Disregarding traffic signs and symbols is one of the most commonly committed violations of Filipino drivers. Though everyone knows that the traffic signs and symbols or road signs are especially hoisted as a necessity on the roads to relay information, instructions, or warnings for all motorists and ensure that drivers get all the warning they need to stay safe on the road as early as possible, not everyone cares about following them.
Because of those who disregard the rules and signs, serious traffic accidents still occur on almost a regular basis, resulting in many deaths. Most of these accidents primarily stem from the fault of drivers. Maybe it’s their lack of awareness of the law or simple disobedience, but it is a fact that people who violate the road rules and disobey the signals, signs, and regulations of the traffic law are quite common in the Philippines.
Traffic signs or road signs are visual markers erected at the side of and above or on the roads, pavements, and bridges to give instructions or provide information to road users. The earliest type of road signs were simple wooden or stone milestones with large letters, pictures, or symbols. They were designed to be simple and striking and are sometimes translated into Filipino or a place’s local dialect to make it easy to understand.
The traffic signs and symbols are usually designed using the official typeface for signs, Clearview. They usually reflect some influences from America, Australia, and the Vienna Convention and are regulated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) so the signs and symbols don’t change, regardless of location.
What Does it Mean to be Tagged with a Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS) Violation
Being slapped with a Disregarding Traffic Sign (DTS) violation ticket means that you have disobeyed a visual traffic sign or symbol. It means that you, as a driver, have committed one or all kinds of activities involving disregarding traffic signs while driving on the road.
Whether it was intentional or otherwise, disregarding traffic signs and symbols may cause all kinds of problems, ranging from simple fines and penalties, or worse, fatal accidents that can claim the lives of both drivers and unsuspecting pedestrians.
What is the Penalty and Fine for Disregarding Traffic Signs (DTS) Violations in the Philippines
Being tagged with a DTS violation also means having to pay fines and settle penalties imposed by either the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), or both. It is worth noting that some fines and penalties may be higher or lower depending on the Local Government Unit (LGU) as well.
Here’s more detailed information on DTS violations and its corresponding fines and penalties.
According to the list of traffic violations and fines imposed by the MMDA, DTS violators are subject to pay a fine amounting to P150.00 for the first, second, and third offense. For the LTO, however, there is no specific LTO fee to pay regarding DTS violations, though the agency and its enforcers are free to charge those who disregard traffic signs with violating traffic rules and regulations which carries a fine of P1,000.00. This 2023 DTS violation fine applies to all types of driver activities that don’t follow road rules and traffic signs while driving on the road.
Summary
While the DTS violation fine may seem affordable considering the damages it usually costs, it is still best to avoid DTS violations. As a driver, it is part of your responsibility to practice safe driving on the road. Doing so will save lives and avoid troubles that can cause financial and legal problems later on, especially if you intend to renew your driver’s license.
In the Philippines, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) works hard to ensure the safety and legality of vehicles on the road. To achieve this, the LTO established rules and regulations, along with mandatory registrations, and enforced its strict implementation to ensure accountability.
If you are a proud car owner in the Philippines, then you will also need to start your driving journey by getting your car registered. To do so, you will need to understand and adhere to the requirements, so your car will be duly registered and deemed safe for driving. Doing so means you will have to prepare the requirements for motor vehicle registrations and try to convince the agency that your motor vehicle meets the necessary safety standards to be allowed to operate. To this end, here are all the specifics of LTO motor vehicle registration, including the detailed requirements.
Motor Vehicle (MV) Registration refers to the procedures of getting the first most important process for every car and car owner done. The procedure creates a unique identifier—the registered plate numbers—which helps the government create a link between vehicles and its owners and users, making the vehicle easy to trace and monitor. Plus, MV registrations ensure that the car is always in tiptop condition and able to keep its driver and passengers safe and out of harm’s way every time.
MV Registration Classification
All motor vehicles are mandated by law to be registered under one of the following described classifications:
private passenger automobiles;
private trucks; and
private motorcycles, scooters, or motor wheel attachments.
