The Land Transportation Office (LTO) imposes fines and sanctions in events of violation, be it driver-, plate-, or registration-related. It’s an important list to have as we are sure that almost everyone, regardless of how law-abiding or rowdy you are as a driver, has been caught by traffic enforcers at least once. Whether it’s due to an illegal turn, or for beating the red light, we are sure even you have a story to tell about a traffic or road violation you once committed and how much of a hassle it has been.

Also Read: What is LTMS Portal? Land Transportation Management System

With this guide, we offer you a list of violations, fines, and penalties that you may face during your daily drives. May this guide help you find clarity and make you a more aware and hopefully, wiser driver.

Complete list of LTO Violations, Fines, and Penalties in PH

Here’s a complete list of LTO violations, along with its corresponding fines and penalties:

Permits and License-related violations

1. Driving without a valid driver’s license or conductor’s permit, as well as driving:

• With an expired license 
• With a revoked license
• With a suspended license
• With an inappropriate driver’s license restriction code
• With an inappropriate driver’s license classification
• With a fake driver’s license
• With a valid foreign driving license beyond the 90-day maximum allowable period (for tourists) 
• Without being accompanied by a duly licensed driver (for student permit holders)

Fine: Php 3,000.00

Penalty: Unlicensed or improperly licensed driver will be disqualified from acquiring a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle for one (1) year after the payment of the fine.

2. Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime 

Fine: Php 10,000.00

Penalty: Upon conviction, the driver’s license will be confiscated and revoked and the driver shall be perpetually disqualified from being granted a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle. The vehicle will also be impounded until ordered to be released after the payment of appropriate fines and penalties.

3. Commission of a crime in the course of apprehension 

Fine: Php 10,000.00

Penalty: Upon conviction, the driver’s license shall be confiscated, and revoked and the driver shall be disqualified from being granted a driver’s license for five (5) years from the date of payment of appropriate fines and penalties. The vehicle will also be impounded until ordered to be released after payment of appropriate fines and penalties.

4. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and/or similar substance (Section 12, R.A. 10586)

Penalty: Confiscation and suspension of non-professional driver’s license for twelve (12) months after payment of the appropriate fines and penalties (first conviction). Perpetual revocation of non-professional driver’s license (for second conviction). For professional driver’s license holders, confiscation and perpetual revocation for first conviction applies.

5. Reckless driving, including driving a motor vehicle:

• With an improper registration  
• With an expired registration
• With revoked registration
• With suspended registration 
• With invalid registration
• With an unregistered or fake substitute or replacement engine, engine block, or chassis.

Fine: Php 2,000.00 (first offense), Php 3,000.00 (second offense), Php 10,000.00 (subsequent offense)

Penalty: The driver’s license shall be suspended for a period of three (3) months (for second offense) and six (6) months (for third offense) and revoked(for the succeeding offense). Drivers with revoked non-professional driver’s license are also disqualified from being granted a new license for two (2) years.

6. Submission of fake documents in relation to the application for a driver’s license (New/Renewal)

Fine: Php 3,000.00

Penalty: The driver’s license will be put on alarm and revoked and the driver will be disqualified from getting a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle for one (1) year from the payment of the fine.

7. Failure to wear the prescribed seatbelt device, including:

• Allowing a child six (6) years old or younger to sit on the front passenger seat.

Fine: Php 1,000.00 (first offense), Php 2,000.00 (second offense), Php 5,000.00 (third offense)

Penalty: Suspension of the driver’s license for one (1) week from the payment of the fine (for third and each succeeding offense).

8. Failure to require his/her passenger/s to wear the prescribed seatbelt device (Section 12, R.A. 8750), including:

• Failure to post signage instructing front seat passengers to wear seatbelts (For PUV)

Fine: Php 3,000.00 for every violation, both for PUV driver and operator

9. Failure to wear standard protective motorcycle helmet or require back rider to wear the standard protective motorcycle helmet (R.A. 10054)

• Wearing a helmet with fake Philippines standard (PS) 
• Wearing a helmet with fake import commodity clearance (IIC) sticker 
• Riding a moving motorcycle without wearing a helmet

Fine: Php 1,500.00 (first offense), Php 3,000.00 (second offense), Php 5,000.00 (third offense), Php 10,000.00 (fourth and succeeding offense)

10. Failure to carry driver’s license, Certificate of Registration, or Official Receipt (OR) while driving a motor vehicle

