It is critical to be aware of traffic offenses and penalty fees. It will help you become a better driver since you will know what to avoid when driving.
Knowing the appropriate fines and penalties also involves knowing what to say and do if you are captured. To assist you, we will now explain the LTO fines, infractions, and penalties in the Philippines.
A Land Transportation Office (LTO) infraction can occur in a variety of regions and categories. Some offenses are connected to the driver (not wearing a seatbelt, not wearing a helmet, etc.), while others are related to number plates (plate tampering, improper installation, and more).
The LTO may also levy a fine if you are driving a faulty vehicle, which may have a faulty tail light, smoke-belching, and other issues.
Related: LTO Opens New Quezon City Licensing Center
Today, we’ll go over such cases in detail, including the fines levied for violations and how you can deal with them. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
Complete list of LTO Violations, Fines, and Penalties in PH
License, Registration-related violations
| Violations | Fines and Penalties |
| License, Registration-related | |
| Driving without a valid license | Php3,000 |
| Driving with a suspended/revoked or improper license | Php3,000 + 1-year disqualification from getting a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle |
| Inappropriate driver’s license restriction code | Php3,000 + 1-year disqualification from getting a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle |
| Holding and using fake or spurious driver’s license | Php3,000 + 1-year disqualification from getting a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle |
| Tourist driving with a foreign license beyond the 90-day period | Php3,000 + 1-year disqualification from getting a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle |
| Student driver driving without an accompanying license driver | Php3,000 + 1-year disqualification from getting a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle |
| Fraud and falsities of fake and spurious OR/CR, plates, CPC, stickers, tags | Php1,000 + Revocation of the franchise/CPC |
| Unregistered motor vehicle | Private Php2,000Private MC Owner Php10,000For Hire Driver Php2,0000 For Hire MV Owner + impoundment if violation has exceeded 1 month. To be released after fine payment and issuance of valid registration + impoundment for 1 year in case of undocumented engine with the engine confiscated |
| Fraud in MV registration or renewal | Private and For Hire MV owner Php3,000 + Impoundment and disqualification from getting MV registration for 1 year |
| Allowing an unauthorized or no-license driver to drive PUV | For Hire MV Owner 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation |
| Failure to provide correct, complete, and updated operator information and other forms of misrepresentation | For Hire Driver 1st offense: Php1,000 2nd offense: Php1,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php1,000 + CPC cancellationFor Hire MV Owner 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation |
| Failure to carry driver’s license, Certificate of Registration or Official Receipt (OR/CR) while driving | Php1,000 |
| No franchise/CPC or evidence of franchise | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
Driving without or invalid driver’s license
Make sure you have your driver’s license with you before leaving the house, business, or school. If you already know you’ve lost your license, don’t even think about driving.
It might also indicate that your license has expired, been suspended, or revoked, or that you have any other concerns.
Driving without a license can result in a Php3,000 fine if you are caught. If you drive without a licensed companion, you will be fined the same amount.
Driving with fraudulent OR/CR, CPC, etc
It goes without saying that fraud is against the law. That being stated, whether you’re a private or public driver, don’t try to utilize unlawful documents like OR/CR, CPC, plates, and so on.
Unregistered vehicle
If you drive an unregistered car, you might risk a fine of up to Php10,000 and a year in jail. The same is true for public transportation drivers and proprietors.
