Towing and Impounding FAQ
(Updated June 7, 2022)
1. What are the different kinds of tow trucks recognized by MMDA?
There are 2 kinds of tow trucks in MMDA;
a) MMDA Road Emergency Group tow trucks – these are only allowed to tow stalled vehicles involved in accidents. The services of these trucks are free of charge.
b) MMDA-accredited tow trucks. To check the list of MMDA accredited towing companies, please refer to this link: Transport and Traffic Management 2 (mmda.gov.ph)
2. Under which situations can MMDA trucks tow vehicles?
Tow trucks can only tow the following vehicles ---
a) stalled vehicles;
b) illegally parked vehicles; and
c) vehicles involved in accidents.
3. Where does MMDA bring the towed vehicles?
- Tumana, Marikina City
- HK Plaza Impounding
4. How does MMDA define stalled vehicles and illegally parked vehicles?
A stalled vehicle is a vehicle, which, for any cause (engine trouble, empty fuel tank, flat tire) is unable to proceed under its own motive power on a public road, street or thoroughfare in Metro Manila.
An illegally-parked vehicle refers to one which is parked in areas prohibited by existing law or ordinance for parking purposes or those designated by the MMDA and/or the local government units (LGUs) as NO PARKING areas or zones. The following are two (2) types of illegally-parked vehicles:
“Attended illegally parked vehicle” is an illegally parked vehicle whose driver is present or would appear at any time prior to the actual clamping to the tow truck and who is willing and able to move out the illegally parked vehicle without delay.
“Unattended illegally parked vehicle” is an illegally parked vehicle which does not fall under the definition of attended illegally parked vehicle.
5. Which areas are prohibited for parking?
1. All national roads in Metro Manila.
2. Primary and secondary roads of cities and municipalities in Metro Manila that are:
a. Within six (6) meters of any intersection or curved lane;
b. Within four (4) meters of driveways or entrances to any fire station, hospital, clinic and other similar establishment; 4
c. Within four (4) meters of fire hydrants;
d. On the roadside of any legally parked vehicle;
e. On pedestrian crosswalks;
f. In front of any authorized driveway;
g. On the sidewalks, paths and alleys not intended for parking;
h. At the foot or near bridges;
i. At any place where official signs have been erected prohibiting parking and/or declared NO PARKING ZONE by the MMDA such as the Mabuhay Lanes. See attached link for reference: mabuhay_lanes_2021.pdf (mmda.gov.ph)
j. Other areas duly declared as “NO PARKING ZONE” provided by law or ordinances.
6. What’s the towing process for illegally parked vehicles?
If attended by a driver, illegally parked vehicles will NOT be towed but a ticket shall be issued by a traffic enforcer (or deputized HPG).
If the vehicle is unattended, the tow truck driver shall blow the truck's horn five (5) times to alert the owner, then another five (5) times after one minute. If the driver does not respond up by then, the vehicle shall be towed and issued a ticket at the impounding area.
7. What should I do if my vehicle is stalled due to a flat tire?
Flat-tired vehicles must be moved to the emergency lane on its own, otherwise it will be towed. In either case, an OVR will be issued. Changing of flat tires on the roadway is not allowed.
8. What if my vehicle is stalled due to an empty fuel tank?
Stalled or illegally parked vehicles as a result of empty fuel tank may be towed to the nearest gasoline station. However, a towing fee will be paid to the tow truck in accordance with the number of kilometers from the point of origin to the gasoline station. An OVR shall also be issued to the driver.
9. What if my vehicle is stalled due to engine trouble?
Stalled or illegally parked vehicles as a result of engine trouble shall be towed if it cannot move on its own or if the driver refuses to move it. A TVR shall likewise be issued to the driver.
10. What is the process of towing an unattended vehicle?
If the vehicle is unattended, the tow truck driver shall blow the truck's horn five (5) times to alert the owner, then another five (5) times after one minute. If the owner does not respond, the vehicle will be towed. A notice shall be left/entrusted to any traffic officer on duty at the site, or to any responsible person who can give the notice to the owner. The impounding area where the said vehicle shall be towed and impounded should likewise be indicated.
11. Are the towing crew allowed to board an attended vehicle?
This is NOT allowed. If this happens when the driver is present, this must be taken note of and reported as a violation to the MMDA (136).
12. How much is the violation and towing fee?
Any driver who shall illegally park his motor vehicle on any public road, street or thoroughfare in Metro Manila shall pay a fine of:
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- Attended illegally Parked Vehicle P 1,000.00 + Obstruction P 1,000.00
- Unattended illegally Parked Vehicle P 2,000.00 + Obstruction P 1,000.00
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In addition, a standard towing fee shall be collected by accredited towing companies subject to the following rates:
Light vehicles (weighing 4,500 kg and below) – P 1500 for the first 4 km plus P 200.00 for each succeeding kilometer up to the impounding area
Medium vehicles (weighing between 4501 kg and 7500 kg) – P 2500 for the first 4 km + P 200.00 for every succeeding km up to the impounding area
Heavy vehicles (weighing 7501 kg and above) P 4500 for the first 4 km + P 200.00 for every succeeding km up to the impounding area
In all cases, P 200.00 shall be charged per kilometer on top of the base fee measured from place of towing to the impounding area.
13. Who will be responsible for any damage/s obtained by the vehicle during the towing?
Take note that before the actual towing, the tow truck crew shall issue a Technical Inspection Report indicating the name of the owner, vehicle’s plate number, type and color, including the accessories thereof, and a description of the vehicle’s condition. The towing company/agency shall be held responsible for losses/damages incurred while towing the vehicle.
14. How do I know if my towing service is accredited by MMDA?
MMDA and those accredited towing services adhere to a strict protocol as mentioned in the procedures above. Motorists must make sure that the tow truck crew are wearing the prescribed uniforms and clearly display their ID cards. If unsure, they may call 136 or check Transport and Traffic Management 2 (mmda.gov.ph) for the list of accredited towing services. for the list of accredited towing services.
MMDA is rigorous and thorough in its screening and accreditation of towing companies to ensure that motorists are properly responded to.
For any complaints, motorists can report to the MMDA Facebook or Twitter page. For urgent matters, kindly call hotline 136.
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