Penalty for Driving Without License in Philippines

Driving without a license is illegal In the Philippines. It can result in hefty fines and penalties too. After all, a driver’s license issued by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) plays a crucial role in granting individuals the legal permission to drive motor vehicles on public roads. It serves not only as concrete evidence of their driving competency and understanding of safe driving practices, but it also works as a proof of a person’s identity. Having said that, it is safe to assume that an LTO driver’s license is a definite must-have of every driver, especially when they go out on a drive. 

As an important document, an LTO driver’s license is considered a necessity for every driver. That said, one must never go out and drive without it. After all, it is the first thing enforcers ask for when you violate a law. Plus, driving without a valid license is strictly prohibited by law and getting caught doing so entails hefty fines and penalties, along with some other potential consequences. 

penalty for driving without a license

What is a driver’s license?

A driver’s license is a legal and official government-issued document designed to prove that an individual is legally allowed to handle or operate a motorcycle or a motor vehicle. It signifies that the licensee has successfully completed all the requirements and passed all the assessment set forth by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), via the LTO. The LTO driver’s license also serves as proof that the bearer has permission to drive freely along the Philippine roads on his own and without the supervision of a licensed driver.

Importance of Having an LTO Driver’s License

A driver’s license is definitely on the top of the list of must-haves for every driver, especially when they go out, and for good reasons. 

Here are some of the reasons why you need to have your physical driver’s license card or its equivalent on your body whenever you go out for a drive: 

  • It serves as a crucial document that evaluates and verifies an individual’s eligibility and competence to drive. 
  • It serves as proof that you are knowledgeable enough to drive a motor vehicle.
  • It acts as tangible proof of one’s ability to adhere to road safety standards.
  • In the event of a traffic law violation, traffic enforcers prioritize checking for a valid driver’s license.
  • Driving without a license is illegal so you need to have it with you to avoid being penalized.
  • Failing to present a valid license may result in additional charges for driving without a license.
  • Having your driver’s license readily available can help you avoid facing other legal consequences.

Driving Without License

Driving without license violation is quite self-explanatory. This literally refers to driving without having the physical license card or its equivalent with you. However, there are a few other acts that constitute driving without license. 

The following acts also serve as equivalent to driving without license:

  • Driving with a photocopy of the driver’s license
  • Driving with a laminated photocopy of the driver’s license
  • Driving with a saved image of the physical license card
  • Driving with a saved image of the LTO Digital ID
  • Driving with a screenshot of the LTO Digital ID
  • Driving with a blurred or unclear photocopy of the QR code behind the temporary paper-based license
  • Driving with a blurred image of the QR code printed at the back of the temporary paper-based license

Aside from these acts, some license-related violations also amount to the same violation as driving without license. 

These violations include:

  • A student permit holder is caught driving without being accompanied by someone who has a non-professional or a professional driver’s license.
  • Being caught carrying an expired driver’s license 
  • Being caught carrying a fake driver’s license
  • Improper use of drivers license
  • Expired drivers license
  • Fake drivers license or Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR)
  • Expired Traffic Violation Receipt
  • Tampered documents pertaining to franchising, registration, and licensing

Driving Without License Penalty

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in the Philippines has implemented regulations to ensure that those who drive behave responsibly and in compliance with its legal requirements.

As part of these regulations, the LTO has been mandated to impose fines and penalties to drivers who fail to carry a driver’s license while driving on the open roads. This measure emphasizes the importance of drivers to have their driver’s license readily available while operating a vehicle.

The penalties for driving without license includes:

  • The penalty for driving without a license, carrying an expired, suspended, revoked, or fake driver’s license is a hefty P3,000.00.
  • Student permit holders caught driving without being accompanied by someone who has a non-professional or a professional driver’s license will also be penalized with the same fine amounting to P3,000.00.
  • Drivers caught carrying an expired or fake driver’s license among a few other things, can get their vehicles impounded or towed as towing or impounding the vehicle is the most logical option in this case since there is no authorized person to drive it.

To avoid these LTO penalties, always remember to bring your driver’s license wherever you go and make sure to observe other traffic rules and regulations.