Public utility automobiles;
public utility trucks;
taxis and auto-calesas;
garage automobiles;
garage trucks;
hire trucks: and
trucks owned by contractors and customs brokers and customs agents.
Undertakes
Dealers
Government automobiles;
government trucks; and
government motorcycles.
Tourists bringing their own motor vehicles
Special
What are the Requirements for Motor Vehicle Registration
To ensure that your motor vehicle will be registered at the LTO without much problems, here’s a list of all the required documents for the registration of your car.
General Requirements for Initial Registration of Brand New Motor Vehicles
To initiate the initial registration process for Brand New Locally Assembled / Manufactured Completely Built Units (CBU) / Imported CBUs / Brand A Imported Trailer
Certified true copy of Release Certificate, if used imported
DFA Endorsement
Used-Imported Exempted from EO 156/877-A
One (1) photocopy of Commercial invoice / Certificate of Title with English translation authenticated by the Embassy
Original duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) with Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES)
Used-Imported Through the No Dollar Importation
One (1) photocopy of Commercial invoice of Motor Vehicle or Certificate of Title issued by the country of origin
Original / certified true copy of Authority under the No Dollar Importation. If no authority, Seizure Proceedings and Notice of Award
Original Affidavit of first and last importation
Original duly accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) with Certificate of Compliance to Emission Standard (CCES)
Certified true copy of Release Certificate
Rebuilt Trucks and Buses With New Or Used Imported Engine and/or Chassis
One (1) photocopy of Commercial / Sales Invoice from country of origin
Original Affidavit of Rebuilt executed by the accredited rebuilder, stating among others the date of completion
Original Certificate of Stock Reported (CSR) of rebuilt truck / bus
One (1) Certified true copy of DTI – FTEB Endorsement
One (1) photocopy of Certificate of Payment issued if parts/components are imported
Imported Motor Vehicles Acquired through Public Bidding
One (1) Certified true copy of Official Receipt evidencing payment of acquisition cost
One (1) Certified true copy of the Notice of Award
Required Fees
Other than the documents, motor vehicle registration requires funds to cover for payment of the LTO fees.
These LTO fees include the following:
Initial Fee: ₱ 1,000.00
Stickers and tags: ₱ 50.00 each
New Plate Number: ₱ 450.00
Inspection fees: ₱ 90.00 to ₱ 115.00
Penalty fee: If you fail to show up during the schedule of your car’s registration: ₱ 50.00
Other fees: Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC) which may vary depending on the vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), year of registration, and vehicle classification which may vary as follows:
Light vehicles: Passenger cars with a GVWR of up to 1,600kg.
Medium vehicles:Vehicles with a GVWR between 1,601kg and 2,300kg.
Heavy vehicles: Vehicles with a GVWR of 2,301kg or higher.
After paying for these fees, you may need to wait for your turn at the releasing counter. Usually, registrants are allowed to collect the Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR), number plates, stickers, and other relevant documents on the same day.
For your reference, here are some things you need to remember w2hen going to any of the LTO offices in the Philippines for motor vehicle registration:
Motor vehicles registered under the first three classifications (for private vehicles) must not be used for hire under any circumstances including usage related to activities to solicit, accept, or be used to transport passengers or freight for pay.
Laborers necessary to handle freight on board private trucks may ride on such trucks provided that they satisfy the following conditions:
No seats shall be installed in the rear compartment
Only a small number of laborers, not exceeding ten, are allowed to ride on the truck
The combined weight of cargo and passengers does not exceed the registered net capacity of the truck.
Vehicles used to carry freight not belonging to the registered owner, passengers who are not related by consanguinity or affinity within the fourth civil degree to the owner, shall be conclusively presumed to be “for hire.”
No person shall be allowed to register as a private truck.
Registrations under the dealers classification are intended to cover generally and successively all the motor vehicles imported or handled by dealers for sale.
