Passing the LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) exam is the culminating activity designed to complete the 15-hour, three-seminar session of the Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) workshop. It is only after passing the TDC exam that you can get a TDC certificate which is a mandatory requirement when securing a driver’s license from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
That being said, it is important for driver’s license applicants to prepare and get a better grasp of the rules of the road including how to keep the roads safe, develop better driving attitude, more technical understanding of road signages, and a clearer driver intuition in order to properly answer the questions included in the LTO TDC written exam. For a better chance at passing the TDC written exam, applicants may either run a quick search on the Internet for review resources or check this comprehensive LTO TDC exam reviewer with an answer key downloadable in pdf format.
Taking the Filipino (Tagalog) LTO TDC Written Exam
The LTO TDC refers to Theoretical Driving Course, a 15-hour seminar or classroom session where all attendees are expected to learn about the basics of driving and road safety. The course is split into three sessions, covering numerous topics or modules—from the LTO basics to the comprehensive discussion on the safe use of motor vehicles. It also comes with actual driving practices, especially when taken in private driving schools. It culminates with a written exam, and like other LTO courses, this LTO TDC exam needs to be cleared and passed in order to secure the required TDC certificate.
As the most recent addition to LTO’s mandatory requirements from all new drivers, it is a must to complete the TDC either at an LTO branch, online, at an LTO Driver Education Center (DEC), or at any LTO-accredited institutions. It is particularly important to attend this course, especially if you are seeking to secure a Student Driver’s Permit and you intend to secure a Non-professional driver’s license as soon as you’re allowed to.
LTO TDC Exam Coverage
Just like the LTO TDC exam in English, the Filipino (Tagalog) LTO TDC culminating written exam is a randomized multiple choice exam that covers the following topics discussed during the classroom/theoretical instructions and actual driving sessions. It covers the following topics:
The progress and role of the LTO in our society’s growth
The organization and operation of the LTO
Requirements and process of getting a driver’s license
Traffic regulations that include signs, road markings, and right of way
Specific directives and laws designed by the LTO
Scanning of danger to reduce road crash risks
Operations of automotive parts and related accessories
Effective driving with proper maneuvering
Different parking skills
Techniques and tips on how to save fuel
The correct way of checking the safety of a vehicle
Practicum on basic troubleshooting
Defensive driving, road discipline, and other related practices
Comprehensive discussion regarding the safe use of motorcycle and light motor vehicles
Passing the Tagalog or Filipino LTO TDC Exam
Passing the LTO TDC exam in Filipino/Tagalog requires you to answer a certain number of questions correctly, depending on the license type you are applying for. For your guidance, here’s the number of items and the equivalent passing score for each license type:
Non-professional driver’s license (NPDL): You need to get 30 correct answers out of a set of 40 questions.
Professional driver’s license (PDL): You need to get 45 correct answers out of a set of 60 questions.
Expert tip: To be able to give correct and appropriate responses, you will need to carefully read and understand each situation covered in the written exam. A lot of the questions will be about different road scenarios and situations strategically broken down into sections, but they are usually in random order so it’s best to review and take practice exams as often as you can.
Failing the TDC Exam
Just like in the LTO TDC English Exam, failing to get a passing score in the Tagalog or Filipino LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam, may result in the following:
If a driver’s license applicant is unable to meet the passing rate, retaking the test is allowed one month after the first attempt.
If unable to meet the passing rate on the second attempt, a driver’s license applicant can’t retake the exam and apply for a driver’s license within a year.
If unable to meet the passing rate on the third attempt, a driver’s license applicant has to wait for two years before they can be allowed to retake the test and re-apply for a license
LTO TDC Exam Reviewer 2023
The LTO TDC exam is available in both Tagalog and English. However, the reviewer we have here, though one of the most comprehensive for all aspiring drivers, is only available in the Filipino or Tagalog language. Nevertheless, we hope it helps pass the actual written exam to culminate your TDC. The reviewer can also be opened from your smartphone as well as other computing devices like a tablet or a PC. It is also quite informative and it also serves as a resource site about driving and about the basics of a roadworthy driver.
This version of the LTO TDC exam reviewer is best suited for Filipinos who need a Filipino or Tagalog reviewer. It is composed of 100 items, though the actual TDC exam only has 45 or 60 items, so we hope you can review and pass the actual LTO TDC exam.
Download the LTO Theoretical Driving Course (TDC) Exam Reviewer PDF
The LTO TDC Exam Reviewer in Filipino/Tagalog. It was made to be as informative and comprehensive as possible. After clicking on the link, you will be directed to the LTO exam reviewer PDF. You can practice there or download the reviewer directly for printing.