Video: Driving Without License Penalty

Learn more about the LTO violation from driving without a license as well as the corresponding penalties by watching this video from Our Thinking Media:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your references, here are some common questions and answers related to driving without license penalty.

1. Why is it important to always bring your driver’s license?

Bringing a driver’s license is necessary for drivers because it is a violation of the LTO regulation to do otherwise. Plus, if you violated a traffic law, the first thing that traffic enforcers will ask you is your driver’s license and if you are unable to present it, you will also be apprehended and penalized for driving without a license aside from the traffic violation that you were initially apprehended for. 

2. Is it okay to just bring a laminated photocopy of the driver’s license?

No. Driving with a laminated photocopy of a driver’s license, just like bringing a photocopy, is not acceptable. Presenting it to apprehending officers may only result in having more violations and paying even more hefty LTO fines.

3. What is driving without a license penalty?

The penalty for driving without license, as well as the other equivalent acts and violations, is a hefty LTO penalty amounting to P3,000.00. It could also result in towing and getting your vehicle impounded, so you need to be extra careful and to bring your license with you at all times.

4. Can driving without license result in getting your motor vehicle impounded? 

No. Driving without a license alone cannot get your motor vehicle impounded. What would make LTO do so is when you commit related violations like driving with an expired or fake license, etc. 

5. Who has the authority to confiscate your driver’s license?

According to the regulations of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), only the LTO and its deputized agents, including the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) are deputized and allowed to confiscate a driver’s license for violations of traffic regulations.

Summary

The driving without a license penalty is a necessary imposition from the LTO. Not only does it help deter reckless driving, but it makes it easier to avoid more LTO violations and even more hefty fines. After all, a driver’s license proves that you are who you say you are and that you are a certified driver who is legally allowed on the road. 

Reckless Driving Penalty in the Philippines 

Reckless driving in the Philippines puts the driver, passengers, and the public at risk. It also causes unreasonable damages to public infrastructures and private properties along with the motor vehicle being driven. Unfortunately, not every driver is careful enough and would follow traffic rules and regulations. That said, the risks caused by law violators and reckless drivers remain a real possibility on any road, both in the Philippines and in other countries. 

Some reckless driving violators may not be in the right mindset when they drive and cause trouble. Some others are aware of the law but choose to deliberately ignore it for whatever reason. While not many will claim ignorance of the law, making sure that the drivers understand the consequences of reckless driving as well as the penalty associated with it in the Philippines will ensure that they stay on board with the government’s intent to keep the road safe for everyone. In this guide, you can learn everything there is about reckless driving penalty in the Philippines, along with what constitutes reckless driving, as well as the fines and penalties attached to the various traffic violations related to reckless driving.

penalty for reckless driving in philippines

What is reckless driving

Reckless driving in the Philippines refers to the act of operating a motor vehicle dangerously which puts at risk the safety of persons, both motorists and pedestrians. It is specifically defined under the Republic Act No. 4136 (R.A. 4136), otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, as a punishable act. The same law also defines a reckless driver as a person who operates motor vehicles without reasonable caution. 

By reasonable caution, the law refers to acts that constitutes the following:

  • not taking into account the traffic situation as well as the width, traffic, grades, crossing, curvatures, visibility and other conditions of the highway and the conditions of the atmosphere and weather, or 

  • so as to endanger the property or the safety or rights of any person, or 

  • so as to cause excessive or unreasonable damage to the highway.

The law’s definition of reckless driving is broad enough to cover any act which can be described as lack of “reasonable caution” in regards to surrounding circumstances. It also involves causing direct or potential harm to people, animals, and properties due to inattention. 

In essence, if you are driving inattentively that you put yourself and the safety of persons, both motorists and pedestrians, at risk through the violation of traffic rules and by driving with less than the minimum skills, attention, and focus required of every driver, then you are driving recklessly and violating the traffic laws on reckless driving. 

Types of reckless driving violations

Reckless driving comes in various forms. As the law only defines it as any act that causes direct or potential harm due to lack of “reasonable caution” and less than minimum driving skills, attention, and focus, reckless driving can come off in different types of violations.

Here are some of the reckless driving violations in the Philippines for your quick reference:

Over-speeding

Overspeeding is, perhaps, one of the most disturbing types of reckless driving. It causes lots of problems, too, and it does not allow you to have a full stop at the appropriate distance from another car or property.

