Checking for your LTO violations and fines is crucial if you eventually wish to renew your driver’s license in the Philippines. Not only is it one of the deciding factors on whether you can get one with a ten-year validity period, but it also helps you satisfy the requirements of license renewal and avoid license suspension and reorientation.

With the recent changes in driver’s license validity, LTO has also changed the system for LTO violations and fines and started using the demerit system. Via the demerit system, the violations are now scored according to the severity of offenses. Therefore, reaching a certain number would mean satisfying additional requirements when securing your LTO driver’s license in the Philippines.

The good news is, it is possible to check on this without leaving the comforts of your home. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to check on your LTO violations and fines from anywhere, anytime, by simply going online and accessing the LTO online Violation checker.

Understanding the LTO Violations and the Demerit System

Before you start checking on your LTO violations and fines, you first need to understand that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now using a single ticketing system. This means it has begun using equivalent demerit points for every LTO violation. Therefore, when you check on your violations, you will see the accumulated demerit points. You will also have to watch your demerit points and keep them as low as possible if you do not want to get your license suspended or revoked in the worst cases. 

The LTO Demerit System

The LTO demerit system is a new points system implemented by the LTO to keep track of traffic violations and impose appropriate penalties. Under the demerit system, traffic violations are classified into three different categories, each with their equivalent demerit point, depending on the gravity of the offense. 

These categories are:

• Light violations – 1 demerit point
• Less grave violations – 3 demerit points
• Grave violations – 5 demerit points

Based on how many of these demerit points you have accumulated, you may get your driver’s license suspended, which requires attending a 40-hour reorientation course (for ten or more but below 40 points). It may also lead to revocation of your license, in which case, you will be prohibited from applying for a new one within two (2) years for 40 or more demerit points).

Aside from the penalties, it’s also important to check on your traffic violations and its equivalent points in the LTO demerit system to ensure that you will be able to renew a driver’s license into one with a ten-year validity period. There is also a prohibition period for the change of license classification depending on the number of incurred demerit points. This means that you can’t change your license from non-professional to professional for the following period depending on the amount of demerit points you accumulated:

• 1-2 points – Three (3) months
• 3-4 points – Six (6) months
• 5 or more points – One (1) year

Traffic Violations and their Corresponding LTO Demerit Points

For your reference and to help guide you in watching your accumulated demerit points, here is a list of traffic violations and their equivalent demerit points:

Light Violations (1 demerit point)

• Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (first offense)
• Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (first offense)
• Failure to wear a seat belt, including that of the passenger (first offense)
• Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet, both for the driver and their back rider (first offense)
• Smoke belching (first offense)
• Reckless driving (first offense)
• Driving in places not intended for traffic or parking in areas not designated for parking
• Not carrying a driver’s license or the OR/CR of the motor vehicle while driving  
• Failure to provide a cover to cargo or freight trucks
• Overtaking on “men working” and “caution” signs
• Not yielding right of way to vehicles on a highway when entering from a private road
• Not using signal lights when turning
• Not following the proper lane designation when taking a turn
• Unsafe towing
• Overcharging or undercharging of fare  
• No franchise or Certificate of Public Conveyance carried inside the PUV
• Defective, fast, or tampered taxi meter
• Operating without a taxi seal or with an old taxi meter or broken seal
• Broken, tampered, joined, reconnected, fake, or altered sealing wire of taxi meters
• Not providing fare discounts to those entitled to them  
• No signboard for PUVs
• Pick-up and drop-off of passengers outside the terminal for buses
• Failure to display fare matrix (for public transport)
• Not displaying the International Symbol of Access inside a PUV
• Not designating seats for the use of persons with disabilities (PWDs) 
• Refusing to transport PWDs
• Franchise breach of the conditions stated on the 2011 revised terms and conditions on the certificate of public conveyance
• Not displaying a “no smoking” sign and allowing personnel or passengers to smoke inside a PUV

Less Grave Violations (3 demerit points)

• Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (second offense)
• Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (second offense)
• Failure to wear seat belt, both for the driver and the passenger (second offense)
• Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet both for the driver and the back rider (second offense)
• Smoke belching (second offense)
• Reckless driving (second offense)
• Intentional Traffic Obstruction
• Illegal Parking
• Allowing passengers on the motor vehicle roof
• Not dimming headlights when approaching another motor vehicle
• Hitching or permitting a bicycle, a person, a skateboarder, a motorcycle, or a tricycle to hitch to a motor vehicle
• Not yielding right of way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing
• Not stopping before traversing a “through highway” or railroad crossing
• Not yielding right of way to an ambulance, a police car, or a fire truck
• Not yielding right of way at a “through highway” or a “stop intersection”
• Not shutting down the engine and engaging the handbrake when the vehicle is unattended
• Failure to attach license plates
• Tampering with license plates
• Load-extending beyond the projected width without a permit
• Operating a bus or truck with cargo exceeding 160 kg of its load limit
• Not rendering service to the public or not conveying a passenger to a destination for PUVs
• Trip-cutting for PUVs
• Violations in connection with motor vehicle registration

Grave Violations (5 demerit points)

• Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (third and succeeding offenses)
• Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (third and succeeding offenses)
• Failure to wear seat belt, both for the driver and the passenger (third and succeeding offenses)
• Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet both for the driver and the back rider (third and succeeding offenses)
• Smoke belching (third and succeeding offenses)
• Reckless driving (third and succeeding offenses)
• Driving a motor vehicle used for committing a crime
• Committing a crime while driving a vehicle
• Driving a PUV and collecting fares without a franchise
• Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, dangerous drugs, or other similar substance
• Axle overloading
• Driving an unregistered motor vehicle
• Driving without a valid driver’s license
• Submission of fake documents when applying for or renewing a driver’s license
• Disregarding traffic signs (repeat offenders)
• Overtaking
  • At a curve
  • When the left side is not clear of oncoming traffic,
  • at an intersection;
  • in a no-overtaking zone;
  • within an unsafe distance;
  • upon a crest or grade;
  • at any railway crossing;
• Not giving way to an overtaking vehicle
• Speeding up when being overtaken
• Cutting an overtaken vehicle
• Failure to yield right of way
• Driving a motorcycle with more than one passenger
• Presentation of fake CPC, OR/CR, plates, stickers, or tags
• Operating a vehicle with defective, improper, or illegal accessories, devices, equipment, or parts
• Carrying illegal or prohibited cargo (Drugs, Illegal Firearms, endangered animals, etc.)
• Unauthorized motor vehicle modification
• Operating a right-hand-drive motor vehicle
• Driving against the flow of traffic
• Fraud concerning the registration or renewal of the registration of the motor vehicle

How to Verify LTO Penalties, Violations and Fines Online

Now that you know all about the LTO violations and their equivalent demerit points and fines, let’s check if you have accumulated any. Just follow these steps:

Via the LTO Land Transport Management System (LTMS) Portal Online

If you have an existing Land Transport Management System (LTMS) Portal Online account, then here are the steps to check on your LTO violations and their equivalent demerit points and fines:

Step 1: Visit the LTO’s LTMS portal at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/. 

Step 2: Click “Log in.” 

Step 3: Key in your LTO client number or your nominated email address and password then click “Sign in.”

Step 4: On the Dashboard, click “Violations.”

Step 5: Click between tabs to check on Demerit points, Unsettled Violations, and Violations History.

Step 6: Click the Close button once done.

How to Register if you do not have LTMS account

If you do not have an LTMS account yet, register for an account by following these steps:

Step 1: Visit the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal homepage at <https://portal.lto.gov.ph>. 

Step 2: Click “Register now.” if you need to Register an account in LTMS portal.

Step 3: Read the Terms of Agreement, and click the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.” 

Step 4: Enter the security code.

Step 5: Click “Next.”

Step 6: Choose the type of registrant that you are.

• For individual registrants: Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
• For organizations and companies: Select “Enroll as an organization” when asked for the type of registration.

Step 7: Select “Yes” to affirm that you already have a Philippine driver’s license.

• Provide the following information to complete the registration process:

• Driver’s license number 
• Expiry date
• Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)

• Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
• For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
  • Name
  • Birthdate
  • Mother’s Maiden Name
• For alien residents: provide the following details:
  • Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
  • Expiry date
  • Nationality  
• Click “Next.”
• Enter your contact information (email address and  mobile number) and submit.

Step 8: Click “Next.”

Step 9: Enter your contact information (email address and  mobile number) and submit.

