The Anti-Distracted Driving Law that prohibits the use of gadgets while driving does not target ride sharing services such as Uber and Grab, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief said Wednesday.

"Hindi sila (ride-sharing services) ang target nito, pero lahat ng nagmamaneho," LTO chief Edgar Galvante told reporters.

Uber and Grab drivers primarily rely on their mobile phones to locate and pick-up their customers as well as to use online maps to navigate their way through heavy traffic.

Most ride-sharing service vehicles are also equipped with mobile phone contraptions attached to the side of windshields, another violation under the traffic measure set to be implemented starting May 18.

"Puwede naman yung audio lang noon (traffic navigation app). Kung kailangan nila magrefer sa kanilang gadget para malaman kung saan sila pupunta, maaari naman nilang itabi ang kanilang sasakyan the respond (to their client) or look at the gadget," Galvante said.

The LTO chief said mobile phone holders can also be placed in areas that would not obscure the driver's full view of the windshield to avoid apprehension.

The law covers all public utility vehicles, private cars, government vehicles, bikes, motorcycles, skateboards, kuliglig, haba-habal, motorized wheelchairs and even horse-drawn carriages passing through public roads. Violators will face penalties of up to P20,000 and revocation of their licenses.

Jeepney signages indicating the public utility vehicle's route, however, are still allowed to be stuck on windshields.

Jeepney signages are not covered by the law but steps are being taken to review its inclusion, traffic officials said.