According to Section 35 of R.A. 4136, overspeeding is the violation of the maximum allowable speed enforced in different types of roads. When drivers exceed the legal speed limit, whether the limit number on the roadside is posted or not, this is considered overspeeding. 

The speed limits are usually set according to the road’s width, flow of traffic, and whether it passes through high-risk zones. 

To avoid being tagged for overspeeding, make sure to follow the proper speed prescribed by the law and described as: 

  • a speed that is careful and prudent, not greater or less than what is reasonable and proper considering traffic, road and other existing conditions, 

  • a speed that will not endanger the life, limb and property of any person, and 

  • a speed that will permit a driver to bring his vehicle to a stop within the assured clear distance ahead.

Blatant disregard for the speed limit has led to many accidents on the road. Over-speeding, especially in roads and highways where traffic is fast-moving and traffic enforcers are less able to run after violators, has in fact resulted in some stretches being tagged as “killer highways” because of the sheer number of accidents that have been recorded in them.

. . .Section 56, R.A. 4316 states, that…

If, as the result of negligence or reckless or unreasonable fast driving, any accident occurs resulting in death or injury of any person, the motor vehicle operator at fault shall, upon conviction, be punished under the provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or “Drunk Driving”

Intoxication or drunkenness numbs a person’s senses, affecting his alertness and ability to focus. Having said that, they are in no position to operate a motor vehicle and ensure road safety at the same time. In such cases, according to R.A. 4136, the driver is already violating the traffic law on reckless driving. The moment a driver operates a motor vehicle and registers a Blood Alcohol Content level of 0.06% within one (1) hour of his apprehension or while under the influence of narcotic drugs, even without causing harm, he already exhibits a reckless driving attitude since he poses a high risk of danger to both properties and persons on the road.

. . .Section 53 of R.A. 4136 states,

No person shall drive a motor vehicle while under the influence of liquor or narcotic drugs.

Once proven to be drunk or under the influence of drugs, a person can also be held liable for driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, which is a much graver offense than reckless driving.

Distracted driving

The term “distracted driving” is a common term used to refer to inattention while driving. It is commonly used to refer to operating a motor vehicle while being inattentive on account of various activities not related to driving like: 

  • Answering a call

  • Replying to a text message

  • Listening to music

  • Drinking/ eating

  • Talking to somebody in the car

  • Conversing with another person on the phone

  • Adjusting car radios

  • Using other devices
    • mobile phones

    • laptops

    • iPads

    • iPods

    • MP3 players 

    • GPS-enabled devices

  • Getting items on the dashboard/floor

Although the term may seem a bit unpopular in the Philippines, the introduction of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act makes having distracting objects in the driver’s line of sight a traffic violation. After all, such things deviate a driver’s attention away from the road, causing him to commit acts or omissions that may endanger himself and others. It causes those who pay little attention to the situation of the road to become less active in accurately handling unexpected situations. It is also quite dangerous to engage in distracting activities while driving, especially when driving along a complicated and crowded urban road. 

As one of the most common causes of accidents, distracted driving is already a violation. You may learn more about this violation by checking out the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) Law in the Philippines. However, there are many causes of distracted driving that produce the same risk of causing accidents, so you may want to consider all these causes comprehensively to avoid getting penalized for it. Plus, in case your distraction causes serious consequences, you could be subject to not only fines and penalties, but also criminal prosecution and other legal repercussions

Reckless Driving Penalty Philippines

Reckless driving in the Philippines causes a driver to be held responsible for the damages and entails the following fines and penalties:

Reckless Driving 

Fines: ₱2,000.00 To ₱10,000.0/

  • 1st offense – ₱2,000.00

  • 2nd offense – ₱3,000.00 and a 3-month license suspension, 

  • 3rd offense and beyond – ₱10,000.00 and a 6-month license suspension or revocation.

Penalties: Confiscation of License or a 3- to 6-Month License Suspension Or Revocation.