The LTO exam reviewer PDF comes in two types, Tagalog and English. However, only the Filipino or Tagalog version of this reviewer is only available for downloading and printing or directly opening from these links:
Checking for your LTO violations and fines is crucial if you eventually wish to renew your driver’s license in the Philippines. Not only is it one of the deciding factors on whether you can get one with a ten-year validity period, but it also helps you satisfy the requirements of license renewal and avoid license suspension and reorientation.
With the recent changes in driver’s license validity, LTO has also changed the system for LTO violations and fines and started using the demerit system. Via the demerit system, the violations are now scored according to the severity of offenses. Therefore, reaching a certain number would mean satisfying additional requirements when securing your LTO driver’s license in the Philippines.
The good news is, it is possible to check on this without leaving the comforts of your home. In this guide, we’ll tell you how to check on your LTO violations and fines from anywhere, anytime, by simply going online and accessing the LTO online Violation checker.
Understanding the LTO Violations and the Demerit System
Before you start checking on your LTO violations and fines, you first need to understand that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is now using a single ticketing system. This means it has begun using equivalent demerit points for every LTO violation. Therefore, when you check on your violations, you will see the accumulated demerit points. You will also have to watch your demerit points and keep them as low as possible if you do not want to get your license suspended or revoked in the worst cases.
The LTO Demerit System
The LTO demerit system is a new points system implemented by the LTO to keep track of traffic violations and impose appropriate penalties. Under the demerit system, traffic violations are classified into three different categories, each with their equivalent demerit point, depending on the gravity of the offense.
These categories are:
Light violations – 1 demerit point
Less grave violations – 3 demerit points
Grave violations – 5 demerit points
Based on how many of these demerit points you have accumulated, you may get your driver’s license suspended, which requires attending a 40-hour reorientation course (for ten or more but below 40 points). It may also lead to revocation of your license, in which case, you will be prohibited from applying for a new one within two (2) years for 40 or more demerit points).
Aside from the penalties, it’s also important to check on your traffic violations and its equivalent points in the LTO demerit system to ensure that you will be able to renew a driver’s license into one with a ten-year validity period. There is also a prohibition period for the change of license classification depending on the number of incurred demerit points. This means that you can’t change your license from non-professional to professional for the following period depending on the amount of demerit points you accumulated:
1-2 points – Three (3) months
3-4 points – Six (6) months
5 or more points – One (1) year
Traffic Violations and their Corresponding LTO Demerit Points
For your reference and to help guide you in watching your accumulated demerit points, here is a list of traffic violations and their equivalent demerit points:
Light Violations (1 demerit point)
Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (first offense)
Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (first offense)
Failure to wear a seat belt, including that of the passenger (first offense)
Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet, both for the driver and their back rider (first offense)
Smoke belching (first offense)
Reckless driving (first offense)
Driving in places not intended for traffic or parking in areas not designated for parking
Not carrying a driver’s license or the OR/CR of the motor vehicle while driving
Failure to provide a cover to cargo or freight trucks
Overtaking on “men working” and “caution” signs
Not yielding right of way to vehicles on a highway when entering from a private road
Not using signal lights when turning
Not following the proper lane designation when taking a turn
Unsafe towing
Overcharging or undercharging of fare
No franchise or Certificate of Public Conveyance carried inside the PUV
Defective, fast, or tampered taxi meter
Operating without a taxi seal or with an old taxi meter or broken seal
Broken, tampered, joined, reconnected, fake, or altered sealing wire of taxi meters
Not providing fare discounts to those entitled to them
No signboard for PUVs
Pick-up and drop-off of passengers outside the terminal for buses
Failure to display fare matrix (for public transport)
Not displaying the International Symbol of Access inside a PUV
Not designating seats for the use of persons with disabilities (PWDs)
Refusing to transport PWDs
Franchise breach of the conditions stated on the 2011 revised terms and conditions on the certificate of public conveyance
Not displaying a “no smoking” sign and allowing personnel or passengers to smoke inside a PUV
Less Grave Violations (3 demerit points)
Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (second offense)
Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (second offense)
Failure to wear seat belt, both for the driver and the passenger (second offense)
Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet both for the driver and the back rider (second offense)
Smoke belching (second offense)
Reckless driving (second offense)
Intentional Traffic Obstruction
Illegal Parking
Allowing passengers on the motor vehicle roof
Not dimming headlights when approaching another motor vehicle
Hitching or permitting a bicycle, a person, a skateboarder, a motorcycle, or a tricycle to hitch to a motor vehicle
Not yielding right of way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing
Not stopping before traversing a “through highway” or railroad crossing
Not yielding right of way to an ambulance, a police car, or a fire truck
Not yielding right of way at a “through highway” or a “stop intersection”
Not shutting down the engine and engaging the handbrake when the vehicle is unattended
