Even the most careful drivers can get a ticket at least once in their lives. Whether it's for smoking in a non-smoking area or for throwing garbage in the wrong place, we’ve all paid fines for doing something we shouldn't. If you’re a motorist in the Philippines, chances are you've already received a ticket from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for violating a traffic rule or two. After all, we're all human—there are some days when you just forget or lose your cool. However, the goal is to avoid thesefinesor penalties in the future. You canachieve that asa responsible and knowledgeable motorist bytaking note of these LTO violationsand penalties in 2023. Before you hit the road, read up on these LTO violations and penalties in 2023. LTO fine: ₱3,000 Going for a quick drive but too lazy to get a driving license? Think twice before starting your vehicle then. The penalty for driving without a license in the Philippines is a hefty ₱3,000. The fine for this license-related LTO violation also applies to those carrying a delinquent, expired, suspended, revoked, improper, or fake driver’s license. Heads up,student drivers! You'll also have to pay this no-licensepenalty if you getcaught driving without a duly licensed driver. Read more: Applying for Your Driver’s License Renewal? Read This Guide First LTO fine: ₱1,000 to ₱5,000LTO Violations and Penalties 2023: Traffic and Administrative Violations
License-Related LTO Violations
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❌ Driving Without a Valid License
❌ Not Wearing a Seat Belt
Wearing your seat belt should be the very first thing you do when you get inside your vehicle. For drivers and passengers who fail to do so, prepare to pay the LTO fee of ₱1,000 on your first offense. If you're a second-time offender, you'll need to pay a fine of ₱2,000. For the third offense and every succeeding one, the fine will be ₱5,000.
You'll also pay the same fine if you allow kids six years old and below to sit inthe front seat. Aside from the fine, your driver's license will also be suspended for one week.
❌ Reckless Driving
LTO fine: ₱2,000 to ₱10,000
The penalty for reckless driving in the Philippines includes a fine plus suspension of your driver's license. If you get caughtdriving recklesslythe first time, the penalty is ₱2,000. If you still don't learn your lesson and get caughtthe second time, you'll get a fine of ₱3,000 anda three-month suspension on your driver's license.
On your third and subsequent offenses, the penalty will be ₱10,000, plus six months'suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
In June 2022, a hit-and-run incident involving an SUV driver and a security guard in Mandaluyong City went viral. The LTO found the erring driver liable for reckless driving (his fourth time) and for violating the Land Transportation and Traffic Code when he abandoned the scene and the victim. The LTO revoked the driver's license and "perpetually disqualified" him from securing a license and driving a vehicle.[1]
Such is the kind of situation you don't want to get into, so always practice safe driving and keep a cool head on the road.
Read more: Here’s How You Can Claim a Confiscated Driver’s License
❌ Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Prohibited Drugs
LTO fine: ₱50,000 to ₱500,000
This is a serious violation with serious consequences under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act. If your violation didn't result in physically injuring or killing someone, the penalty will be three months of imprisonment and a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000.[2]
However, if the violation resulted in physical injuries, the penalty will be as stated in Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code,[3] plus a fine of ₱150,000 to ₱250,000.
If the violation resulted in homicide, the penalty will be as stated in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code,[4] plus a fine of ₱350,000 to ₱500,000.
If you're carrying a non-professional driver’s license, it will be confiscated and suspended for 18 months on the first conviction. On the second conviction, it will be perpetually revoked.
If you're carrying a professional driver’s license, it will be confiscated and perpetually revoked on the first conviction. Moreover, the driver will also be disqualified from gettingany kind of driver's license after that.
❌ Not Wearing a Helmet
LTO fine: ₱1,500 to ₱10,000
Motorcycle riders and their back riders should always wear a helmet whenever they travel. Failure to do so will warrant applicable LTO motorcycle fines and penalties this 2023:
- First offense: ₱1,500
- Second offense: ₱3,000
- Third offense: ₱5,000
- Fourth and succeeding offenses: ₱10,000
Aside from the 2023 penalties stated above for this no-helmet violation, the driver's license will be confiscated for the fourth and succeeding offenses. Furthermore, motorcycle riders and their back riders will be fined if found wearing substandard helmets or those without the ICC sticker.
