How to Dispute / Contest Traffic Violation Online in LTO

In the Philippines, it is possible to dispute or contest LTO traffic violations if you believe that you have been unjustly issued a traffic ticket by traffic officers during apprehensions. It takes some work, but knowing that it is your right to contest issued violations helps maintain the balance between what’s fair and what’s not when it comes to the enforcement of the rules of the road. 

As the main authority on the roads and its safety, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) strictly implements and enforces the laws regarding land transportation. It apprehends traffic violators and issues traffic tickets or Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP), depending on the nature of the violation. It is also where traffic violations are contested, though there’s always a more convenient online option available.

Table of Contents

how to contest lto traffic violation

What is a Contested Case

A contested case is a case where the apprehended operator/driver who got issued a traffic ticket for certain violations makes his intention to oppose the violations indicated in the TOP known. It should be immediately acted upon with dispatch by preparing the summons both for the apprehending officer and respondent or apprehended driver. When an apprehension or traffic violation is contested, both the apprehending officer as well as the apprehended driver are required to present proof for clarification of the violation and to see if it does indeed warrant a dismissal or if the violation cited in the TOP is justified.

When a traffic violation is contested or disputed, the apprehending officer is required to show his proof of service, usually in the form of a mission order—a document containing information like the officer’s area of responsibility, official function, and duty schedule. Depending on the result of the re-evaluation of the case in the form of a hearing, all the traffic violations listed in the TOP and in the LTO-IT system known as the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal may be dropped or dismissed provided that the apprehended driver or operator can present sufficient proof in the form of documentary evidence to warrant its dismissal or if the violations cited in the TOP are interrelated or common.

Who Can Dispute or Contest Traffic Violations Online

Any licensed driver, car owner, or operator in the Philippines who has been apprehended for traffic violations and who thinks he has been unjustly accused may opt to dispute or contest the traffic violations ticket or the TOP issued to him. It isn’t an uncommon practice, especially for those who wish to settle their violations as a requirement for an LTO transaction or for a Certificate of No Pending Apprehension or Alarm from the LTO.

  • Apprehended drivers 
  • Registered owner 
  • Registered operators 
  • Registered conductors

What are the Requirements for Contesting Traffic Violations 

You will need the following if you intend to dispute your traffic violations

General Requirements

  • Pink copy of the Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or Affidavit of Loss, in case of lost TOP
  • Written Protest or Affidavit of denial/ Motion for reconsideration/ Letter of appeal

Additional Requirements

If Confiscated Driver’s License/License Plate

  • One (1) photocopy of Official Receipt (OR) /Certificate of Registration (if applicable)
  • Franchise verification (for franchise related violation)
  • Certificate of Emission Compliance (for smoke belching violation)
  • Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) Inspection Report with Official
  • Receipt (for violations requiring inspection such as unauthorized/defective
  • accessories, unauthorized modification and the like)

If Motor Vehicle is Impounded

  • Impounding Receipt of Motor Vehicle (IRMV) with stencils of motor and chassis numbers 
  • Photocopy of Official Receipt (OR) /Certificate of Registration (CR) (if applicable)
  • Franchise verification (for franchise related violation)
  • Certificate of Emission Compliance (for anti- smoke belching violation)
  • Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) Inspection Report with Official Receipt (for violations requiring inspection such as unauthorized/defective accessories, unauthorized modification and the like)

How to Dispute/Contest Traffic Violations

Inherent with its mandate to enforce traffic rules and regulations, one of the LTO functions is to adjudicate contested and admitted apprehensions including cases under appeal/motion for reconsideration.

To contest apprehensions, here are the steps to follow:

In Person—Contested Cases (Law Enforcement Traffic Adjudication Services (LETAS) and Regional Offices)

  • Submit a written protest and present the TOP / IRMV within five (5) days from the date of apprehension.
  • Once received, wait until the agency checks and forwards the written protest, along with the supporting documents to the Regional Office and assigns the case to a Hearing Officer.
  • Submit all affidavits, pleadings, and other pertinent documents and wait for the Summons/Notice of Hearing (if necessary).
  • Submit a Position paper.
  • Attend the scheduled Hearing (if there’s one) and wait for the Resolution/ Decision on the case.
  • Proceed to the Cashier for payment – for Affirmed Cases.
  • Proceeds to the Releasing Unit and wait for the confiscated item or impounded Motor Vehicle to be released.