Violation of the Anti-Distracted Driving Act (ADDA) 

Fines: ₱5,000.00 to ₱15,000.00

  • 1st offense – ₱5,000.00

  • 2nd offense – ₱10,000.00 

  • 3rd offense and beyond – ₱15,000.00 and a 3-month license suspension 

Penalties: A 3-month suspension of driver’s license

Driving Under the Influence of Drugs and Alcohol 

Fines: ₱ 20,000 To ₱ 500,000; 

Penalties: Reclusion Temporal

Driving Under the Influence

Fines: ₱20,000.00 to ₱80,000.00

Penalties: A 3-month imprisonment 

Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Physical Injuries

Fines: ₱150,000.00 to ₱ 250,000.00

Penalties: The penalty should be referred to in the Revised Penal Code, Article 263.

Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide

Fines: ₱350,000.00 to ₱500,000.00

Penalties: The penalty will be as stated in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code.

  • Non-professional driver’s license
    • First conviction: Your non-professional driver’s license will be seized and suspended for 18 months. 

    • Second Conviction: Your non-professional driver’s license will be permanently withdrawn.

  • Professional driver’s license
    • First conviction: Your professional driver’s license will be taken away and permanently suspended. You will also be banned from getting any form of driver’s license.

Penalty notes

In addition to the fines and penalties listed above, you might want to take note of the following information as well: 

  • When reckless driving results in damages and injuries to persons or property, the provisions of the Revised Penal Code shall apply.

  • Depending on the extent of damages caused, a person may be charged with crimes such as:
    • physical injuries

    • reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property 

    • homicide 

    • murder

  • When a person causes damages or injuries on the road, he has the duty and obligation to help the victim. 

  • Not helping victims resulting from reckless driving may cause the driver to be held liable for the crime of Abandonment of One’s Own Victim, punished under Article 275 of the Revised Penal Code. 

  • Under R.A. 4136, there is also a duty on the part of an erring driver to do the following:
    • show his license and give his true name and address, 

    • give the true name and address of the owner of the motor vehicle, and 

    • render assistance to the victim

  • Failure to assist one’s own victim is excused only in the following situations:
    • The driver is in imminent danger of being seriously harmed by reason of the accident, 

    • The driver leaves to report the incident to the nearest officer of the law, or 

    • The driver summons a physician or nurse.

  • When an ordinance against particular forms of reckless driving like drunk driving or distracted driving is being enforced in the place where the violation is committed, the offender shall likewise be held liable under it. 

  • Reckless drivers who have harmed or injured individuals shall be covered by the Revised Penal Code and held responsible as follows:
    • Reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property penalty: 12 hours of holding period

    • Reckless imprudence resulting to physical injuries: 18 hours of holding period

    • Reckless imprudence resulting to homicide penalty: 36 hours of holding period

Note: After the investigation done by the police is completed, the official fine and penalty will be given under the provisions of Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code.

Important Reminders

For your reference, here are some important information worth taking note of:

  • Reckless driving, drunk driving, and distracted driving are punishable violations of the law, regardless if they result in damages, injuries or even death or not.

  • Everytime you go behind the wheel, you are expected to be responsible not only for your life but also for the lives of your passengers and countless others on the road, including pedestrians.

  • Reckless driving and all its forms are violations of your responsibility to ensure safety for yourself and others in your community. 

  • Being a responsible driver entails observing all traffic rules and regulations, even if you see others violating them, and even if there are no traffic enforcers in sight.

  • One way of honing personal discipline is to refrain from drinking and driving. 

  • If you are drinking, it is best to ask another person to drive your car or just take a cab. 

  • Staying away from the wheel when you know that you have had a few drinks can save your life and those of others.

  • Drivers should always be aware of maximum speed limits, which regardless if they are posted or not.

  • Speed limits are not deemed suspended when the road appears very clear or when traffic is fast-moving. 

  • Speed limits are imposed so that drivers will not lose control over their vehicles at all times and will be able to react quickly to any untoward incident.

  • Do not engage in distracting activities while driving.

  • Driving in itself already demands intense focus and split-second decision-making, especially in our roads that are often narrow and full of obstructions. 

  • Devoting your attention to other activities not related to driving will seriously affect your capacity to drive carefully.

  • Being in the middle of heavy traffic is not an excuse to engage in distracting activities like using your mobile phones and other gadgets. 

  • Do not rely on accessories that supposedly make it safer for you to use your gadgets while driving, as they provide only a false sense of safety. 