Fine: Php 1,000.00

11. All other violations of traffic rules and regulations

• Parking
  • In an intersection
  • Within 5 meters of the intersection
  • 4 meters from the driveway entrance
  • Within 4 meters from a fire hydrant
  • In front of a private driveway
  • On the roadway side of any unmoving or parked MV at the curb or edge of the highway
  • At any place where signs of prohibitions have been installed
• Disregarding Traffic Signs
• Allowing passengers on top or cover of a motor vehicle except for truck helpers
• Failure to provide canvas cover to cargoes or freight of trucks 
• Permitting passenger to ride on running board, step board, or mudguard of MV while in motion
• Failure to dim headlights when approaching another vehicle
• Driving in a place not intended for traffic or into place not allowed for parking
• Hitching or permitting a person or a bicycle, motorcycle, tricycle, or skate roller to hitch to a motor vehicle
• Driving against traffic – failure to pass to the right when meeting persons or vehicles coming towards him
• Illegal turn
  • Failure to conduct the vehicle to the right of the intersection of the highway when turning to the left in going from one highway to another
  • Failure of the driver of a motor vehicle intending to run to the right at an intersection to approach such intersection in the lane for traffic nearest to the right-hand side of the highway and, in turning, to keep as close as possible to the right-hand curve or edge of the highway
  • Failure of the driver of a vehicle intending to turn to the left, to approach such intersection in the lane for traffic to the right of and nearest to the centerline of the highway, and in, turning to pass to the left of the center of the intersection except upon highway lane for traffic and upon one-way highway
• Illegal overtaking – failure to pass to the left when overtaking person or vehicles going to the same direction  
• Cutting an overtaken vehicle – driving to the right side of the highway after overtaking before motor vehicle is clear of overtaken vehicle
• Failure to give way to an overtaking vehicle even after giving a suitable and audible signal
• Increasing speed when being overtaken, before the overtaking vehicle has completely passed
• Overtaking
  • At unsafe distance to the left of another vehicle when overtaking that vehicle
  • When the left side is not visible or clear of oncoming traffic, driving to the left side of the centerline of a highway vehicle proceeding in the same direction where the left side is not clearly visible and is not free of oncoming traffic 
  • Upon a crest of a grade when another vehicle is proceeding in the same direction 
  • Upon a curve in a highway where the driver’s view is obstructed within a distance of 500 feet ahead
  • At any railway grade crossing 
  • At an intersection of highways except on a highway having two or more lanes for movement of traffic in one direction where the driver of a vehicle may overtake another vehicle on the right.
  • On “men working” or “caution” signs on a highway
  • At no overtaking zone 
• Failure to yield the right of way
  • To the vehicle on the right when these vehicles approach or enter an intersection at approximately the same time.
  • Of the approaching vehicle but have not yet entered an intersection to a vehicle within such intersection or turning therein to the left across the line of travel of the first mentioned vehicle when such vehicle has given a plainly visible signal of intention to turn.
  • Of the driver of any vehicle upon a highway within a business or residential district to yield the right of way to a pedestrian crossing such highway within a crosswalk except at an intersection where the movement of traffic is regulated by a peace officer or by traffic signal.
  • Of a vehicle entering a highway from a private road or driver upon a highway to yield the right of way to all vehicles approaching on such highway.
  • Of drivers upon a highway to yield to police or fire department vehicles and ambulances when such vehicles are operated on official business and the drivers thereof sound audible signal on their approach.
  • At a “through highway” or a “stop-intersection” to all vehicles approaching in either direction on such “through highway”.
• Failure to stop before traversing a “through highway” or railroad crossing 
• Failure to give proper signal before starting, stopping or turning from a direct line.
• Failure to stop motor and notch handbrake of motor vehicle when unattended, when parking on any highway
• Unsafe towing
• Obstruction of the free passage of other vehicles on the highway while:
  • discharging or taking passengers 
  • loading and unloading freight
  • driving a motor vehicle in such a manner as to obstruct or impede the passage of any vehicle
• MC carrying more passengers other than the back rider or cargo saddle bags and luggage carriers.
• Refusal to render service to the public or convey passengers to destination.
• Overcharging or undercharging of fare.
• No Franchise / Certificate of Public Convenience or evidence of franchise presented during apprehension or carried inside the motor vehicle.
• Fraud and falsities such as presentation of fake and spurious CPC, OR/CR, plate, stickers and tags.
• Operating the unit/s with defective parts and accessories.
• Failure to provide fare discount to those entitled under existing laws and pertinent Memorandum Circulars of the LTFRB.
• Fast, tampered, defective taximeter or operating without or with an old seal taximeter
• Tampered, broken, joined, reconnected, fake or altered sealing wire
• No sign board.
• Pick up and drop off of passengers outside the terminal.
• Carrying of illegal and/or prohibited cargoes.
• Failure to provide the fire extinguisher and required “STOP and GO” signage for use of each vehicle
• Trip cutting
• Failure to display fare matrix
• Breach of franchise conditions under 2011 Revised Terms and Conditions of CPC not otherwise herein provided.

