Solon files bill requiring dash cams

aHB 4475 requires the installation of one dashboard camera that has video resolution of at least 1080 pixels, has night vision mode, and is forward-facing for the street view orientation.

Measures that seek to make mandatory the installation of dashboard cameras in various types of motor vehicles have been filed at the House of Representatives.

Iligan Rep. Frederick Siao, in House Bill (HB) 4475 filed last 10 September said it is proven that dashboard cameras is a crucial and effective device for recording of crimes on the streets and of violation of road safety and traffic rules and regulations.

The bill states that the installation of “government-certified systems” for recording digital and electronic data on vehicle operation should be mandatory.

Under the bill, the basic set of devices shall be composed of one dashboard camera that has video resolution of at least 1080 pixels, has night vision mode, and is forward-facing for the street view orientation.

A second but rear-facing camera with the same features as the dashboard camera, a battery and motor vehicle power adaptor, a data storage device and a built-in global positioning system (GPS) feature are also mandatory.

The bill provides that motor vehicles with four wheels or more and are authorized to ferry passengers as a public service, should have the mandatory basic set of devices and at least one other video camera must be installed to record whatever transpires inside the motor vehicle for purposes of deterrence against crime.

Installation of a third video camera to record the rear view of the passenger vehicle is also mandatory.

For motor vehicles that are privately-owned, the installation of more than one video camera inside the vehicle is optional, except when the vehicle frequently has passengers or drivers who are minors, in which case, a second video camera is mandatory.

For motorized vehicles with three or fewer wheels, there are two options: a digital video camera recorder on the driver’s helmet which must be worn at all times while driving or a digital video camera recorder mounted on the top or front side of the vehicle.

For all passenger buses, commuter vans, and cargo vehicles, installation of GPS devices is mandatory to enable the vehicle owners to track the movements of their vehicles and to respond swiftly in case of any safety or security situation.

The bill prohibits posting on any social media platform, recording for personal purposes, or sharing through electronic transmission of video and data recordings depicting and involving passengers but without any incident pertaining to any road safety issue, traffic situationer or occurrence of a possible crime recorded.

The penalties provided in the relevant provisions of the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10173), the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012 (Republic Act 10175), the Revised Penal Code (Act No. 3815), as amended, the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009 (Republic Act 10054), and the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (Republic Act 10913) and pertinent laws on traffic and road safety and traffic shall apply to any violations of this Act.

At least three bills with the same intent are pending before the House committee on transportation.

These are HB 1595 or the “Dashboard Camera Act of the Philippines” filed by 1 PACMAN Partylist Reps. Deputy Speaker Michael Romero and House labor and employment committee chairperson Enrico Pineda; House Bill 3341 or the “Public Transport Safety Act of 2019” filed by Deputy Majority Leader and Bagong Henerasyon Rep. Bernadette Herrera-Dy and House Bill 3411 or “An Act Mandating the Use of Mounted Dashboard Video Camera in all Government Service Vehicles and Public Utility Vehicles” filed by House committee on public works and highways vice chairperson and Quezon City Rep. Anthony Crisologo.

House Bill 1595 provides that any public officer or government employee who allowed the registration of motor vehicles shall be punished with imprisonment of not less than two years to not more than three years or a fine in the amount of not less than P10,000 or both.

Owners of a vehicle that has no dashboard camera shall be punished with a fine of P5,000 and 30 days suspension of license for first infraction, P10,000 and six months suspension of license for second infraction and P20,000 and one year suspension of license for third infaraction.