  • If you really have to take an important call, pull over so you will not be a danger to yourself and to others. 

  • Take extra caution when in accident-prone areas or in “killer highways.”

  • “Killer highways” refer to certain areas or roads have been the site of more accidents than others.

  • Be on the lookout for drivers showing signs of recklessness, especially intoxication or inattentiveness, and immediately report them to enforcers. 

  • When riding a public utility vehicle, do not be afraid to speak out and remind the driver to observe traffic rules, especially on speeding. 

  • Be vigilant in order to protect yourself and others, and do your share in coming up with stricter laws and rules to promote road safety.

Video: Reckless Driving in the Philippines

Reckless driving can entail any of the different violations resulting from inattention while driving. It can include other driving violations too, thanks to the somewhat broad definition offered by R.A. 4136. To help you understand it better, you can try to learn more about what reckless driving is all about, along with the fines and penalties of getting caught doing so from this explainer video posted by Atty. Tony Roman (TikTok Lawyer):

Summary

Reckless driving in the Philippines is not uncommon. While it can be avoided quite easily with even just a little consideration and by following the rules and regulations imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), not a lot of drivers are inclined to do so despite the dangers. Maybe it’s ignorance of the law or simple defiance and desire to live life on the edge, but reckless driving can be quite troublesome. No, we are not just talking about the penalty fees, driving license suspension or revocation, and jail time, but also the lives that might be lost or endangered due to recklessness. So, if you value yours or others’ life for even just a little bit, it’s best to know everything about the reckless driving violations and penalties as well as the different violations that constitutes reckless driving in the Philippines.

Reasons Why Your Driver’s License is Revoked

Revoked driver’s license may seem a bit too far-fetched for you right now, but it’s more common than you think. In fact, if you are a driver in the Philippines, you’ve probably wished that a person’s driver’s license would be revoked at least once in your life. As bad as it sounds, a lot of drivers in the Philippines lack the discipline and courtesy that should be exhibited on the road. It’s also quite the hassle, especially if you like to keep your freedom to drive your own car on public roads by yourself.

If you do not know yet, there are numerous violations that can serve as sufficient grounds for a driver’s license to be revoked. Regardless of the reason, however, a revoked license is the price a driver pays for breaking the rules and regulations imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) via the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and its deputized agencies.

Table of Contents

reasons why drivers license is revoked

Banned vs. suspended vs. revoked license: What’s the difference?

Driver’s license can be banned, suspended, and revoked. Though all three are types of penalties imposed by the agency following the commission of transgressions behind the wheel. When your license is banned, suspended or revoked, it means that you are not allowed to drive legally in the Philippines, and that you are actually committing a crime as defined under special statutes.

Despite the similarities, there are some major differences between banned, suspended, and revoked licenses. For one, revocation is a stiffer penalty compared to driver’s license suspension. Suspensions can be lifted after a certain period. When a license is revoked, the offender can apply for one again after the prescribed two to three years period. However, when a driver has had his license banned, it means that he is banned from driving, usually for life and even if there is a name change. This is so because the DOTr, through the LTO and its deputized apprehending agency, deems that your actions show that you are too dangerous to be let out on the road and to ever drive again.

Revoked Driver’s License

Revocation of a driver’s license refers to the penalty imposed by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) via the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other deputized agencies. It refers to the penalty for driving violations, resulting in the suspension of the permission to drive on the public roads. 

The DOTr Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 also has guidelines for revocation of licenses. It states that revoked non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) means the holder shall be disqualified from being granted a license for a period of two years counted from the date of revocation. Meanwhile, a revoked professional driver’s license (PDL) means the holder is perpetually disqualified from getting another license.

Reasons for Revoked Driver’s License 

In this guide, we listed ten (10) potential causes and reasons that will get you a revoked license in the Philippines. 

Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime

Driving a vehicle used to commit a crime is a traffic violation resulting in revocation of a license. Before the license can be revoked, however, it is necessary for the apprehending agency to have a judgment of conviction by a regular court to prove that the driver is indeed guilty of the violation pressed against him. Aside from license revocation, the driver would also need to pay a fine of P10,000.00 and be perpetually banned from getting a driver’s license or even drive a motor vehicle. The vehicle itself is also impounded in favor of the government.  