Fine: Php 1,000.00

Violations in Connection with Motor Vehicle Registration, Renewal, or Operation

12. Driving an unregistered motor vehicle, including:

• Driving with an improperly registered motor vehicle or a motor vehicle with expired, revoked, suspended, or invalid registration, 
• unregistered or fake substitute or replacement engine, engine block, or chassis

Fine: Php 10,000.00

Penalty: If non-registration and the violation has exceeded one (1) month, the vehicle will be impounded until registration and payment of fines and penalties. For undocumented engines, the vehicle shall be confiscated, impounded, and barred for one (1) year from payment of the fines.

13. Unauthorized modification, including:

• Unauthorized change in color
• Unauthorized modifications of the standard manufacturer’s specification 

Fine: Php 5,000.00

Penalty: Confiscation until after inspection, correction of defect, and payment of fine.

14. Operating a right hand drive motor

Fine: Php 50,000.00

Penalty: Impounding of vehicle until defect was corrected and the fine was paid, subject to inspection.

15. Operating vehicle without or with defective, improper, or unauthorized accessories, devices, equipment, and parts, including:

• bells
• sirens
• whistles
• blinkers
• horns
• early warning device (EWD)
• grill/s
• jalousies
• brake (foot and hand brakes)
• brake lights
• headlights
• interior lights
• signal lights 
• tail lights
• mirrors
• mufflers
• metallic tires 
• spare tire
• speedometer
• windshield
• wipers 
• other accessory, device, equipment or part that is prejudicial to road safety.

Fine: Php 5,000.00

Penalty: The vehicle will be impounded until the accessory, device, equipment or part is properly installed, corrected or removed and the fine was paid. The improper or unauthorized accessory, device, equipment, or part shall be confiscated.

16. Failure to attach or improper attachment, or tampering of authorized motor vehicle license plates and/or third plate sticker, including:

• Attachment of any unauthorized plate/s or any accessory or device to and/or around the authorized motor vehicle license plate
• Attachment that impedes the visibility or reflectivity of the authorized motor vehicle license plate and/or the third plate sticker.

Fine: Php 5,000.00

Penalty: Removal and confiscation of unauthorized plate, accessory and/or device.

17. Smoke belching (Section 46, RA 8749), as well as:

• Violation of emission standards through visual signs

Fine: Php 2,000.00 (first offense), Php 4,000.00 (second offense), Php 6,000.00 (third offense)

Penalty: The motor vehicle shall be impounded and the MV license plate withheld until it passed the standard emission test, attendance to a seminar on pollution control management (for both driver and operator), one (1) year suspension of the Motor Vehicle Registration (MVR) (third offense), suspension of MV Registration for one (1) year (succeeding offense).

18. Fraud related to MV registration or renewal

Fine: Php 3,000.00

Penalty: Impounding of the motor vehicle, MV will be barred from registration for one (1) year from the payment of the fine.

19. All other violation related to motor vehicle registration renewal/operation

Fine: Php 2,000.00

Violations in Connection with Dimension, Specifications, Weight and Load Limits

20. Load extending beyond projected width without permit

Fine: Php 1,000.00

21. Axle overloading

• A dual-wheel axle load shall exceed thirteen thousand five hundred (13,500.00) kilograms (kgs)
• The vehicle load exceeds 150% of the maximum allowable gross weight.