Driver-related violations
| Violations | Fines and Penalties |
| Commission of a crime | Php10,000 + Confiscation of driver’s license and disqualification from getting one + impoundment of the vehicle |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 1st offense: Php1,000 2nd offense: Php2,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php5,000 + 1-week suspension of driver’s license |
| Reckless Driving | 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php3,000 + 3mo license suspension 3rd offense: Php10,000 + 6mo license suspension or revocation |
| Distracted Driving | 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd offense: Php15,000 + 3-month driver’s license suspension 4th offense: Php20,000 + driver’s license revocation |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs | No physical injuries committed: Php20,000 to Php80,000 + 3mo imprisonmentPhysical injuries committed: Php100,000 to Php200,000 fine + penalty stated in Article 263 of the Revise Penal CodeHomicide committed: Php100,000 to Php200,000 fine + penalty stated in Article 249 of the Revise Penal Code *Non-pro license to be confiscated and suspended for 12 months for 1st conviction. Perpetually revoked on 2nd conviction. Pro license to be confiscated and perpetually revoked on 1st conviction and will be disqualified from getting any driver’s license. |
| Not wearing a helmet | 1st offense: Php1,500 2nd offense: Php3,000 3rd offense: Php5,000 4th and succeeding offenses: Php10,000 |
| Wearing a substandard or helmet without an ICC sticker | 1st offense: Php3,000 2nd offense: Php5,000 |
| Hiring a reckless, discourteous, insolent, or arrogant driver | 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Trip cutting | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| No “No Smoking” sign or allowing personnel/passenger to smoke inside the vehicle | For hire driver 1st offense: Php1,000 2nd offense: Php1,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php1,000 + CPC cancellationFor hire MV owner 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation |
committing a crime
If you commit a crime while driving, you will be fined Php10,000, your car will be seized, your license will be taken, and you will be prevented from ever receiving one again.
Failure to use a seat belt
Safety should always come first. However, it appears that not many people are aware of this – so much so that the LTO had to develop a violation for drivers who do not wear a helmet.
Those who break the regulation may face a fine of up to Php5,000. Drivers who seat 6-year-olds or younger in the front seat will face a similar punishment. Their license will be suspended for a week as well.
Dangerous Driving
Another guideline designed to increase safety. Drivers who are reckless and do not practice safe driving may face a fine of up to Php10,000 and having their license suspended for up to 6 months.
Driving while distracted and driving under the influence
Driving should be done with complete concentration for your safety and the protection of others on the road. Distracted driving or driving under the influence of alcohol or illicit drugs can result in severe penalties. Even more serious if you commit other crimes as a result of it, such as homicide or bodily harm.
Failure to wear a suitable helmet
Motorcyclists, take note. You should know by now how crucial it is to wear a helmet while riding. If you don’t, the LTO will remind you by imposing a fine ranging from Php1,500 to Php10,000 if you don’t wear this safety gear.
Furthermore, wear the correct helmet, preferably one with an ICC badge, which guarantees that the helmet is of excellent quality and complies within the requirement. Failure to wear the proper helmet may result in a Php3,000 fine for the first violation and a Php5,000 fine for the second offense.
Hiring inexperienced drivers for PUVs, as well as trip cutting
Operators who hire reckless, discourteous, insolent, or arrogant drivers face a fine of up to Php15,000 and the loss of their CPC.
Trip cutting is also illegal and may result in a Php15,000 fine for the operator.
Smoking in a public vehicle
Public transportation vehicles should have a sign reminding both passengers and employees not to smoke inside. If they continue, both the driver and the motor vehicle owner may face fines and even CPC cancellation.
