Baguio City to Strictly Enforce Speed Limit Ordinance

The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Baguio is ramping up the enforcement of Ordinance No. 18, Series of 2019, which sets clear speed limits for vehicles within city limits to improve road safety and reduce traffic-related incidents.

What the Speed Limit Ordinance Says

The ordinance outlines two key speed restrictions:

• 20 kilometers per hour (kph) in the Central Business District (CBD) and other high-pedestrian areas

• 30 kph on all other roads throughout the city

How Slow Is 20–30 kph, Really?

To give context:

• 20 kph feels like driving through a tight parking lot.
  It’s only slightly faster than a relaxed bike ride, taking about 3 minutes to travel just 1 kilometer. At this speed, you can easily stop for pedestrians or sudden obstacles.

• 30 kph is similar to a cyclist pedaling briskly on flat ground.
  It takes about 2 minutes to travel 1 kilometer, still slow enough to react quickly to unexpected turns, foot traffic, or blind spots—common in Baguio’s terrain.

Though they may feel slow to most drivers, these speeds are intentionally cautious, prioritizing safety over convenience in an urban setting.

Why It Matters in Baguio

Baguio City’s roads are often narrow, winding, and filled with pedestrians—especially in commercial and school zones. In such conditions, even small increases in speed can mean a major difference in reaction time, stopping distance, and accident severity.

By enforcing lower speed limits, the LGU hopes to create safer streets and prevent avoidable accidents, especially in congested areas.

Penalties for Speeding Violations

Drivers caught going over the limit will face the following fines:

• ₱500 for the first offense

• ₱2,000 for the second offense

• ₱2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses

Authorities stress that these penalties are not designed to punish but to encourage responsible driving habits.

What Motorists Can Expect

To ensure proper implementation, the city will:

• Install additional speed limit signages

• Deploy speed monitoring devices

• Launch public information campaigns to promote awareness

Final Reminder

The ordinance has been in place since 2019, but with stricter implementation now underway, all motorists are urged to comply.

Driving slower doesn’t just avoid fines—it saves lives.