The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wants to clear up confusion about emergency vehicle exemptions under the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). Emergency vehicles are not automatically exempt from traffic rules. However, they will undergo manual validation.
In response to a recent news article by ABS-CBN, MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes explained that just because a vehicle has sirens and blinkers does not mean it can ignore traffic laws. Some drivers have misused these features to get around rules, which is why automatic exemption is not permitted.
The MMDA uses AI-powered CCTV cameras to catch traffic violations. If an emergency vehicle is flagged, MMDA personnel will manually review the footage. If the vehicle was responding to a real emergency, the violation will be canceled, and no penalty will be issued.
However, emergency vehicles should still follow traffic laws when there is no active emergency. The agency highlighted past incidents where some drivers tried to take advantage of exemptions, like a funeral vehicle pretending to be an ambulance to access the EDSA Busway.
The MMDA urges all motorists, including emergency responders, to obey traffic regulations. Only legitimate emergency cases qualify for exemption.
To avoid fines, always follow road signs, drive responsibly, and stay updated on traffic policies. Stay tuned for further updates.
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