Road-related
ViolationsFines and PenaltiesIllegal parkingPhp1,000Driving in areas not for traffic or parking is not allowedPhp1,000Disregarding traffic signs and rulesPhp1,000Not dimming the headlights when another vehicle is approachingPhp1,000Illegal turnPhp1,000Illegal overtakingPhp1,000Overtaking at unsafe distancePhp1,000Cutting an overtaken vehiclePhp1,000Failure to give way to an overtaking vehiclePhp1,000Increasing speed when being overtakenPhp1,000Overtaking when left side is not visible or clearPhp1,000Overtaking upon a crest of a gradePhp1,000Overtaking upon a curvePhp1,000Overtaking at any railway grade crossingPhp1,000Overtaking at an intersectionPhp1,000Overtaking on “men working” or “caution” signsPhp1,000Overtaking at no overtaking zonePhp1,000Failure of the vehicle on
the left/right to yield the right of wayPhp1,000Failure of the driver of any
vehicle upon the highway within a business or residential
district to yield the right of wayPhp1,000Failure to stop before traversing a “through highway” or
railroad crossingPhp1,000Failure of a vehicle entering
a highway from a private road or driver upon a highway to
yield the right of wayPhp1,000Failure to yield the right of way to ambulance, police or fire
department vehiclesPhp1,000Failure to yield the right of way at a “through highway” or a
“stop intersection”Php1,000Failure to give a proper signalPhp1,000Illegal turn – failure of the driver of Motor Vehicle intending
to run to the right at an intersectionPhp1,000Illegal turn – failure of the driver of a vehicle intending to
turn to the leftPhp1,000Failure to stop motor and notch handbrake of Motor Vehicle
when unattendedPhp1,000Unsafe towingPhp1,000ObstructionPhp1,000As per LTFRB MC No. 2011-004:
* Wearing of slippers
* Not wearing uniform
* No “No Smoking” sign
* Overloading
* Failure to give fare discountsDriver
Php1,000
MV Owner
1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment
2nd offense: Php10,000
3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPCColorum violation: A PUV operating
without a proper authority from LTFRB;
outside approved route;
differently from authorized route;
expired CPC and w/o application for extension of validity1st offense
Bus: Php1,000,000
Trucks: Php200,000
Jeeps: Php50,000
Vans: Php200,000
Sedan: Php120,000
Tricycle: Php6,000
+ 3-month impoundment
+ Revocation of entire CPC where the vehicle belongs to (except if it has private/green plate)
+ Vehicle to be blacklisted and all other authorized PUV units included on the CP
+ Revocation of registration and other units in the franchiseFor PUJ, PUB, UV: No panel routeFor hire driver
1st offense: Php1,000
2nd offense: Php1,000 + 30-day impoundment
3rd offense: Php1,000 + CPC cancellation
For hire MV owner
1st offense: Php5,000
2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment
3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation
Illegal parking or driving in areas where parking is not allowed
There are signs indicating whether or not a parking space is available. Follow the guidelines or face a Php1,000 fine.
If you want to qualify for a 10-year driver’s license, make sure to strictly follow traffic rules, as minor infractions like this one could cost you the privilege of obtaining a license with a longer validity period.
Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or prohibited drugs
It goes without saying that you should not use drugs or drive while intoxicated, as this could endanger you and everyone else on the road, including other drivers and pedestrians.
Driving under the influence can result in physical injuries and even homicide, which can result in a fine of up to Php500,000 and the revocation of your license.
Disregarding traffic signs and rules
Everyone must obey traffic signs and rules. Failure to follow basic traffic rules such as making illegal turns, illegal overtaking, failing to give proper signal, yielding the right of way, and other violations can result in a Php1,000 fine.
Public vehicle rules as per LTFRB MC No. 2011-004
According to an LTFRB guideline, public vehicle drivers must wear the necessary footwear and uniform, give the appropriate discount, avoid overloading their cars, and post a no smoking sign. Failure to comply might result in a Php1,000 punishment for the driver and a Php15,000 fine and revocation of the MV owner’s CPC.
Colorum and no panel route violations
Colorums may risk a 3-month impoundment, as well as the revocation of their CPC and other penalties. No panel route is also illegal for PUJ, UV, and PUB. Owners might face a fine of up to Php15,000 and having their CPC revoked.
Passenger-related violations
| Violations | Fines and Penalties |
| Allowing passengers to sit on the step-board, mudguard, or running board | Php1,000 |
| Having passengers on top of vehicle (except truck helper) | Php1,000 |
| Hitching or allowing a passenger or bicycle, motorcycle, tricycle, or skate roller to hitch to a motor vehicle | Php1,000 |
| Motorcycle carrying more than 1 back rider or cargo other than luggage carriers, saddle bags | Php1,000 |
| Refusal to render service to public or convey destination | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Overcharging/Undercharging fare | Driver Php1,000MV Owner 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd offense: Php15,000 |
| Not providing fare discount | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Not displaying fare matrix | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Picking and dropping passengers outside terminal | Driver Php1,000MV Owner 1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| For PUV: failure to require passengers to wear seatbelt/post seatbelt signage | Php3,000 |
Illegal passenger, cargo boarding
A driver may be fined Php1,000 if his or her passengers/cargo board and are located in prohibited areas of the vehicle.