❌ Obstruction
LTO fine: ₱1,000
If you block the free passage of other vehicles on the highway, whether it's while
loading or unloading passengers or freight, or any other similar instances, you'll have to pay the LTO obstruction violation fee for 2023 as well.
Number Plate-Related Violations and Penalties
❌ Number Plate Not Firmly Attached
LTO fine: ₱5,000
Be aware of different LTO violations on plate numbers. For instance, make sureyour license plate is properly attached to your vehicle.
For a no-plateviolation, you'll incur a hefty fine of ₱5,000. Driving with a loose number plate may not only cause damage to your vehicle but also risk your safety and that of other motorists you share the road with.
❌ LTO Sticker Violation
LTO fine: ₱5,000
This fine applies to motorists and motorcycle riders attaching improper third-party stickers or tampering with LTO stickers. For LTO decals violations, you'll also incur the same penalty.
❌ Tampering with License Plates
LTO fine: ₱5,000
Aside from the fine, the unauthorized license plate will be removed and confiscated as well.
Read more:How to Check If Your LTO Plate Number is Finally Available
❌ Illegal Transfer or Use of Regularly Issued Vehicle Plates, Tags, or Stickers
LTO fine: ₱10,000
If yourvehicle is involved in the illegal transfer of plates or stickers, yourlicense will be suspended for three months.
If the vehicle was used in criminal activity, you'd be required to pay an LTO penalty of ₱12,000. The plates, registration certificate, and Official Receipt would also be suspended for two years.
Note that security plates on authorized vehicles are exempted from the LTO fine.
Parts and Accessories-Related Violations and Penalties
❌ Driving with a Defective Tail Light
LTO fine: ₱5,000
The defective tail light penalty can really hurt your wallet. So as a responsible motorist, check that everything is working properly before you hit the road. This fine for defective/improper/unauthorized accessories, devices, equipment, and parts also applies to the following:
- Bells/horns/sirens/whistles
- Blinkers
- Brakes
- Early warning device (EWD)
- Grill/s
- Jalousies
- Foot and hand brakes
- Brake lights, headlights, interior lights, signal lights
- Mirrors
- Mufflers
- Metallic tires/spare tire
- Speedometer
- Windshield
- Wipers
- Any other accessory, device, equipment, or part that may risk road safety
Apart from paying the fine, your vehicle will also be impounded until you replace or properly install the said part. Unauthorized plates, accessories, or devices will be confiscated as well.
❌ Smoke Belching
LTO fine: ₱2,000 to ₱6,000
When caught for smoke belching for the first time, you'll have to pay a ₱2,000 penalty. For the second offense, apprehended motorists will face a fine of ₱4,000. For the third offense, violators will get a ₱6,000 penalty plus a one-year suspension of the vehicle’s registration.
Read more: Complete Guide to LTO Car Registration and Renewal
FAQs on LTO Violations and Penalties in 2023
1. How to check LTO violation in 2023?
You can easily check the LTO violations you've committed, if any, throughthe LTMS Online Portal (portal.lto.gov.ph). Enroll for an account first and then log in to the LTO portal. Click on Violations to see your demerit points (the point/s you get for every committed driving or traffic violation).
To check your unsettled violations, click the Unsettled tab. The History tab isfor viewing the violations you've already settled.
2. How much is the LTO fine and penalty in 2023 for a DTS violation?
The Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS) penalty this 2023 is ₱1,000. This 2023 DTS violation fee applies to all driver activities that don't follow road rules and traffic signs while driving.
3. How much is the LTO fine and penalty in 2023 for brake light violation?
If your brake light is defective, you'll be fined ₱5,000. It's the same forthe no tail light violation fee.
4. What is an LTO alarm violation?
LTO alarms are placed on vehicles with bad LTO records. This may be because its driver was apprehended, or because the vehicle is a "hot car" that was previously carnapped.
5. Where can I pay my LTO violation fee this 2023?
Settle your fines at any LTO branch and satellite office. You can also pay your fines online throughthe LTOPortal.
6. Does the LTO fine dealerships for slow registration processes?
Fed up with waiting for your dealership to process your vehicle registration? Registration for four-wheeled vehicles should take seven to 11 days, while registration for motorcycles should take only three to five days.