Step 10: Visit your inbox for the verification link.

Step 11: Click the verification link and complete the following required information:

• Emergency contact
• Medical information
• General information
• Address

Step 12: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username. 

Step 13: Using the username and password provided via email, access your LTMS account and you will be redirected to the dashboard.

Check Driving Violations Via the MMDA System

In the past, some cities have implemented the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP). Unfortunately, it has been suspended in August 2022, following harsh criticisms from the motorists. While the local city NCAP systems no longer work, the MMDA system is still up and available for checking if you have violated some traffic rules. Just go to https://www.mayhuliba.com/ and key in your license plate number to check if you have an outstanding traffic violation with the MMDA.  

How to Check Driving Violations via LTO Office

Another way to check if you have any traffic violations is to visit the nearest LTO office in your area.

Step 1: Prepare necessary documents such as a driver’s license, valid ID, and proof of address.

Step 2: Go to the nearest LTO office in your area and proceed to the Violation Inquiry counter.

Step 3: Present the required documents to the personnel at the counter, then provide relevant information about yourself including your name, date of birth, and address.

Step 4: The LTO officer will then check your record with the LTO database to see if you have any outstanding fines or pending violations.

Step 5: Once the inquiry is finished, you will be provided with a printout of all the violations associated with your driver’s license, including details such as the date and location of violation and the amount of fines imposed.

Step 6: You must then settle all outstanding fines or violations before you can renew your driver’s license.

If you have any questions regarding the process of checking for driving violations, you may contact the LTO office for further assistance. It is best to get all your inquiries answered before proceeding with any transaction. With this, you can ensure that all proper procedures and requirements are followed.

The process of checking for traffic violations can be tedious and time-consuming, but it is important to do so in order to maintain a clean driving record. This will also help you avoid any further issues in the future that may arise due to unpaid fines or penalties.

Video Guide to Checking Your LTO Violations Online

If you need visual support on learning how to check your LTO violations and fines online, you may watch this video posted on the Youtube channel, Kuya Ali (@BuildByAli). 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is the LTMS portal services available to all?

No. As of writing, the LTO online services, via the LTMS, are only entertained in selected LTO Offices, including:

Metro Manila:

• LTO Central Office-License Section
• Eastwood DLRO
• Ever Gotesco DLRO
• LTO Muntinlupa District Office
• LTO Quezon City Licensing Center

Luzon:

• LTO Angeles District Office
• LTO Baguio Licensing Center
• LTO Bayombong District Office
• LTO Biñan District Office
• LTO Calapan District Office
• LTO Laoag District Office
• LTO Lipa District Office
• LTO Naga District Office
• LTO San Fernando Licensing Center

Visayas:

• LTO Dumaguete District Office
• LTO Ormoc District Office
• LTO Roxas District Office
• LTO Tagbilaran District Office

Mindanao:

• LTO Butuan District Office
• LTO Davao District Office
• LTO General Santos District Office.
• LTO Malaybalay District Office
• LTO Pagadian District Office
• LTO Tagum District Office

2. Is the LTO Violations Checker online the same as the No Contact Apprehension Programs (NCAP) employed by the MMDA and the cities like Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa?

No. It is different. The LTO Violations Checker online checks all violations incurred under your name including the equivalent demerit points you accumulated during the validity of your license. 

The No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) on the other hand, utilizes CCTV, digital cameras and/or other gadgets or technology to capture videos and images and apprehend vehicles violating traffic laws, rules, and regulations. It was suspended after a temporary restraining order (TRO) was issued by the Supreme Court effective August 30, 2022.

3. How soon should I settle the corresponding fines for my LTO violations and fines?

If you incur a traffic violation, then you have seven days to settle your fine upon receiving your violation receipt. Beyond that, you will need to go visit the MMDA’s Redemption Center located on EDSA corner Orense Street in Guadalupe, Makati City to settle your fines.

4. What if I have multiple violations?

If you have incurred 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.

5. 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.

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

For settling fines incurred due to LTO violations, you have the option to pay via any of the following:

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

Summary  

With the digitization of many Philipine government services, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has adapted by creating the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online, allowing people to track their records conveniently without undergoing the tedious process of queueing at the LTO Office to check the violations and settle their fines.

While it has become more convenient, it is still best to avoid incurring violations and following 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.