Motorcycles carrying prohibited amount of passenger, cargo
Motorcycles should only have one passenger and should only carry luggage carriers and saddle bags.
Refusal to render service, overcharging or not giving fare discounts
Drivers and owners of public transportation vehicles shall not refuse to provide service or transport their passengers. Furthermore, they should only charge the correct fare and offer discounts to students, PWDs, and anyone who qualify. The fare matrix should be visible at all times.
Public cars that do not provide seatbelts to their passengers may risk a Php3,000 punishment.
Cargo-related violations
| Violations | Fines and Penalties |
| Load beyond projected width without permit | Php1,000 |
| Axle Overloading | Fine amounting to 25% of MVUC |
| Bus/truck with cargo exceeding 160kg | Php1,000 |
| Carrying illegal and/or prohibited cargo | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
Overloading
Overloading public vehicles with people, axle overloading, bus/trucks carrying freight weighing more than 160kg, and loading beyond the anticipated width without a permission may result in a fine.
Number plate-related violations
ViolationsFines and PenaltiesImproper number plate installationPhp5,000Improper third-party stickers / tampering LTO stickersPhp5,000License Plates tamperingPhp5,000Unlawful transfer or use of legally-issued plates, stickers, or tagsPhp12,000Motorcycle driving with a child1st offense: Php3,000
2nd offense: Php5,000
3rd offense: Php10,000 + 1-month driver’s license suspension
4th offense: Driver’s license revocation
Improper number plate installation
A license plate serves as a one-of-a-kind identification for your car. This is why it is critical that you correctly install your license plate on your car.
Properly installing your plate also protects your car and other motorists from damage if it becomes disconnected. If you do not, you may be fined Php5,000.
Improper third-party stickers/tampering LTO stickers
LTO stickers were not affixed only for aesthetic purposes. It is critical that they are correctly placed and not tampered with. It is also illegal to apply unauthorized third-party stickers to your vehicle.
Violating such a rule will result in a Php5,000 fine.
License Plates tampering
Tampering with license plates or using unauthorized plates will result in a Php5,000 fine. The illegal plates will also be confiscated.
Unlawful transfer or use of legally-issued plates, stickers, or tags
It goes without saying that after you’ve been officially awarded a car plate or sticker, you can only use it. Simply put, unlawfully transporting such materials to other cars is prohibited.
If you break this law, you will be fined Php12,000 and your registration, plate, and official receipt will be suspended for two years.
