If you’re a licensed driver in the Philippines, then yes. In some cases, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) can permanently revoke your driver’s license. That means you will never be allowed to legally drive again or apply for a new driver’s license for the rest of your life.
This explains when and why the LTO can permanently revoke your license and what kind of violations can prompt them to do so.
Can the LTO Permanently Revoke a Driver’s License?
Yes. The LTO has the authority to permanently revoke a driver’s license when a motorist commits a grave offense that shows they are a danger to public safety. Permanent revocation means lifetime disqualification — you cannot apply for any kind of driver’s license again, ever.
It also means that:
- You can never reapply for one in this lifetime.
- Dangerous and reckless acts on the road can destroy your driving future.
- Disrespecting traffic rules and authorities, being violent on the road, and getting into confrontations can be dangerous for your driving future.
It’s not just about losing the right to drive — it’s about being held accountable for dangerous behavior on the road. As LTO Chief Lacanilao said, “Once you get involved in road rage, our recommendation is lifetime revocation. Think twice before acting out on the road.”
This is part of the government’s effort to keep the roads safe and promote responsible driving among all motorists.
Legal Basis
The Land Transportation and Traffic Code (Republic Act No. 4136) and related Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO regulations allow the agency to revoke licenses when a driver’s actions show gross negligence, immorality, or criminal intent.
Before revocation, the LTO must conduct due process, including a hearing and issuance of a show cause order, to give the driver a chance to explain their side.
Grounds for Permanent Revocation of an LTO Driver’s License
The following are the main grounds for permanent license revocation based on LTO and DOTr directives, as well as recent official actions and public announcements:
- Severe Road Rage Incidents
- Reason: Road rage that results in injury, harm, or death is one of the most serious offenses a driver can commit.
- Legal Basis: Administrative orders from LTO and statements from LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao confirm that engaging in violent road rage can result in lifetime disqualification.
- Recent News: In October 2025, LTO warned that those involved in road rage incidents could permanently lose their licenses
- Hit-and-Run or Leaving the Scene of an Accident
- Reason: Fleeing after injuring or killing someone shows complete disregard for human life.
- Legal Basis: DOTr and LTO impose permanent license cancellation for deliberate hit-and-run cases.
- Reference: DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez ordered lifetime cancellation of the offender’s license, as seen in the 2025 Rizal incident where a driver intentionally rammed a motorcycle.
- Attempting to Run Over a Traffic Enforcer
- Reason: Assaulting or endangering law enforcement shows hostility toward authority and puts public safety at risk.
- Legal Basis: Such conduct is treated as a grave offense under LTO’s administrative rules and can result in lifetime disqualification.
- Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs
- Reason: Driving while intoxicated endangers lives and often leads to fatal accidents.
- Legal Basis: The Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act (RA 10586) authorizes permanent revocation upon conviction, especially for repeat offenders or those who cause injury or death.
- Recent Case: An SUV driver caught counterflowing on the Skyway while drunk had his license permanently revoked by the LTO
- Conviction of a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude
- Reason: Crimes involving dishonesty, corruption, or immorality reflect unfitness to hold a public driving privilege.
- Legal Basis: RA 4136 allows revocation if a driver is convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude.
- Harassment or Intimidation of Law Enforcement
- Reason: Threatening, harassing, or assaulting traffic officers is a serious breach of public trust.
- Legal Basis: Administrative penalties under LTO rules can include lifetime disqualification.
- Repeated or Habitual Violations
- Reason: Drivers who continually break traffic laws, even after multiple suspensions, show unwillingness to follow road rules.
- Legal Basis: Under LTO administrative orders, repeat violators can face permanent revocation after due process.
What Happens Before Revocation
Even in severe cases, the LTO follows due process:
1. The driver is issued a show cause order to explain their side.
2. A hearing is conducted by LTO officials.
3. If proven guilty, the driver’s license is permanently revoked, and their name is entered into the LTO’s national disqualification record.
Once this decision becomes final, the driver is forever disqualified from applying for a new or replacement license. After all, driving is a privilege allowed by the LTO, not a right. If you want to keep your license, then you need to show your sincerity as safe driving protects not just you but everyone who shares the road with you.