Fine: 25% of MVUC at the time of infringement, waived for loads exceeding the registered GVW by a tolerance of less than 5%

22. Operating a passenger bus/truck with cargo exceeding 160 kilograms

Fine: Php 1,000.00 (for both driver and conductor)

Violations in Connection with Franchise

23. Colorum Violation, under any of the following circumstances:

• A private motor vehicle operating as a PUV but without proper authority from the LTFRB:
• A PUV operating outside of its approved route or area without a prior permit from the Board or outside the exceptions provided under existing memorandum circulars;
• A PUV operating differently from its authorized denominations (ex. those approved as school service but operating as UV express, or those approved as tourist bus transport but operating as city or provincial bus);
• A PUV with suspended or canceled CPC and Decision/Order of the suspension or cancellation is executory; and
• A PUV with expired CPC and without a pending application for extension of validity timely filed before the Board.

Fine: bus – Php 1,000,000.00, truck – Php 200,000.00, Is – Php 50,000.00, van – Php 200,000.00, sedan – Php 120,000.00, MC – Php 6,000.00 (first offense)

Penalty: Minimum impounding of unit for three (3) months, revocation of the ENTIRE Certificate of Public Convenience (“CPC”) where the apprehended vehicle belongs (expect when apprehended vehicle is with private/green plate); blacklisting of the apprehended vehicle and all other authorized units included in the CPC from being used as a public utility vehicle; and revocation of the registration of the apprehended ve­hicle and all other authorized units included in the franchise (first offense)

Revocation of ALL CPCs of the operator; disqualification of the operator, or corporate stockholders and directors, to operate any kind of public land transportation; blackisting of ALL authorized units (entire fleet) of the operator from being used as public utility vehicle; and revocation of the registration of ALL authorized units (entire fleet) of the operator (second offense)

For private motor vehicles operating as PUV without proper authority from the LTFRB, the LTFRB or RFRBs shall disqualify the registered owner, and corporate stockholders and directors, from operating any kind of public land transportation.

24. Refusal to render service to the public or convey passenger to destination

Fine: Php 5,000.00 (first offense), Php 10,000.00 (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

25. Overcharging or undercharging of fare

Fine: Php 5,000.00 (first offense), Php 10,000.00 (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

26. Failure to provide proper body markings

Fine: Php 5,000.00 (first offense), Php 10,000.00 (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

27. No franchise, Certificate of Convenience (CPC), or any evidence of franchise presented during apprehension or carried inside the motor vehicle*

Fine: Php 5,000.00 (first offense), Php 10,000.00 (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

28. Fraud and falsities such as presentation of fake and spurious CPC, OR/CR, plates, stickers and tags

Penalty: Revocation/Cancellation of franchise or the Certificate of Public Convenience, after due notice of hearing (LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 2013 – 003)

29. Employing reckless, insolent, discourteous or arrogant drivers

30. Allowing an unauthorized driver to drive PUV or to drive PUV without bringing his/her driver’s license

31. Operating units with defective parts and accessories

32. Failure to provide fare discount to those entitled under existing laws 

33. Failure to provide the Board with complete, correct, and updated operator’s information 

34. Failure to display “No Smoking” signage 

35 Fast, tampered, defective taximeter or operating without or with an old seal taximeter (TX only)*

36. Tampered, broken, joined, reconnected, fake or altered sealing wire (TX only)

37. Violation of color scheme or design / Adoption of new color design without authority from the Board (PUB and TX only)

Fine: Php 5,000.00 (first offense), Php 10,000.00 (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

38. Unregistered or unauthorized trade/business name (PUB and TX only)

39. No Panel Route (PUJ, PUB, UV)

40. No sign board (PUJ, PUB , UV)

41. Pick up and Drop off of Passengers outside the terminal (PUJ, PUB,UV)

42. Carrying of illegal and/or prohibited cargoes

43. Failure to provide fire extinguisher and required “STOP and GO” signage for use of each vehicle (STS only)

44. Trip cutting (PUJ, PUB, UV)

45. Failure to display fare matrix (PUJ,PUB,UV)

46. Breach of franchise conditions under 2011 Revised Terms and Conditions of CPC not otherwise herein provided.

Fine: Php 5,000.00 (first offense), Php 10,000.00 (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Impounding of unit for thirty (30) days (second offense), cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

46. Failure to display the International Symbol of Accessibility inside the units and/or failure to designate seats specifically for the use of Persons with Disabilities or failure or refusal to transport PWD’s (PUJ, PUB, TTS, UV)

Fine: Php 50,000.00 (first offense), Php 75,000.00 plus impounding fee of Php 500.00 per day (second offense), Php 15,000.00 (third and subsequent offense)

Penalty: Impounding of unit for 45 days (second offense), cancellation of CPC where the unit is authorized (third and subsequent offense)

Note: All apprehensions due to violations in connection with franchise, except for colorum violations, shall count offenses against operators and not against a particular motor vehicle or CPC.