Vehicle, Parts and Accessories-related
| Violations | Fines and Penalties |
| Driving a vehicle used in crime | Php10,000 + Confiscation of driver’s license and disqualification from getting one + impoundment of the vehicle |
| Driving with defective lights, brakes, etc. | Php5,000 |
| Smoke Belching | 1st offense: Php2,000 2nd offense: Php4,000 3rd offense: Php6,000 + 1-year vehicle registration suspension |
| Not providing canvass cover to cargos or freight of trucks | Php1,000 |
| Operating unit/s with defective parts and accessories | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPCPrivate MV Owner Php5,000 |
| Tampered, defective taximeter, not driving with on, or using an old seal taximeter | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Broken, tampered, joined, fake, reconnected, or altered sealingwire | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| No sign board | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Not having fire extinguisher and Stop/Go signage | Driver Php1,000MV Owner1st offense: Php5,000 + 30-day impoundment 2nd offense: Php10,000 3rd and succeeding offense: Php15,000 + Cancellation of CPC |
| Unauthorized motor vehicle modification | Private MV Owner Php5,000For Hire MV Owner Php5,000+ Impoundment upon inspection, correction of defect and payment of fine |
| Operating a right-hand driver motor vehicle | Private MV Owner Php50,000For Hire MV Owner Php50,000+ Impoundment until defect is corrected and deemed roadworthy and fine paid |
| Vehicle running with improper/defective/unauthorized devices, accessories, equipment and parts | Private MV Owner Php50,000For Hire MV Owner Php50,000+ Impoundment until the accessory/device/equipment is removed or properly installed and fines paid + Confiscation of unauthorized accessory/device/plate. |
| Failure to provide proper body markings | For Hire MV Owner 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation |
| For PUB and TX: Violation of color scheme or design / adoption or new color design without authority from the board | For hire driver 1st offense: Php1,000 2nd offense: Php1,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php1,000 + CPC cancellationFor hire MV driver 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation |
| For PUJ, PUB, TTS, UV: Failure to display International Symbol of Accessibility and/or not designating seats for PWDs | For hire driver 1st offense: Php1,000 2nd offense: Php1,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php1,000 + CPC cancellationFor hire MV driver 1st offense: Php5,000 2nd offense: Php10,000 + 30-day impoundment 3rd offense: Php15,000 + CPC cancellation |
Driving with defective lights, brakes, etc.
Always make sure your headlights are operating correctly. It will assist you and other cars around you stay safe at night.
Other components of your car that should be checked for correct operation to protect your safety on the road and avoid LTO infractions are as follows:
Smoke belching
Smoke spewing can endanger other drivers, pedestrians, and the environment as a whole. This is why emission testing exist.
If your vehicle is caught smoke-belching or emitting dark and harmful smoke, you could face a fine of up to Php6,000 and a one-year suspension of your vehicle registration.
Public vehicles with defective equipment
Broken, tampered, joined, fake, reconnected, or altered sealing wire; no signboard; vehicle running with improper/defective/unauthorized devices, accessories, equipment, and parts are all illegal, and both the drivers and operators may face a fine if apprehended.
Public/Private vehicles with unauthorized modifications
If a private or public vehicle has unauthorized modifications or a right-hand driver layout, the owner may face a fine.
Public vehicles with improper color, no accessibility sign
The color scheme and design of PUB and TX should be appropriate. Meanwhile, PUB, PUJ, TTS, and UV should have an international accessibility symbol and special seating for people with disabilities.
How to check LTO violations and demerit points?
Traditionally, you had to physically visit an LTO branch or satellite office to verify your infractions. You may now do it from the comfort of your own home by utilizing the LTO Online Portal (LTMS). The total amount of the fine will be displayed in both the online and offline methods.
What is a Temporary Operator’s Permit?
After your license has been taken due to a violation, a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) acts as a replacement.
How long can you use the temporary permit?
The Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) is valid for 72 hours or three days. Because the temporary permit’s validity cannot be extended, you should have settled your fine or penalty by then.
Can a traffic enforcer confiscate my driver’s license?
While traffic officers can arrest you for breaking traffic laws, only an LTO officer and its deputized agents have the authority to take your license. The Republic Act 4136, often known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, governs this.
Can you contest traffic violations and tickets?
Yes. However, the procedure varies depending on which agency made the arrest. Essentially, you want to write an affidavit explaining what happened and submit it right away.
What is No Contact Apprehension Policy?
Instead of the usual traffic enforcers, the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) uses security cameras and other related equipment to apprehend road violators. More information may be found here.
How to settle LTO fines and penalties?
You can pay your fines and violations at LTO branches and satellite offices, or online at the LTO Online Portal. Here’s how you can pay for MMDA tickets online.
How long can I settle my violation?
Given that the apprehension has already been reported and encoded to the LTO-IT system, motorists have 15 days from the date of apprehension to settle their violation.
What happens to unsettled violations?
If the offense is not resolved within 15 days, the violator’s driving privileges may be suspended or revoked.
This is all you need to know about LTO infractions, fines, and penalties, as well as how to deal with them. If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments section below and someone from the team or the community will respond.
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