Commission of a crime during apprehension

If a driver gets caught committing crimes amidst the apprehension, then you can expect the revocation of a driver’s license as well. The revocation of license resulting from this violation presupposes that there is final judgment of the court, holding the driver guilty. The subject vehicle is then impounded and the violator penalized with P10,000.00. Also, aside from the revocation of the driver’s license, he is disqualified to apply for another driver’s license for a period of five (5) years, reckoned from the date of his payment of penalty. 

Driving under the influence of dangerous drugs, alcohol or similar substance 

This type of violation will end up with a revocation of the driver’s license only if the license is a professional driver’s license (PDL). A driver who is found to be guilty of the charge will only end up with a perpetually revoked license if he is a professional driver’s license holder. He will also be charged with a fine and banned from applying for any type of driver’s license in the Philippines thereafter. For non-professional driver’s license (NPDL) holders, it will only result in a twelve (12) month-suspension on the first conviction. Perpetual revocation of the driver’s license will only happen if he commits the same act and the court finds him guilty again.

Reckless driving

This is probably one of the most commonly committed violations in the Philippines. You probably don’t think that this offense may amount to revocation of your license if you keep on doing it. For non-professional driver’s license holders, the revocation of license plus a fine of P10,000.00 will be imposed if he commits the violation for the fourth time. The good thing is, he is still allowed to apply for another driver’s license after two years, counted from the day of revocation of his previous license. For professional driver’s license holders, a stiffer penalty will be imposed so the fourth violation of the same will get the licensee a penalty of perpetual revocation of his license, perpetual disqualification from getting any type of driver’s license, and a fine amounting to P10,000.00.

Procuring fake documents in applying for a driver’s license

The use and submission of fake documents to prove his records and identity in the process of renewing the driver’s license is also a violation. This violation, when discovered, can end up having the license tagged for being procured on alarm. When caught, the driver will be disqualified from driving a motor vehicle and getting a driver’s license for a period of one (1) year, commencing from the date of payment of fine, which is Php 3,000.00.

Three consecutive violations of the same law within a year

A revoked driver’s license can also result from repeated violations of the same kind for at least three times within the same year. If a driver commits the same violations of the offenses defined by Joint Administrative order no. 2014-01 for three consecutive times within one year, the LTO Commissioner may impose either a suspension or a revocation of license upon his discretion.

Some of the acts defined under this law include: 

Cheating or the commission of certain fraudulent acts prior to the issuance of the license 

An issued driver’s license may be revoked If, upon the application for a driver’s license, the applicant is found to have committed any of the following acts before the issuance of a driver’s license (Section 23B of RA 10930): 

  • Willful misrepresentation with respect to material information in the application; 

  • Connivance with the officer in the irregular conduct of examinations or issuance of a license; 

  • Falsification of documents; and, 

  • Cheating during examinations.

Accidents or vehicle crashes resulting in death or injuries

A driver’s license may be revoked if a licensed driver of a certain motor vehicle caused the death or any debilitating physical injury resulting in the loss of any part of the victim’s body or the use thereof, insanity, imbecility, impotence or blindness, or incapacity to work for more than 90 days.

Allowing unauthorized people to use your license

Transferring, lending, or otherwise allowing any person other than the one named on the license to use his/her license for the purpose of enabling such person to operate a motor vehicle is not allowed and may end up in the revocation of the borrowed license. 

20 demerit points gets your driver’s license revoked

In the LTO Point or Demerit System, everyone starts with a clean slate of 20 points. Each violation will have a corresponding point equivalent, and every violation point will be deducted from the starting 20. Once the 20 points have been spent or deducted, the penalty is a revocation of the Driver’s License plus a suspension from driving for a period of two (2) years.

Things to do cases of revoked license

There are different things you can do when you find yourself with a revoked license. However, these can only be done depending on the situation surrounding the revocation. 

Appeal for reinstatement

It is possible to file for an appeal to reinstate your revoked license. According to the provisions of Section 27 of RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), the LTO Commissioner or director has the ability to exercise the power to revoke or suspend a driver’s license. Likewise, he can reinstate a revoked license if the driver can furnish a bond amounting to one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) and convince him that he has the ability to safely operate a motor vehicle again. 

