The short answer: No, barangay roads are not under the full jurisdiction of the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Barangay roads are managed and controlled by Local Government Units (LGUs) — meaning the city or municipal government, together with the barangay council. They are the ones who classify these roads, maintain them, and create speed limit ordinances.
But here’s the part many people miss: Even if barangay roads are under LGUs, the LTO can still enforce national traffic laws inside these roads, because these are public roads. It’s like a shared responsibility: LGUs manage the road and the LTO enforces national driving rules. If you are still feeling confused, here’s a more detailed guide on who is in charge of barangay roads.
Who Has Jurisdiction Over Barangay Roads?
Many drivers think that barangay roads are like “private” roads where national laws don’t apply. This is a misunderstanding. These roads fall under the authority of local government units (LGUs) such as the city or municipal government and the barangay council. But the LTO can enforce national traffic laws on them. The difference between “management” and “enforcement” is where confusion usually begins.
Here’s a detailed guide on who is responsible for what while on the barangay roads:
Local Government Units (Main Authority)
LGUs handle anything related to:
- Road classification
- Road maintenance
- Setting and approving speed limits through ordinances
- Keeping barangay roads safe and orderly
- Following DILG directives on road clearing and management
Cities and municipalities have the power to regulate traffic “in all streets and bridges within their territorial boundaries,” according to the Local Government Code (RA 7160) and RA 4136. This means that when it comes to policy-making, repairs, signage, and speed rules, LGUs are the boss.
LTO (National Traffic Law Enforcement)
The LTO enforces:
- Republic Act 4136
- Rules on driver’s licenses
- Vehicle registration
- Roadworthiness standards
- Traffic laws that apply to all public roads
In short, the LTO can apprehend violators on barangay roads if the violation involves national laws (unregistered vehicles, no license, dangerous driving, etc.).
Can LTO Apprehend Me Inside Barangay Roads?
Yes. Because these are public roads, the LTO is allowed to enforce national traffic laws and apprehend violators on barangay roads. Their authority does not disappear once a driver enters a smaller or local road.
Some examples of LTO-apprehendable violations inside barangays include:
- Driving without a valid license
- Driving an unregistered or expired vehicle
- Using illegal modifications
- Violating national speed limits (if no local ordinance exists)
- Reckless or dangerous driving
- Restrictions on driving without license, illegal accessories, colorum operations
- No OR/CR
- Illegal modifications
- Unauthorized lights
- Drunk driving
Note: If you commit an LTO-covered violation anywhere that counts as a public road — barangay, municipal, city, provincial, or national — you can be apprehended. This means that LTO officers or deputized agents can legally issue apprehensions on barangay roads for violations covered by national law.
Local enforcers (e.g., barangay tanods) can also issue LTO penalties if they are properly deputized by the LTO. The LTO does not control construction, maintenance, or the classification of barangay roads, but the LGU enforcers can issue tickets, especially if their LGU has properly enacted ordinances or if they are properly deputized by the LTO.
Think of it like this: LGUs manage the road. LTO manages the driving. Both apply to you.