries. The legislation serves as a catalyst 
for heightened public awareness regarding the significance of vehicle safety features, fostering a 
culture of responsible driving practices. 
This Act represents a significant stride towards fortifying road safety standards in the 
Philippines. By mandating automatic headlights in all new cars and motorcycles, the legislation 
aims to mitigate accidents and preserve lives. Successful enactment of this measure necessitates 
concerted efforts from government agencies, manufacturers, and the public. Through collective 
action, this Act has the potential to cultivate a safer and more conscientious motorist environment 
in the Philippines, safeguarding the welfare of all road users. 
In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 
RICHARD I. GOMEZ, DPA 


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Republic of the Philippines 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
Quezon City 
NINETEENTH CONGRESS 
Third Regular Session 
House Bill No. 10707 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
Introduced by Representative Richard I. Gomez, DPA 
___________________________________________________________________________ 
AN ACT MANDATING THAT ALL VEHICLES MANUFACTURED, ASSEMBLED, 
BOUGHT, SOLD AND USED IN THE PHILIPPINES ARE EQUIPPED WITH 
AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS WHEN ENGINES ARE TURNED 
ON AND RUNNING 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: 
SECTION 1. Short Title. – This Act shall be known as the "Automatic Headlights and 
Taillights Activation Act of 2024.” 
SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is hereby declared the policy of the State to promote 
road safety and reduce vehicular accidents by ensuring that all vehicles are visible to other road 
users at all times. In pursuit of this goal, the State shall require car and motorcycle manufacturers 
to equip all new vehicles with an automatic headlight and taillight activation system that turns on 
the headlights  and taillights when the engine is turned on and running. 
SEC. 3. Mandatory Automatic Headlight and Taillight Activation. – All vehicle 
manufacturers, assemblers, and distributors must ensure that every new vehicle manufactured, 
assembled, sold, distributed and used on all Philippine roads, and off-road, are equipped with 
automatic headlight and taillight activation system. This system must turn on the headlights and 
taillights when the engine is started and keep the headlights and taillights on as long as the engine 
is running. 
SEC. 4. Vehicles Required for Compliance of Automatic Headlight and Taillight 
Activation. – All vehicles in the Philippines shall comply to the provisions of this Act, namely: 


 
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a) Private, government and commercial four-wheel passenger vehicles, such as 
sedans, vans, sports utility vehicles, and other vehicles; 
b) Private, government and commercial two-wheel vehicles; 
c) Private, government and commercial three-wheel vehicles; 
d) Private, government and commercial vans, buses, coasters, and the like; 
e) Private, government and commercial construction vehicles, such as back hoes, cold 
planer, and the like; and 
f) Private, government and commercial trucks with six wheels or more.  
 
SEC. 5. Compliance for All Fuel Types.  Compliance to this Act shall be required for all 
vehicle types, regardless of whether engine is fueled by gasoline, diesel, electric power, biomass 
and other alternative fuels.  
 
SEC. 6. Compliance for All Existing Vehicles. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall 
collaborate and coordinate with vehicle manufacturers to make available a simple device or 
procedural solution to enable automatic headlight and taillight activation for all existing vehicles. 
 
SEC. 7. Importation Compliance. – It shall be unlawful for any person or entity to import 
or distribute any car or motorcycle that is not equipped with an operational automatic headlight 
and taillight activation system as specified in Section 3 of this Act. 
 
SEC. 8. Headlight Specifications. – The headlights must comply with the following 
specifications to ensure sufficient visibility and safety: 
 
a) Two-wheel vehicles must be equipped with one (1) automatic headlight and one (1) 
automatic taillight; 
b) Vehicles with three or more wheels must have two (2) automatic headlights and 
two (2) automatic taillights; 
c) The headlights must be of sufficient intensity to reveal a person or a vehicle at a 
distance of not less than 30 meters when the vehicle is operated at any speed less 
than 40  kilometers per hour, at a distance of not less than 60 meters when operated 
at a speed of 40 to 55 kilometers per hour, and at a distance of 90 meters when 
operated at a speed greater than 55 kilometers per hour; and 
d) For vehicles with multi-beam headlights, the upper beam must meet the minimum 
intensity requirements specified above. 
 
 
SEC. 9. Registration Requirements. – Upon the effectivity of this Act, no new vehicle shall 
be allowed initial registration or renewal of registration unless it is equipped with the necessary 
automatic headlight activation system. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall ensure 
compliance with this requirement. 


 
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SEC. 10. Penalties and Fines. – To enforce this Act, the LTO shall impose fines and 
penalties on manufacturers, importers, distributors, and operators violating its provisions. The 
following penalties shall apply: 
 
1. For manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and distributors: 
 
a. A fine of one million pesos (Php 1,000,000.00) but not exceeding two million 
pesos (Php 2,000,000.00) and suspension of the license to manufacture, import, or 
distribute for a period of one (1) year for the first violation; 
 
b. A fine of five million pesos (Php 5,000,000.00) and suspension of the license to 
manufacture, import, or distribute for a period of five (5) years for the second and 
subsequent violations. 
 
2. For vehicle operators who disable or tamper with the automatic headlight activation system: 
 
a. A fine of one thousand pesos (Php1,000.00) but not exceeding two thousand 
pesos (Php2,000.00) for the first violation; 
 
b. A fine of three thousand five hundred pesos (Php3,500.00) but not exceeding five 
thousand pesos (Php5,000.00) and suspension of the driver's license for a period of 
one (1) month for the second and succeeding violations. 
 
 
SEC. 11. Implementing Rules and Regulations. – Within sixty (60) days from the 
promulgation of this Act, the implementing rules and regulations for the proper implementation of 
its provisions shall be formulated by the appropriate government office or agency in coordination 
with all stakeholders and covered establishments and institutions. 
 
SEC. 12. Separability Clause. – If any provision of this Act is declared invalid, the 
remainder or any provisions hereof not affected thereby shall remain in force and effect. 
 
SEC. 13. Repealing Clause. – All laws, decrees, executive orders, presidential issuances, 
and other administrative rules and regulations or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act 
are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly. 
 
SEC. 14. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at 
least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation. 
 
Approved,