. . .Section 27 of RA 4136 states that:

Without prejudice to the authority of the court in appropriate cases and except as herein otherwise provided, the Director shall have exclusive power and authority to suspend or revoke for cause any driver’s license issued under the provisions of this Act.

Apply for a new license

In cases when perpetual driver’s license revocation is not imposed on the driver, it is still possible to apply for another driver’s license. The owner of the revoked license only needs to serve the period of two years, counting from the date of revocation, then he can already file for a new application for a driver’s license by submitting the same legal documentary requirements. Naturally, the application will cost the same, charging  P820.26 for both professional and non-professional driver’s license applicants.

Reinstating a revoked license

According to RA 4136,  a driver’s license shall not be reinstated until the driver has furnished a bond instituted by the LTO chief after being convinced that the said driver can safely operate a motor vehicle again pursuant to RA 4136.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to revoked licenses:

1. Who or which government agencies have the power to revoke a driver’s license?

Without prejudice toward the authority of the court in appropriate cases, only the LTO chief has the exclusive power and authority to suspend or revoke any driver’s license issued under Republic Act 4136 (Section 27). The deputy of the LTO chief may, for the same cause, suspend for a period not exceeding three months any driver’s license issued under the provisions of RA 4136, provided that such suspension may be appealed to the LTO chief who may, after reviewing the case, confirm, reverse or modify the action taken by the deputy. A decision of the LTO chief to revoke or refuse the reinstatement of a revoked license may be appealed to the DOTr head.

The LTO regional offices also do not have the authority to revoke the license, but they are allowed to recommend it as they see fit. However, do note that regional directors are bound by law to impose up to 90 days suspension only. They can also recommend to the LTO chief whether or not to revoke a traffic violator’s driving privileges.

2. How may a driver with a revoked license appeal for the reinstatement of said license?

If you are a driver with a suspended or revoked driver’s license, it is possible to appeal for reinstatement of the suspended or revoked license. The driver simply has to furnish a bond instituted by the LTO chief, and only after the latter is convinced that the driver with revoked license may be safely permitted to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.

3. Are there any special or extra requirements when applying for a new license for drivers with a revoked non-professional license who has completed a two-year ban?

No. There are none. The driver shall simply undergo the usual process of acquiring a license and submit the same documentary requirements pursuant to the provisions of RA 4136.

4. Is it possible for a person to be issued with a perpetually revoked driver’s license—meaning the person can no longer be issued a license for as long as he or she lives?

Yes. If the violator is a professional driver’s license holder and has used a motor vehicle in the commission of a crime, upon conviction by a regular court of competent jurisdiction, the person shall be perpetually disqualified from being granted a driver’s license. Likewise, the violator must also pay a fine of P10,000.00. 

5. Are there instances when a non-pro license holder can be banned from driving in perpetuity?

Yes. Upon conviction of a crime where a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offense. In such a case, the driver’s license shall be revoked and the driver shall be perpetually disqualified from being granted a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle. The perpetual revocation also applies to non-professional drivers convicted for the second time due to driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or similar substances. 

6. What is the penalty if a person is caught driving a motor vehicle while his or her license is revoked?

If a person is caught driving while his license is revoked, then he will be disqualified from being granted a license for the initially prescribed two years, plus an extension of one year. He or she shall also pay a fine for driving without a license.

7. Can a driver with a revoked license make an appeal?

Yes. A driver can try to challenge a revocation decision. According to RA 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, a decision of the LTO chief to either revoke or refuse the reinstatement of a license issued under its provisions, then the case may be appealed to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

Summary

Given the hard and hassling process of lifting the revocation imposed on a driver’s license, plus the money you have to spend for LTO fines and fees, and the possibility of a criminal conviction, it is safe to say that avoiding getting your driver’s license revoked is the best course of action for every driver. Driving safely while keeping in mind that the driver’s license is a privilege and not a right is the best preventive measure. While knowing the reasons for revocation and avoiding them may help, this really is up to the person involved. After all, the trouble that comes with driver’s license revocation is something a driver would have to deal with himself even if it seems like the worst thing he might ever encounter in his lifetime. 

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