In Person—Contested Cases (District Office)

  • Submit a written protest and present the TOP/IRMV within five (5) days from the date of apprehension.
  • Wait while the LTO officer receives, checks, and dockets the required documents to be forwarded to the Regional Office.
  • Wait for the agency to assign the case to a Hearing Officer.
  • Once a Hearing Officer is assigned, submit all the relevant affidavits, pleadings, and other pertinent documents and wait for the Summons/Notice of Hearing to be issued (when necessary).
  • Wait for the scheduled clarificatory hearing (if there’s one).
  • Once the hearings are over, wait for the Resolution/Decision to determine proper imposition of fines and/or penalties.
  • Proceed to the District Office upon receipt of the Resolution.
    • If the case is affirmed, proceed to the cashier.
    • If dismissed, proceed to the Releasing Unit.
  • Proceed to the cashier for payment of fines – For AFFIRMED cases and get the Official Receipt (OR).
  • Once paid, proceed to the Releasing Unit – For AFFIRMED and DISMISSED cases and wait for the confiscated item/s impounded MV to be released (if applicable)

Online

Note that at this time, while LTO violations can be checked and settled online, there is no available platform to contest it online. You may, however, file complaints online via the new LTO App, ‘Isumbong mo kay Chief.’

However, MMDA citations and traffic apprehensions may be contested online. Those who wish to contest citation tickets issued by MMDA online may use this form (https://bit.ly/3J62YhH).

LTO Fees 

Naturally, LTO services are not free. When contesting LTO apprehensions, here are the things you will need to pay for 

  • Legal Research Fee – P 10.00 
  • Computer Fee – P 67.63
  • Other Fines, including Fines for Apprehension and other traffic violations 

Where to Contest and settle LTO Apprehensions

Not all apprehended drivers are allowed to settle their cases in any LTO Regional/District Office. Likewise, they are also not allowed to contest their apprehensions just anywhere. If the apprehension happened within Metro Manila, the apprehended driver needs to go to the LTO Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication Service (LETAS), Central Office, East Avenue, Quezon City to settle or contest the case, or at any concerned LTO Operations Division as specified in the TOP.

Important Tips and Reminders

For your reference, here are some important tips and reminders worth taking note of.  

  • An apprehended driver may protest the violations specified in the TOP and this is known as a contested case. 
  • Violation/s listed in the TOP and/or encoded in the LTO-IT system shall be dropped/dismissed provided that the apprehended driver/operator presents sufficient documentary evidence to warrant its dismissal and/or if the violations cited in the TOP are interrelated or common.
  • Make sure that you have a photocopy of your vehicle’s OR/CR at the ready along with the official receipt from the cashier if any payments were needed for your case. 
  • Make sure that you also have a copy of the resolution/ decision of your case as well at the ready. 
  • Make sure to file the contest letter within fifteen (15) days after your apprehension, provided the apprehension is reported and encoded in the LTO-IT system.
  • Failure to settle apprehensions within 15 days from the date of apprehension, may cause the suspension/revocation of the LTO driver’s license.
  • The place of settlement of apprehension is indicated in the TOP (middle portion). 
  • Not all apprehended drivers are allowed to settle their cases in any LTO Regional/District Office. 
  • If the apprehension happened within Metro Manila, the apprehended driver needs to go to the LTO Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication Service (LETAS), Central Office, East Avenue, Quezon City to settle the case, or at any concerned LTO Operations Division as specified in the TOP.
  • Only Land Transportation Office (LTO) officers and their deputized agents may confiscate your licenses pursuant to Republic Act (RA) 4136, or our Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
  • The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) traffic enforcers cannot confiscate your licenses if they are not authorized by the LTO or any local government unit.
  • Those who wish to contest citation tickets issued by MMDA may use this form (https://bit.ly/3J62YhH).
  • Only citations issued by virtue of physical apprehensions can be contested. Protests regarding NCAP citations shall not be entertained for online filing at this time.
  • You can only contest a maximum of five (5) UOVR tickets per complaint form. 
  • Prepare the following documents for upload:
    • Driver’s License
    • UOVR Ticket
    • LTO Certificate of Registration (CR)
    • Latest LTO Official Receipt (OR)
    • Other pertinent documents  
  • For other complaints, the LTO launched an online, QR-coded feedback system in the form of a platform called ‘Isumbong mo kay Chief.’
  • You may also use the CitiSend app or manually file complaints via the LTO Public Assistance and Complaints Desk.

Video: Contesting Traffic Violations in LTO

Learn how to contest LTO violations by watching this video from Ubecrida:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To learn more about contesting an LTO traffic apprehensions, here are some common questions and answers about it.