Motor vehicles registered under the dealer’s classification are dedicated only for the purpose of transporting the vehicle itself from the pier or factory to the warehouse or sales room or for delivery to a prospective purchaser or for test or demonstration.
Motor vehicles owned by the Government of the Philippines or any of its political subdivisions shall be registered as government automobiles.
Motor vehicles owned by government corporations, by government employees or by foreign governments are not considered government automobiles.
Tourists bringing their own motor vehicles to the Philippines may use their car without registering, provided that they satisfy the following conditions:
The motor vehicles are used within ninety days of their sojourn:
The motor vehicle displays the number plates for the current year of some other country or state,
The said number plates as well as the name and address (permanent and temporary) of the owner thereof are registered in the Land Transportation Commission prior to the operation of the motor vehicle.
If the tourists remain in the Philippines longer than ninety days, the motor vehicle shall not be operated unless registered in the LTO and until the corresponding registration fees are paid.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For more information, here are some common questions and answers related to the requirements for motor vehicle registrations:
1. Can I possibly change my motor vehicle plate number?
No. The LTO doesn’t allow change of plate number. Under Batas Pambansa Blg. 43:An Act Providing Number Plates to Owners of Motor Vehicles and Trailers, Amending for the Purpose Section Seventeen of Republic Act Numbered Forty-One Hundred and Thirty-Six, specifically Section 1, Sec. 17, the identification and letters of any motor vehicle number plate shall be permanently assigned to such motor vehicle during its lifetime. The only acceptable change in plate assignment is when a change in denomination or classification is transacted/effected, i.e. from a private vehicle to for-hire or government to private, etc.
2. How much is the LTO fine for a late motor vehicle registration?
LTO imposes a weekly fine for late motor vehicle registration amounting to ₱ 200.00 And if the payment is delayed for a month, the fine shall become 50% of the MVUC.
3. I want to buy a second hand motor vehicle. How can I be sure that the OR & CR are genuine?
If you are buying a secondhand car, you must have both the Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) verified for its authenticity at the LTO Property Section, East Avenue, Quezon City. You may also verify the plate number by following the steps listed in this guide to LTO Plate Number Check.
Summary
The motor vehicle registration at the LTO is one of the first things that needs to be done by any new car owner. It is a simple process but in case you need a little help in getting yourself prepared to register your motor vehicles, then this guide on the list of requirements for motor vehicle registration can help you.
The number coding scheme, officially known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), is a road space rationing system developed in 1995. It restricts both private vehicles in Metro Manila and select cities and is implemented by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
The number coding scheme was designed in a bid to ease traffic congestion on public roads. It is particularly useful on major thoroughfares like the Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) where traffic buildup is inevitable especially during the rush hours.
The Number Coding scheme or UVVRP refers to the scheme that restricts private vehicles from traveling on Metro Manila roads as well as on selected city roads for specific hours on specific weekdays based on the final digit of their license plate number. It is a program designed to help limit overcrowding vehicles on public roads and ease the increasing problem of traffic congestion caused by the drastic increase in private car ownership in the country.
The number coding scheme has gone through several changes since it started in 1995. For more information regarding the revised number coding scheme, here’s a detailed explanation on how the number coding scheme works in Metro Manila.
2025 Number Coding Scheme Based on Plate Number
According to the rules of the MMDA number coding scheme, privately owned cars with license plates ending in 1 and 2 are prohibited from traveling on Mondays, and the pattern continues throughout the week. It ends on Fridays, when the scheme restricts cars with license plates ending in 9 and 0.
Last digit of plate number: 1 and 2 Coding Day: Monday
Last digit of plate number: 3 and 4 Coding Day: Tuesday
Last digit of plate number: 5 and 6 Coding Day: Wednesday
Last digit of plate number: 7 and 8 Coding Day: Thursday
Last digit of plate number: 9 and 0 Coding Day: Friday
What time is coding in Metro Manila?
