The short answer is yes — all delivery riders are required by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to have a Professional Driver’s License (PDL). Delivery riders also earn their income by driving, which legally classifies them as professional drivers under the provisions of the Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code). Having said that, using a non-professional license for delivery work is a violation and it can lead to fines or penalties for the driver. 

If you’re a delivery rider or planning to become one, this guide will explain what the law says, why this rule exists, and how riders can apply for or upgrade to a professional license.

What the Law Says

RA 4136 specifically defines a professional driver as anyone who is “hired or paid for driving or operating a motor vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public.”

Since delivery riders earn income by driving, even if they are using their personal motorcycle or car for delivery work, they are still already categorized as a professional driver once they start earning from it. For this reason, the LTO requires riders working for platforms like GrabFood, Foodpanda, Lalamove, and Angkas, as well as other courier companies, to hold a professional license. The agency has also taken the initiative to send out multiple public reminders over the years to emphasize this rule, especially as the number of delivery riders grew in recent years. 

LTO’s Reminder

Even in official announcements, the LTO has repeatedly reminded motorcycle delivery riders — including those working with Lalamove, GrabFood, Foodpanda, Angkas, and other courier services — to:

• Secure a Professional Driver’s License, and to
• Register their motorcycle top box or carrier

These reminders are part of the LTO’s safety and compliance measures under its March 15, 2016 memorandum entitled, “Guidelines on inspection and apprehension relative to motorcycle top boxes and saddlebags”. Failure to comply can lead to penalties of up to ₱5,000 and possible suspension of your driving privileges.

Why a Non-Professional License Isn’t Enough

A non-professional license is only for private use — for example, driving your own motorcycle or car for personal errands.

If you’re using your motorcycle to earn money, such as for food or parcel delivery, you are considered to be driving for a living. Using a non-professional license for this purpose is a violation of LTO rules and may result in apprehension and fines.

License Codes for Delivery Riders

Aside from having a Professional Driver’s License, delivery riders must also have the correct driver’s license codes (DL Code) for the type of motorcycle they use.

License Codes:

• Code A: Motorcycles
  • L1: Two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed not exceeding 50 kph
  • L3: Two-wheeled vehicles with a maximum speed exceeding 50 kph
• Code A1: Tricycles
  • L4: Motorcycles with sidecars, maximum speed exceeding 50 kph

Note: Make sure your license shows the correct code for your vehicle type — otherwise, you can still be fined.

How to Get a Professional Driver’s License

If you currently have a non-professional license, you can upgrade it to a professional one. You may check the requirements and guidelines for getting a PDL in this guide on How to Convert Non-Pro to Pro LTO Driver’s License. Once you are ready, you can apply at the nearest LTO licensing center. 

What Happens If You Don’t Comply

If you continue working as a delivery rider with only a non-professional license, the LTO can:

• Apprehend and fine you up to ₱5,000
• Suspend or revoke your license
• Prevent you from registering or renewing your license in the future

Note: Some delivery apps may also deactivate your account if you fail to present a valid Professional Driver’s License.

Engine swapping isn’t illegal — failing to report it is. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are strict about unregistered engines to prevent car theft, fake registrations, and road safety issues.

If you replaced your car’s engine but didn’t report it to the LTO, fake the time to register it properly, otherwise, you could face serious trouble. Either way, it’s far easier (and cheaper) to process the paperwork now than to deal with ₱10,000 fines, impound fees, or possible jail time later, because failure to report an engine swap can lead to heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and even criminal charges, too.

LTO Penalties for Unreported Engine Swaps

The LTO considers driving a vehicle with an unreported or undocumented engine as operating an improperly registered vehicle. This is a direct violation of Republic Act No. 10883 (The New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016).

Under Section 8 of RA 10883, every engine swap or replacement must be reported and registered with the LTO within 20 working days after the change. Any engine not registered is presumed to be from an illegal source and may be seized in favor of the government.

The car owner may also be penalized as follows:  

• ₱10,000 fine: For driving a vehicle with a fake or unregistered replacement engine or chassis.
• Vehicle impoundment: Your vehicle will be impounded until the new engine is properly registered and all fines are settled.
• Up to one year impoundment: For undocumented or unverified engines. The LTO may also confiscate the engine.
• Possible jail time (2 to 6 years): If the replacement engine came from a carnapped vehicle, the buyer or seller may face imprisonment under RA 10883.

MMDA Enforcement and Apprehension

Even though the LTO sets the rules, the MMDA enforces them on the road. Their officers can stop and inspect vehicles suspected of having unrecorded modifications.