In February 2023, the LTO fined dealerships that took up to 11 days to process the registration of motorcycles with a penalty of ₱20,000.[5]
Final Thoughts
Motorists, motorcycle riders, and passengers can easily avoidfinesif they follow the rules. So to avoid the above-mentioned fines, stay alert on the road and keep theseLTO violations and penalties in 2023 in mind.
Note: These are just some of the 2023 LTO violations in the Philippines. Clickon the link below[6]for the complete list.
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Sources:
- [1] SUV driver in hit-and-run: License revoked, banned for life (Inquirer.net, 2022)
- [2] House passes bill providing stiffer penalties for drunk, drugged driving (Inquirer.net, 2021)
- [3] Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code (Lawphil.Net)
- [4]Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code (Lawphil.Net)
- [5] LTO fines 8 dealerships for taking too long to register motor vehicles (TopGear, 2023)
- [6] Revised Schedule of Fines and Penalties for Violations of Land Transportation Rules
FAQs
LTO Violations and Penalties in 2023: List of Fines? ›
For drivers and passengers who fail to do so, prepare to pay the LTO fee of ₱1,000 on your first offense. If you're a second-time offender, you'll need to pay a fine of ₱2,000. For the third offense and every succeeding one, the fine will be ₱5,000.
How much is the obstruction violation fee in the Philippines 2023? ›Obstruction – LTO fine: ₱1,000
In 2023, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will still impose an obstruction violation fee if a vehicle blocks the free passage of other vehicles on the highway, regardless of whether it is due to loading or unloading passengers or freight, or other similar situations.
| 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 |
For the first offense, you will get a fine of Php 2,000, 2nd offense: Php 3,000, and for the third offense: Php 10,000. So as much as possible discipline yourself and be alert and follow traffic signs always.
How much is a reckless driving ticket in the Philippines? ›| First offense | P2,000 |
|---|---|
| Second offense | P3,000 |
| Third (and any subsequent) offenses | P10,000 |
The penalty for driving without a license in the Philippines is a hefty ₱3,000. The fine for this license-related LTO violation also applies to those carrying a delinquent, expired, suspended, revoked, improper, or fake driver's license. Heads up, student drivers!
How long does it take to settle a traffic violation in the Philippines? ›An apprehended driver can settle his case within 15 days from the date of apprehension provided the apprehension is reported and encoded in the LTO-IT system. If the apprehended driver failed to settle his case within 15 days from the date of apprehension, it may cause the suspension/revocation of his driver's license.
What are the highest penalty in the Philippines? ›With the abolition of the death penalty in 2006, the highest penalty currently possible under the Revised Penal Code is reclusión perpetua, which ranges from 20 years and 1 day to 40 years' imprisonment.
What are the top 5 traffic violations in Philippines? ›- Obstruction. ...
- Not following the number coding scheme. ...
- Loading and unloading passengers in prohibited areas. ...
- Private vehicles using yellow lane and the Bus/PUJ lane ordinance. ...
- Truck Ban. ...
- Stalled Vehicle. ...
- Reckless Driving. ...
- Illegal Parking.
"Explanation - For the purposes of this notification, the tolerance upto five percent in the gross vehicle weight and safe axle weight as specified above may be allowed for the purpose of compliance to sub-section (3) of section 113 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988(59 of 1988).”.
How much is a black pink ticket in the Philippines? ›
| Section | Price |
|---|---|
| Lower Box A Regular | P13,550 |
| Lower Box B Premium | P12,550 |
| Lower Box B Regular | P11,550 |
| Upper Box Premium | P7,550 |
In the Philippines, right turns on red are legal unless there is a sign that prohibits doing so.
Where do you need to stop at a red traffic light in the Philippines? ›When approaching a red light at an intersection, the driver should come to a complete stop at the marked stop line. If there is not a marked stop line, the driver should stop before entering the crosswalk.
What is the speeding limit in the Philippines? ›Maximum speed for cars and 400cc motorcycles (except Skyway Stage 3) – 100 km/h (62 mph) Maximum speed for trucks and buses (except SCTEX and TPLEX) – 80 km/h (50 mph) Minimum speed for all vehicles – 60 km/h (37 mph)
Is speeding reckless driving Philippines? ›Common Types of Reckless Driving
The Department of Justice (DOJ) warns that reckless driving--including over-speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving--is punishable under Republic Act 4136.
