The Land Transportation Office (LTO), under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), is the primary regulatory body tasked with the registration of motor vehicles and the licensing of drivers in the Philippines. To ensure road safety and order, the LTO implements a rigorous schedule of fines and penalties governed primarily by Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for every motorist to avoid legal complications, hefty fees, and the possible suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
I. Licensing and Documentation Violations
The privilege of driving is contingent upon possessing a valid license and maintaining the necessary permits.
Driving Without a Valid License: This includes driving with an expired, suspended, or revoked license, as well as failing to produce the physical or electronic license upon demand.
Fine: ₱3,000.00
Additional Penalty: The driver will be disqualified from being granted a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle for a period of one (1) year from the payment of the fine.
Driving a Motorcycle with More Than One (1) Passenger:
Fine: ₱1,000.00
Failure to Wear the Prescribed Seat Belt Device:
Fine: ₱1,000.00 (1st Offense); ₱2,000.00 (2nd Offense); ₱5,000.00 (3rd Offense + one-week suspension of license).
Failure to Wear Standard Protective Motorcycle Helmet:
Fine: ₱1,500.00 (1st Offense) up to ₱10,000.00 and confiscation of license for subsequent offenses.
II. Registration and Vehicle-Related Violations
Operating a motor vehicle requires strict adherence to registration standards and equipment requirements.
Registration Offenses
Driving an Unregistered Motor Vehicle:
Fine: ₱10,000.00
Note: If the non-registration has exceeded one (1) month, the vehicle shall also be impounded.
Illegal Transfer or Use of Regularly Issued Plates/Tags/Stickers:
Fine: ₱12,000.00
Penalty: Suspension of the certificate of registration for three (3) months.
Equipment and Accessory Violations
Driving a vehicle with defective, unauthorized, or improper accessories (e.g., blinkers, sirens, modified mufflers, or broken lights) carries a uniform penalty:
- Fine: ₱5,000.00
- Common violations include:
- Operating with broken windshields/mirrors.
- Illegal use of "7" or other protocol plates.
- Defective brakes, headlights, or signal lights.
III. Moving Violations and Traffic Rules
These violations pertain to the actual operation of the vehicle and the driver's behavior on the road.
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Reckless Driving | ₱2,000 (1st), ₱3,000 (2nd), ₱10,000 (Subsequent) |
| Driving Under the Influence (DUI) | ₱50,000 to ₱500,000 + Imprisonment |
| Obstruction of Traffic | ₱1,000 |
| Illegal Overtaking | ₱1,000 |
| Disregarding Traffic Signs | ₱1,000 |
| Speeding | ₱1,000 |
Note on DUI: Under Republic Act No. 10586 (Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act), the penalties are severe. If the violation results in homicide, the fine reaches the maximum of ₱500,000, accompanied by the RPC-prescribed prison terms and permanent revocation of the driver’s license.
IV. The Demerit Point System
Under the Republic Act No. 10930, the LTO now implements a Demerit Point System. Every traffic violation corresponds to a certain number of demerit points:
- Grave Violations: 5 demerit points (e.g., DUI, driving a hijacked vehicle).
- Less Grave Violations: 3 demerit points (e.g., illegal parking, driving in a bus lane).
- Light Violations: 1 demerit point (e.g., most common moving violations).
Impact on License Renewal
- Clean Record: Drivers with zero demerit points are eligible for a 10-year validity license upon renewal.
- Accumulated Points: Drivers with demerit points are restricted to a 5-year validity license and may be required to undergo a Driver's Re-orientation Course.
V. Administrative Procedures and Contesting Violations
When a motorist is apprehended, the Traffic Adjudication Service (TAS) handles the legal proceedings.
- Apprehension: An Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR) or a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) is issued. The TOP serves as a temporary license for 72 hours.
- Settlement: Fines must be paid within 15 days from the date of apprehension to avoid further penalties or the suspension of the license.
- Contesting: If the driver believes the apprehension was wrongful, they may file a formal contest at the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division within five (5) days.
Failure to settle fines results in a "Red Alarm" on the LTO system, preventing the driver from renewing their license or the vehicle's registration until the obligation is cleared.