The short answer is: No, a driver cannot be given a 10-year validity license if they have traffic violations. According to Republic Act 10930, only drivers with clean records are eligible for the 10-year validity, while those with recorded violations receive a 5-year validity license. This policy aims to encourage adherence to traffic laws and promote road safety by rewarding responsible driving behavior.
If a driver has a traffic violation at the time of renewal, their license will only be valid for five years. This provision started with the implementation of Republic Act 10930. Understanding this policy is a must for all drivers in the Philippines, as it directly impacts the duration of their license validity and emphasizes the importance of maintaining a clean driving record.
Understanding RA 10930
Under Republic Act 10930, a driver cannot receive a 10-year validity license if they have traffic violations on their record. The law specifically states that only drivers without recorded violations are eligible for the extended validity period. If a driver has any recorded violations, even if settled before the renewal, they will still be issued a license with only a five-year validity.
RA 10930 aims to promote safe driving by incentivizing a clean record. The 10-year validity does not only serve as a reward for those who adhere to traffic laws and maintain good driving behavior, but is also a means to encourage compliance with traffic regulations and emphasize the importance of road safety and responsible driving practices. It also serves to reduce the frequency of renewals, making it more convenient for law-abiding drivers and enabling the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to streamline its processes and implement stricter rules in license issuance.
Why Does the Validity Change Based on Violations?
The law’s approach of linking the driver’s license validity to driving records is designed to promote road safety. By offering longer validity periods to those with clean records, RA 10930 encourages drivers to follow traffic regulations and practice defensive driving. This system is meant to:
- Encourage Safe Driving: By shortening the license validity, the law creates a direct consequence for traffic violations, encouraging drivers to adhere to traffic rules and maintain a clean record.
- Deter Reckless Behavior: Knowing that violations will result in a shorter license validity period can deter drivers from engaging in reckless or unsafe driving practices.
- Promote Accountability: Drivers are more likely to be conscious of their driving behavior and strive to avoid violations, knowing that their license validity is at stake.
Who is Eligible for the 10-Year Validity Driver’s License?
While the renewal of driver’s license can be done by anybody who holds a Philippine-issued driver’s license, Republic Act 10930 says that only drivers who maintained a clean record, free of any traffic violations for the duration of their license validity, qualify for a 10-year validity on their new driver’s license as a form of incentive.
License Validity for Drivers with Traffic Violations
For drivers with recorded traffic violations, the scenario changes significantly. When renewing a driver’s license in the Philippines, those with traffic infractions will be issued a license that is valid for only five years. This provision applies regardless of how minor or major the traffic violation might be, reflecting the driver’s history of infractions at the time of renewal.
Video: How to Renew into a 10-Year Validity License
For a visual guide on how to renew your driver’s license into one with a 10-year validity period, then you’d want to watch this video from Vanvan Motovlog:
Summary
Simply put, the law clearly stipulates that drivers with traffic violations are not eligible for a 10-year validity license. This law, RA 10930, promotes road safety by rewarding those with clean records and encouraging all drivers to adhere to traffic laws. So, if you’re looking to secure a 10-year validity license, make sure to maintain a violation-free driving record and stay informed about the latest traffic regulations.