1. What type of violations may lead to confiscation of a driver’s license?

Traffic enforcers, including MMDA enforcers, may confiscate licenses in the following exceptional situations: 

  • The driver was involved in a traffic accident; 
  • The driver has accumulated three or more unsettled violations; or 
  • The driver has been apprehended for the following violations, among others:
    • allowing another person to use driver’s license; 
    • broken taxi meter seal; 
    • driving against traffic; 
    • driving under the influence of liquor or prohibited drugs; 
    • fake or no valid driver’s license; 
    • illegal or unauthorized counter-flow; 
    • illegal transfer of plates/tags/stickers;
    • overspeeding; and 
    • reckless driving

2. What is TOP?

TOP means Temporary Operator’s Permit. This is a document issued upon apprehension when a driver’s license is confiscated, pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 515-2004 dated 25 May 2004. According to the implementing rules and regulations of the memorandum, the TOP shall be used in apprehension of all violations and it is strictly required to be issued to the apprehended driver/operator at the site and time of apprehension. It is only valid for 72 hours or three (3) days after apprehension.

3. What is an IRMV?

The IRMV refers to the Impounding Receipt of a Motor Vehicle. It is issued if the motor vehicle was impounded. The IRMV is accomplished by the apprehending officer and is validated by the Motor Vehicle Custodian (MVC) assigned at the impounding area.

4. Can TOP be extended after 72 hours or 3 days after its validity?

No. There is no extension of TOP after 72 hours or 3 days.

5. What will happen if the apprehended operator/driver failed to settle his case within 15 days from the date of apprehension?

If the apprehended driver/operator failed to settle his case within 15 days from the date of apprehension, it will cause the suspension/revocation of his driver’s license.

6. What if I have to settle multiple violations?

If you have incurred and are in need to settle more than three violations, then you will need to visit the MMDA’s Traffic Management Division located along EDSA corner Orense Street in Guadalupe, Makati City to settle your violations and pay for your fines.

7. Can I settle my LTO fines via the LTMS portal? 

Yes. The LTMS portal keeps track of how many demerit points or violations you have incurred as well as the unsettled payments and the history of violations/demerits of the license holder. In one of its most recent updates, the LTO has made it so motorists can settle pending violations online, effectively doing away with the need to visit an LTO office to pay fines.

8. What payment channels can I use to settle the fines imposed for my LTO violations?

To settle fines incurred due to LTO violations online, you have the option to pay online as well, via any of the following channels:

  • Land Bank Link Biz Portal
  • Bayad Center
  • PayMaya
  • GCash
  • Grabpay
  • SM Bills Payment
  • MMDA Traffic Management Division

9. Can the confiscated items such as the driver’s license and/or motor vehicle plates be immediately released to the apprehended operator/driver after the payment  of the fines/penalties or resolution of the contested case?

Yes. All the confiscated items may be immediately released after the payment of the corresponding fines/penalties provided that there are no accessory penalty/s and/or suspension indicated in the Resolution and/or Judgment. 

10. Can the impounded motor vehicle be immediately released by the apprehended operator/driver after the payment of the fines/penalties or resolution of the contested case?

Yes. The impounded motor vehicle may be released after the payment of the corresponding fines/penalties provided that there are no accessory penalty/s and/or suspension stipulated in the Resolution and/or Judgment.

Summary

With the digitization of many Philippine government services, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has adapted by creating the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online, as well as the new online complaint platform, ‘Isumbong mo kay Chief.’ These platforms allow people to track their records and receive LTO services more conveniently, doing away with the need to undergo the tedious process of queuing at the LTO Office.

The same is true for when an apprehended driver or operator needs to check their LTO violations and settle their fines. While it has become more convenient in the advent of online LTO services via the LTMS portal online, it is still best to avoid incurring violations and to follow the law. Not only is it safer, cheaper, and more convenient, but it will also give you the chance to renew your driver’s license to the new version, with a 10-year validity period and save you more trips to the LTO office. 

After all, the LTO violations and its corresponding fines and how to contest them if you are unjustly apprehended are only some of the most important things you need to be wary of when setting out on the road. You can avoid being tricked by learning more about these things and more through this guide on contesting LTO violations and how to deal with them, if, and when you actually have an LTO violation to contest.

Contact Information

For questions or other concerns regarding how to contest LTO apprehensions online, you may opt to reach out to:

Land Transportation Office (LTO)

Office Address: LTO Compound, East Avenue, Diliman, Quezon City, 1100 Philippines
LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.
Phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 8922-9061 to 66.
Email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph or ltomailbox@lto.gov.ph.
LTO Text Hotline Service: You may use LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by typing LTOHELP and sending it to 2600
LTO office: For information, you may check the LTO branch offices closest to you.

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