As one of the most densely populated areas in the Philippines, Metro Manila is characterized by its bustling streets and heavy traffic. The majority of roads in Manila adhere to the number coding hours from 7am to 10 am, and 5 pm to 8 pm, with the exemption of some cities and roads where the coding hours differ or where the number coding scheme does not apply.
Generally, though, the number coding scheme applies during specific morning and evening hours from Monday to Friday. The morning coding hours are now set from 7:00 AM to 10:00 AM, while the evening coding hours are from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. It also includes designated window hours, when coded cars are permitted to travel and it applies from 10:01 AM to 4:59 PM and 8:01 PM to 6:59 AM of the following day. It is important to note that the scheme applies to almost every private car, though it does not apply on weekends and holidays.
City/Municipality: Muntinlupa (Alabang) Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Caloocan Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Las Piñas Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Makati Coding Hours: 7AM to 7PM Window Hours: No Window Hours
City/Municipality: Mandaluyong Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Manila Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Parañaque Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Pasay Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Pasig Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Quezon City Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: San Juan Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Taguig Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Valenzuela Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Malabon Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Marikina (Marilaque/Marcos Highway) Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Navotas Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
City/Municipality: Pateros Coding Hours: 7AM to 10AM, 5PM to 8PM Window Hours: 10:01AM to 4:59PM
Roads where the Number Coding Applies
All the following major roads in cities under the jurisdiction of the MMDA shall follow the number coding scheme:
What are the Exemptions to the Number Coding Scheme?
Like any law, the number coding scheme also comes with exemptions for special cases and vehicles. These exemptions mean that the coding scheme does not apply to certain vehicle types and on certain roads in Metro Manila even though the scheme works in the city with jurisdiction over the area.
For more specific lists, here’s a guide you can refer to:
List of vehicles that are exempted from the number coding scheme (except in Makati City)
Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs – including tricycles)
Transport Network Vehicle Services
Motorcycles
Garbage, fuel, and Fire trucks
Marked government vehicles and marked Media Vehicles
Motor vehicles carrying essential or perishable goods
Doctors with valid and updated PRC Licenses
Electric and Hybrid Vehicles with LTO certification
Note: In Makati City, the following vehicles are also exempted from the number coding scheme:
Ambulances, fire trucks, police patrol, military vehicles on official functions
Diplomatic vehicles with diplomatic plates
Government vehicles with government plates
Official media vehicles with markings expressly showing their company while in official use
Tow trucks duly accredited by the City of Makati
Vehicles used by medical practitioners during emergency
Vehicles with Senior Citizen Blu Card holders as drivers or passengers
Other Exemptions to the Number Coding Scheme
In some.places, the scheme doesn’t apply. These places include:
Taguig (excluding C-5, East Service Road, and Manuel L. Quezon Avenue).
The NAIA Expressway
Skyway
South Luzon Expressway
Domestic Road
Ninoy Aquino Avenue
MIA Road
Sales Road,
parts of Airport Road, and
Some parts of Buendia (Gil Puyat); and
Other tollways and sections of these toll roads that pass through Metro Manila
How Much is the Fine for Violating the Number Coding Scheme, If Caught?
Like every rule on the road, violation of the number coding scheme rules or UVVRP entails paying a fine. The standard fine ranges from P300.00 to P500.00, depending on where the violation was committed. This penalty must be paid within seven days. Failure to do so within the given period will result in additional fines. It could be especially inconvenient when renewing your driver’s license.
Video: MMDA Number Coding Schedule for Vehicles
Check out this video clip which explains the number coding scheme in detail. It also provides a quick guide on which vehicles are exempted from the coding scheme depending on the day of the week.
Summary
As a driver or car owner, it is imperative to be aware of your vehicle’s plate number, especially the last digit, as well as the rules on the road. This will help you avoid trouble and hefty LTO fines. It’s also important to observe the number coding scheme and avoid using your car on days when number coding is in effect.l to avoid facing troubles when renewing your driver’s license later on.