Republic Act (RA) 10586 or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act states that anyone caught driving under the influence may be meted with imprisonment, and/or fines of up to PHP500,000, depending on the gravity of the accident.
Can I drive in the US with a Philippine license? ›You may drive a car in the United States for one year using an International Driver's Permit (IDP) and a driver's license from your home country. Getting an IDP is the simplest way to be licensed to drive in the United States. You must get your IDP in your home country before arriving in the United States.
Is it legal to drive in the Philippines with US driver's license? ›Foreigners who hold a valid driver's license issued by the road authority of their home country can drive here in the Philippines for up to 90 days after their arrival provided that their license is in English.
Is driving without a license a crime in the Philippines? ›The violation of driving without a license incurs a substantial penalty of P3,000. This penalty applies not only to individuals without any license but also to those carrying expired, suspended, revoked, or counterfeit licenses.
What happens if you don t pay a ticket by the due date Philippines? ›6. What happens if I don't pay the penalty or fine? The City may impose surcharges or interests, and will instruct the LTO to put an alarm on the registration of the vehicle, which will prevent its renewal until full payment of the penalty, fines, and surcharges or interests.
What is the first rule in traffic in the Philippines? ›
Under Section 42(a) of Republic Act 4136 or the "Land Transportation and Traffic Code," the driver on the left "shall yield the right of way to the vehicle on the right." In other words, if there is a car on your right, you must stop and let the driver of that vehicle cross the intersection first.
How long does a court decision take in the Philippines? ›The Judge's Decision
Under the Constitution and Rules of Court, a decision should be rendered within 30 to 90 days after the case was submitted for decision. Either party may file an appeal within 15 days from the receipt of the decision. If no appeal is filed, the decision will be implemented.
Life imprisonment has no set length or duration, and prisoners serving life sentences are eligible for parole at any time. When a person commits a crime, the court of law will punish which later imprison them, depriving them of their freedom and removing them from society.
How do I find out if I have a criminal record in the Philippines? ›If you are located within the Philippines you can visit your local NBI clearance outlet to apply for the Clearance. The NBI now has a new system available to obtain your fingerprints electronically called the NBI Biometric Clearance System.
What is the most serious penalty? ›Capital punishment refers to the process of sentencing convicted offenders to death for the most serious crimes (capital crimes) and carrying out that sentence.
What is the most violated law in the Philippines? ›Seat Belt Law: The Most Violated Road Rule in the Philippines.
What are the worst traffic violations? ›- Speeding. Driving faster than the posted speed limit is a violation of the law. ...
- Driving Under the Influence. ...
- Reckless Driving. ...
- Distracted Driving. ...
- Running a Red Light.
The additional pressure on the shocks and suspension system will make it harder for you to steer the truck. The second risk you run is blowing out a tire due to the added pressure. Other additional issues you can run into include transmission failure, bumps in the road will become enhanced, and other structural damage.
How do you know if you are overloading? ›The most obvious sign of an electrical circuit overload is a breaker tripping and shutting off all the power. Other signs can be less noticeable: Dimming lights, especially if lights dim when you turn on appliances or more lights. Buzzing outlets or switches.
What happens when you are overloaded? ›Higher stress levels. Emotional exhaustion. Poor mental health. Health issues like heart disease and increased in blood pressure.
How much is pink venom ticket Philippines? ›
Happening on 25 and 26 March, this will mark the 'Pink Venom' act's second time in the country. Ticket prices range from PHP 3,000 to PHP 19,450 and additional seats will be released on 15 March, 12 PM PHT via SM Tickets.
What is a pink ticket mean? ›pink ticket (plural pink tickets) A figurative pass entitling the holder to a free night out.
Who are the owners of BLACKPINK? ›Blackpink (Korean: 블랙핑크; RR: Beullaekpingkeu, stylized in all caps or as BLɅϽKPIИK) is a South Korean girl group formed by YG Entertainment, consisting of members Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa.
Where is Philippines red light district? ›Red Light Districts
These spots are P Burgos Street in Makati, EDSA Entertainment Complex in Pasay, and the slightly less exuberant districts of Malate and Ermita on Manila Bay. Naturally, they are far from family-friendly and can be a little shockingly overt.
Blue lights are reserved for emergency motor vehicles in general, such as police, fire, ambulance, State Emergency Service and traffic commanders.
