The government on Thursday warned people of the danger of dancing the “In My Feelings” or “Kiki” challenge, adding that anyone who will caught doing this in public may be put in jail or can be charged for violating the Anti-Distracted Driving Act.
The challenge—which incorporates a videotaped dance choreographed to Drake’s hit song, “In My Feelings”—has been viral on social media since June as various celebrities worldwide popularized it.
“There is really no law that stops you to do that. Stepping on someone’s rights, freedom to do whatever you want. There is no specific law prohibiting you doing that. But for us, there is a law on driving,” said Edison Nebrija Jr., supervising officer for operations of the Metro Manila Development Authority.
Under the implementing rules and regulations of ADDA, drivers are prohibited from using electronic devices and mobile phones, except when the hands-free functions have been enabled. Gadgets should also be placed only on the car’s dashboard as long as these don’t exceed the four-inch height limit.
Among the prohibited acts under this law meant to make driving safer are holding the device to make or receive calls; composing, sending and reading text messages; performing calculations; playing games; watching videos, and browsing the Internet.
The first offense has a fine of P5,000, the second offense goes up to P10,000 while P15,000 for the third offense including suspension of the driver’s license for three months and P20,000 for the fourth offense including revocation of the driver’s license.
Nebrija said doing the viral stunt put “the life of passengers in danger and also the motorists, not to mention about the other motorists.”
“Second the driver himself jumping out [of the vehicle] do the dance challenge and nobody is on the wheel per se, no one is driving and that is reckless driving, that’s intentional. We do not encourage it. If nahuli ka namin, then we will apprehend you, we are discouraging people from doing that for everyone’s safety,” said Nebrija.
MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said: “If you do it inside a village, at a parking lot, or areas not under MMDA jurisdiction, fine. But try to do that along major thoroughfares such as Edsa, C5, Commonwealth, or Mabuhay Lanes, we will fine you P5,000 or more.”
The MMDA earlier made a video and posted it on social media to warn the public about the danger of doing the challenge.
The Department of Transportation also warned the public and ordered the Land Transportation Office to apprehend violators.
The viral stunt has had people around the world getting out of moving cars and getting down low in the street to the lyrics: “Kiki, do you love me? Are you riding? Say you’ll never ever leave from beside me.”
Just recently, some challengers have been run over, hurt, or badly injured.