Full TEXT:

ORDINANCE NO. 2026-023

AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE USE OF PUBLIC ROADS IN THE CITY OF NAGA BY SLOW-MOVING VEHICLES, AND DIRECTING THE USE OF THE OUTERMOST LANE FOR SUCH VEHICLES ON TWO-WAY PUBLIC ROADS, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES:-

Author: Hon. Melvin Ramon G. Buenafé

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Efficient road use and safety have become increasingly important in the City of Naga, given the rising number of various transport modes now sharing the same public roads from traditional vehicles to emerging low-speed tricycle food carts or food trikes, and micro-mobility options such as e-trikes, e-bikes, and low-speed electric cars.

These slow-moving vehicles, while vital for affordable and sustainable mobility, often occupy inner lanes or main carriageways, thereby impeding faster-moving vehicles and increasing the risk of accidents and road congestion. The absence of clear lane-use rules for these vehicle types has led to erratic traffic flow and frequent road conflicts, particularly along two-way roads within the city.

This proposed measure seeks to regulate the use of public roads by directing all slow-moving vehicles, including three-wheelers, micro-mobility units, and low-speed four-wheeled electric vehicles, to use the outermost lane of two-way roads at all times, except when turning or overtaking under safe conditions.

At the same time, the Ordinance reiterates the city’s standing truck ban regulations, ensuring consistency and coordination with existing traffic management policies.

Through this ordinance, the City Government of Naga aims to promote orderly traffic flow and reduced congestion; road discipline and safety for all users; and improved coexistence between traditional motor vehicles and new modes of transport.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is earnestly sought.

NOW, THEREFORE, be it ordained, as it is hereby ordained by the Sangguniang Panlungsod in session assembled:

SECTION 1. TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the “Slow-Moving Vehicle Lane Regulation Ordinance of Naga City.”

SECTION 2. DECLARATION OF POLICY. It is hereby declared the policy of the City Government of Naga to promote road safety, orderly traffic flow, and the equitable use of public roadways by ensuring that slow-moving vehicles operate in a manner that minimizes congestion and risk to other road users.

SECTION 3. COVERAGE. This Ordinance shall apply to all two-way public roads, highways, and thoroughfares within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Naga, whether national, city, or barangay roads, except where otherwise provided by law or traffic management authorities.

SECTION 4. DEFINITION OF TERMS. For purposes of this Ordinance, the following terms shall mean:

a. Slow-Moving Vehicle – Any vehicle, motorized or otherwise, which by design or operation ordinarily travels at a speed of less than forty (40) kilometers per hour on level roads.
b. Three-Wheeler – Any vehicle with three wheels, including but not limited to tricycles, e-trikes, and other motorized or electric variants, used for passenger, cargo transport or commercial purpose.
c. Micro-Mobility Vehicle – Small, low-speed vehicles designed for short-distance travel, including e-bikes, e-scooters, and similar conveyances.
d. Low-Speed Four-Wheeled Electric Vehicle (LSFEV) – A four-wheeled electric vehicle with a maximum speed of not more than forty (40) kilometers per hour, used for personal or commercial transport.
e. Outermost Lane – The lane nearest to the right shoulder or edge of a two-way road, intended primarily for slower ΟΙ turning traffic.
f. Truck – A motor vehicle with six (6) wheels or more, designed primarily for the transport of goods or materials.

SECTION 5. USE OF OUTERMOST LANE. All slow-moving vehicles, including three-wheelers, micro-mobility vehicles, low-speed four-wheeled electric vehicles, and public utility vehicles that periodically stops to load or unload passengers, shall use only the outermost lane of two-way public roads and national roads within the City of Naga, except when:

a. Preparing for a left turn or U-turn at designated intersections;
b. Overtaking a slower vehicle, provided that such maneuver can be done safely and without impeding traffic;
c. When the outermost lane is impassable, obstructed, or under repair; or
d. When the lane toward one’s direction accommodates only a single vehicle.

SECTION 6. COMPLIANCE WITH EXISTING TRUCK BAN. All trucks with six (6) wheels and above shall strictly comply with the existing truck ban schedules, routes, and restrictions as provided under the relevant City Ordinance and its implementing rules and regulations. During periods or instances whereby trucks are allowed, or being outside the truck ban areas, slow moving trucks should give way, in the safest manner possible, to vehicles that need to overtake or pass appropriately.

SECTION 7. SIGNAGES AND INFORMATION CAMPAIGN. The Public Safety Office (PSO), in coordination with the City Engineer’s Office (CEO) and other concerned agencies, shall:

a. Install appropriate traffic signs and pavement markings along major thoroughfares indicating lane assignments and slow-moving vehicle restrictions; and
b. Conduct information and education campaigns to ensure public awareness and compliance.

SECTION 8. ENFORCEMENT. The enforcement of this Ordinance shall be vested in the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO), the Naga City Police Office (NCPO), and other deputized personnel authorized by the City Government, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

SECTION 9. PENALTIES. Any person, driver, or operator found violating any provision of this Ordinance shall be penalized as follows:

a. First Offense: warning;
b. Second Offense: 500.00 fine and possible one-day vehicle impoundment;
c. Third and Succeeding Offenses: P1,000.00 fine; with suspension of franchise if public utility vehicle (PUV).

SECTION 10. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. If any provision of this Ordinance is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining provisions shall not be affected thereby and shall remain in full force and effect.

SECTION 11. REPEALING CLAUSE. All ordinances, executive orders, rules, and regulations inconsistent with this Ordinance are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

SECTION 12. EFFECTIVITY. This Ordinance shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in a newspaper of local circulation and posting in at least three (3) conspicuous places in the City of Naga.

ENACTED: February 24, 2026

WE HEREBY CERTIFY to the correctness of the foregoing ordinance.

GABRIEL BORDADO JR
City Vice Mayor & Presiding Officer

LILIANO PASCUAL
Acting Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod

APPROVED:

MARIA LEONOR G. ROBREDO
City Mayor