Here’s how MMDA handles this kind of problem:

• Apprehension: If the engine number on your vehicle doesn’t match the one on your Certificate of Registration (CR), an MMDA officer can stop and cite you for an LTO violation.
• Seizure coordination: The MMDA can coordinate with the LTO for impoundment once the violation is confirmed.

Note: This means you don’t have to be caught by the LTO directly — even MMDA traffic enforcers can take action.

How to Legally Process an Engine Swap

To stay compliant and avoid penalties, you must observe the proper procedures on How to apply for change of engine at LTO. Once approved, the old engine record is canceled, and the new CR serves as proof that your vehicle is legally updated.

Other Related Laws You Should Know

Other laws related to the use of unreported engine include: 

• RA 10883, Section 8: Requires registration of any engine change or replacement within 20 days.
• Section 14: Makes it illegal to tamper with or deface engine serial numbers.
• Section 15: Prohibits using the identity (engine or chassis number) of a vehicle declared as total wreck.

Violating any of these sections can lead to severe penalties and possible criminal prosecution.

So, if you’re planning an engine replacement, take the time to register it properly and avoid unnecessary trouble in the future. For more information or updates, visit the LTO official website or inquire through your nearest LTO District Office.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) sets the maximum allowed noise level for motorcycle exhausts at 99 decibels (dB). This limit is measured from 0.5 meters away at a 45-degree angle and at an engine speed of 2,000 to 2,500 rpm. Motorcycles that exceed this limit can fail inspection, face fines, or even risk impoundment. For riders who enjoy the sound of their bikes, remember that the LTO’s 99 dB limit is not a restriction on fun — it’s a guide designed to reduce noise pollution and promote a more peaceful, safer, and more responsible riding environment for everyone.

If you love modifying your motorcycle or using an aftermarket muffler, it’s important to know that the LTO has set strict limits on how loud your exhaust can be. Read on to learn more.

The LTO Muffler Law on Motorcycle Exhaust Sound

As mentioned above, the LTO is quite strict when it comes to the noise emitted by vehicle exhaust. The main rule? Your motorcycle exhaust should not go beyond 99 decibels (dB). This limit is part of the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) under LTO Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 2020-2240, and it applies to all motor vehicles, not just to motorcycles.

The LTO MC was also quite clear about how to check for this sound and what the actions are in case the vehicle noise exceeds the set limit. This regulation is supported by the Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and the Clean Air Act of 1999 (RA 8749), both promoting safe, quiet, and environmentally responsible vehicle use.

LTO-Approved Decibel Limit for Motorcycle Exhaust

According to the LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2240 and MVIS inspection standards, motorcycles and all other vehicle must: 

• Have a maximum sound level of 99 decibels (dB)

How the Sound Test is Measured

The LTO memo also offers a detailed guide for measuring the motorcycle noise using a sound level meter. The test follows specific guidelines:

• Distance: 0.5 meters away from the exhaust pipe’s tip
• Angle: 45 degrees from the exhaust center line
• Position: Parallel to the ground
• Engine speed: Between 2,000 and 2,500 revolutions per minute (rpm)
• Height: Same level as the exhaust outlet

If your exhaust sound goes beyond 99 dB under these conditions, it means your motorcycle is too loud and may fail the inspection.

What Happens If You Exceed 99 Decibels?

Motorcycles that produce sound levels above 99 dB will fail the MVIS noise test. Here’s what follows:

• You will be given an MVIS Report (MVIR) indicating the needed repairs.
• Your motorcycle will not pass inspection or registration until the issue is fixed.
• You’ll need to repair or replace your muffler (usually reverting to stock or quieter aftermarket exhaust).
• After repair, you must undergo a re-inspection at a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC).
• A ₱300 re-inspection fee will be charged.
• Continuous violations may lead to fines or even vehicle impoundment.

Penalties and Enforcement

Here’s a list of the penalties and enforcement guidelines under this law:

• Failing the sound test means your motorcycle can’t be registered or renewed until compliant.
• Apprehensions may also occur during roadside inspections by LTO enforcers using authorized sound meters.
• Violations can result in fines and impoundment, depending on the case.
• Remember: Testing is done after apprehension, not during regular registration.

What You Can Do

Here are a few practical steps to stay compliant and avoid penalties:

• Check your exhaust sound before registration or modification.
• Use stock mufflers or aftermarket ones labeled as LTO-compliant.
• Avoid “open pipe” or racing exhausts in public roads.
• Visit a PMVIC for sound testing if unsure about your setup.
• Stay updated with LTO announcements and local ordinances.