Is LED light illegal in Philippines? ›To conclude, there is no Philippine law or regulation specifically prohibiting the use of LED lights or LED technology for cars.
Can you go through a red light in America? ›If a vehicle enters an intersection any time after the signal light has turned red, the driver has committed a violation. Motorists who are inadvertently in an intersection when the signal changes (waiting to turn left, for example) are not red light runners.
What counts as beating the red light? ›Red Light Laws
In most states, it's legal to drive through an intersection when the light is green or yellow. Generally, as long as the front of your vehicle entered the intersection (passed the crosswalk or limit line) before the light turned red, you haven't broken the stoplight law.
Traffic lights aren't the same all over the planet. Some are to the right of the road. Others hang in the middle of intersections. However, almost all over the world, green means go, yellow means caution (and not “step on the accelerator before the light changes”), and red is a mandatory stop.
How much is obstruction in Manila? ›| MMDA Violation Code | Traffic Violation | Penalty - 1st Offense |
|---|---|---|
| 098 | No/Defective handbrake | ₱150 |
| 225/225D | Obstruction | ₱1,000 |
| 022 | Overnight parking | ₱500 |
| 201M | Overspeeding along Diosdado Macapagal Ave. | ₱2,000 |
What is the fine for violating the Philippine Clean Air Act for the first time? ›
For violations of all other provisions provided in this Act and of the rules and regulations thereof, a fine of not less than Ten thousand pesos (P 10,000) but not more than One Hundred thousand Pesos ( P 100,000) or six (6) months to six (6) years imprisonment or both shall be imposed.
What happens if you don t pay a city ordinance ticket in the Philippines? ›D) If after 48 hours from the receipt of the citation ticket the violator fails to appear or refuses to pay the fine of penalty imposed by the municipal ordinance, the Chief of Police shall coordinate with the prosecutor to initiate within twenty four (24) hours prosecution proceedings against the violator or ...
How much is a no helmet violation? ›The first violation is punishable by a fine of Php1,500.00. The fourth and subsequent offenses are punishable by a fine of Php10,000.
What is the penalty for single ticketing system? ›Car drivers can get fined up to P5,000, while motorcyclists can be fined up to P10,000, both for violation of children's safety under the new single traffic ticket system.
What is the fine for traffic violation in Makati City 2023? ›These will be PHP 500, PHP 700, and PHP 1,000 plus the revocation of driver's license on the 1st through 3rd offenses, respectively. Another added proviso is that Driver's Licenses will no longer be confiscated outright.
What are fines and penalties? ›Fines and Penalties" means fines and penalties imposed by any Governmental Authority. Fines and Penalties means fines and penalties which are civil, strict or administrative and which are insurable in the jurisdiction in which the Claim giving rise to them is determined.
What is brown laws in the Philippines? ›GREEN LAW are mainly for forestry, biodiversity, agriculture; BLUE LAW is for the management of marine/aquatic resources; and BROWN LAW is for land- related protection such as waste management, water/wastewater, air quality and other in-land related water quality protection. 4.
How can I settle my traffic violation in the Philippines? ›Settling your fines
Violators apprehended by MMDA enforcers may either settle their violations through selected Bayad Center within seven days after they were issued a ticket or pay their fines at the MMDA main office in Guadalupe, Makati City. Remember, no one is above the law. Not you, nor the enforcers.
Violators have an option to pay online via GCash, PayMaya and PayGate or over the counter via Landbank fund transfer. They also have the option to pay manually at the QC OVR Redemption Center or at any Landbank branch.
Is it okay to use half face helmet in Philippines? ›“It could be a half-face helmet, three quarters, or a full-face helmet as long as the visor is full-faced and always kept down,” Angkas chief transport advocate George Royeca told CNN Philippines' New Day on Thursday. It must also have a lock. Bicycle and hardhat helmets are not allowed.
Is driving without license a criminal Offence in Philippines? ›
It also imposes fines of P1,500 for driving without a license, P400 for driving with an expired license, P2,000 for possessing a fake driver's license, P3,000 for a conviction for a crime perpetrated with the use of a motor vehicle, and P6,000 for driving a public utility vehicle out of line.
Is open face helmet allowed in Philippines? ›So long as your helmet has been designed specifically for motorcycle use, and it has a genuine ICC sticker, then it's perfectly legal for use on public roads.