Also Read: How to Check LTO Violations, Penalties and Fines Online

Video: LTO Road Violations and Penalties

Check out this video as uploaded on portal Philippine Assistance channel which indicates the LTO road violations and their corresponding fees:

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is an LTO violation?

An LTO (Land Transportation Office) violation is an offense against any laws, regulations, or policies enforced by the Land Transportation Office in the Philippines. Generally, this includes any breach of traffic laws such as speeding, overloading, unauthorized use of private vehicles for commercial purposes, not wearing helmets when riding motorbikes, or driving without valid license and registration.

2. What are the penalties for LTO violations?

The penalties for LTO violations vary depending on the severity and nature of the offense committed. Generally, fines range from a few hundred to several thousand pesos. Additionally, offenders may face additional penalties such as suspension or revocation of their driver’s license and/or vehicle impoundment for more serious offenses like reckless driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

3. How can I pay my LTO fines?

Payment of fines can be made at any Land Transportation Office branch nationwide via cash or check payment. Credit card payments are also accepted at select branches through accredited partners like Bayad Center and SM Payment Centers. For convenience, payment can also be made online through an accredited partner’s website or mobile app using credit card or bank accounts linked to local banks in the Philippines like BPI and BDO.

4. Is it possible to dispute an LTO fine?

Yes — if you believe that you have been wrongly cited with an offense or that your fine was excessive in amount then you may dispute it with the Land Transportation Office by filing an appeal letter in person at any of its branches nationwide. The filing fee for appeals is typically between PHP 500-1000 depending on the type of violation involved.

5. Are there additional fees associated with LTO violations?

Yes — aside from paying the applicable fines associated with your specific case, additional fees may be incurred depending on different factors such as where you live in the country and how long it takes to settle your case before the court hearing date arrives if needed. These fees can include summons fees, late payment fees (if applicable), among others determined by local ordinances in your area within reasonableness limits set forth by law.

6. Are there any legal assistance services available if I’m charged with an LTO violation?

Yes — the Philippine Bar Association offers free legal aid to persons accused of committing an offense against the Land Transportation Office. Lawyers from the association can provide advice and representation on various matters related to traffic violations, such as appeals and negotiations with authorities for lower fines or reduced penalties. In addition, a number of private law firms in the country specialize in handling traffic cases and can also offer professional legal advice and representation for those accused of violating LTO laws.

7. What happens if I fail to pay my LTO fine?

Failing to pay your due fines for an LTO violation may result in further penalties imposed by the authorities. This could include the suspension or revocation of your driver’s license, the impounding of your vehicle, and even possible incarceration in certain cases. It is important to pay any due fines in a timely manner to avoid additional costs and penalties that may arise from late payment.

8. What other measures should I take after being charged with an LTO violation?

Aside from settling any due fines as quickly as possible, drivers charged with an LTO violation should also ensure that relevant documents such as their driver’s license and vehicle registration are valid and up-to-date. Furthermore, if you believe that the charge against you was false or excessive then it is advisable to seek legal counsel to dispute the case and explore possible options for reducing the fines or penalties imposed. In any case, it is best to remain compliant with all LTO rules and regulations in order to avoid unnecessary complications or setbacks.

9. Are there any other resources available to help me understand LTO laws?

Yes — the website of the Land Transportation Office has a wealth of information about traffic laws and regulations that can be referenced anytime. Additionally, several online sources provide comprehensive guides on Philippine driving rules and regulations including types of violations and corresponding fines/penalties associated with each one. Lastly, local newspapers often publish relevant updates regarding new traffic laws as they are enacted from time-to-time so keeping an eye out for such news can also be beneficial.

Summary

The LTO violations and its corresponding fines are some of the most important things you need to be wary of when setting out on the road. Avoid being tricked, read this guide on everything you need to know about LTO violations, fines, penalties, and how to deal with them, if, and when you actually committed an LTO violation.

If you have further questions, you may contact LTO:

Via the LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form.

Via phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.

Via email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.

Via the 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

By visiting the LTO office: For information, you may check this list of Complete LTO branches for the one closest to you.