Anti-Distracted Driving Act 101: 11 things you need to know

The ban on distracted driving, particularly against using mobile gadgets while driving, goes into full swing on Thursday, after prompting questions from motorists regarding its implementation and exemptions.

Here are the 11 things you need to know about Republic Act 10913 or the Anti-Distracted Driving Act, according to the Department of Transportation.

The new law does not target app-based ride sharing services such as Grab and Uber or any particular group for that matter, said Land Transportation Office (LTO) Chief and Transportation Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante.

Transportation Assistant Secretary Mark Richmund de Leon emphasized that the purpose of RA 10913 is not to penalize motorists but to instill discipline and promote road safety.

The Anti-Distracted Driving Act first took effect on May 18, but was suspended by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) on May 23, amid calls by lawmakers for a review of its implementing rules and regulations (IRR).

The revised IRR was published on broadsheets on June 21, and was officially implemented on Thursday, July 6. — With Jannielyn Bigtas/Jon Viktor Cabuenas/Ted Cordero/ VDS, GMA News