Failure to attach license plates
Tampering with license plates
Load-extending beyond the projected width without a permit
Operating a bus or truck with cargo exceeding 160 kg of its load limit
Not rendering service to the public or not conveying a passenger to a destination for PUVs
Trip-cutting for PUVs
Violations in connection with motor vehicle registration
Grave Violations (5 demerit points)
Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (third and succeeding offenses)
Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (third and succeeding offenses)
Failure to wear seat belt, both for the driver and the passenger (third and succeeding offenses)
Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet both for the driver and the back rider (third and succeeding offenses)
Smoke belching (third and succeeding offenses)
Reckless driving (third and succeeding offenses)
Driving a motor vehicle used for committing a crime
Committing a crime while driving a vehicle
Driving a PUV and collecting fares without a franchise
Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, dangerous drugs, or other similar substance
Axle overloading
Driving an unregistered motor vehicle
Driving without a valid driver’s license
Submission of fake documents when applying for or renewing a driver’s license
Disregarding traffic signs (repeat offenders)
Overtaking
At a curve
When the left side is not clear of oncoming traffic,
at an intersection;
in a no-overtaking zone;
within an unsafe distance;
upon a crest or grade;
at any railway crossing;
Not giving way to an overtaking vehicle
Speeding up when being overtaken
Cutting an overtaken vehicle
Failure to yield right of way
Driving a motorcycle with more than one passenger
Presentation of fake CPC, OR/CR, plates, stickers, or tags
Operating a vehicle with defective, improper, or illegal accessories, devices, equipment, or parts
Fraud concerning the registration or renewal of the registration of the motor vehicle
How to Verify LTO Penalties, Violations and Fines Online
Now that you know all about the LTO violations and their equivalent demerit points and fines, let’s check if you have accumulated any. Just follow these steps:
Via the LTO Land Transport Management System (LTMS) Portal Online
If you have an existing Land Transport Management System (LTMS) Portal Online account, then here are the steps to check on your LTO violations and their equivalent demerit points and fines:
Step 3: Read the Terms of Agreement, and click the check box that says “Yes, I Accept.”
Step 4: Enter the security code.
Step 5: Click “Next.”
Step 6: Choose the type of registrant that you are.
For individual registrants: Select “Enroll as an individual” when asked for the type of registration.
For organizations and companies: Select “Enroll as an organization” when asked for the type of registration.
Step 7: Select “Yes” to affirm that you already have a Philippine driver’s license.
Provide the following information to complete the registration process:
Driver’s license number
Expiry date
Official receipt number (or mother’s maiden name if you no longer have your receipt)
Confirm your nationality (Filipino or otherwise), then, click “Next.”
For first-time Filipino applicants: Provide the following information:
Name
Birthdate
Mother’s Maiden Name
For alien residents: provide the following details:
Alien Certificate of Registration (ACR) number
Expiry date
Nationality
Click “Next.”
Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
Step 8: Click “Next.”
Step 9: Enter your contact information (email address and mobile number) and submit.
Step 10: Visit your inbox for the verification link.
Step 11: Click the verification link and complete the following required information:
Emergency contact
Medical information
General information
Address
Step 12: Once done, the portal will assign a 15-digit number that will serve as your username.
Step 13: Using the username and password provided via email, access your LTMS account and you will be redirected to the dashboard.
Check Driving Violations Via the MMDA System
In the past, some cities have implemented the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP). Unfortunately, it has been suspended in August 2022, following harsh criticisms from the motorists. While the local city NCAP systems no longer work, the MMDA system is still up and available for checking if you have violated some traffic rules. Just go to https://www.mayhuliba.com/ and key in your license plate number to check if you have an outstanding traffic violation with the MMDA.
How to Check Driving Violations via LTO Office
Another way to check if you have any traffic violations is to visit the nearest LTO office in your area.
Step 1: Prepare necessary documents such as a driver’s license, valid ID, and proof of address.
Step 2: Go to the nearest LTO office in your area and proceed to the Violation Inquiry counter.
Step 3: Present the required documents to the personnel at the counter, then provide relevant information about yourself including your name, date of birth, and address.
Step 4: The LTO officer will then check your record with the LTO database to see if you have any outstanding fines or pending violations.
Step 5: Once the inquiry is finished, you will be provided with a printout of all the violations associated with your driver’s license, including details such as the date and location of violation and the amount of fines imposed.
Step 6: You must then settle all outstanding fines or violations before you can renew your driver’s license.
If you have any questions regarding the process of checking for driving violations, you may contact the LTO office for further assistance. It is best to get all your inquiries answered before proceeding with any transaction. With this, you can ensure that all proper procedures and requirements are followed.
The process of checking for traffic violations can be tedious and time-consuming, but it is important to do so in order to maintain a clean driving record. This will also help you avoid any further issues in the future that may arise due to unpaid fines or penalties.
Video Guide to Checking Your LTO Violations Online
If you need visual support on learning how to check your LTO violations and fines online, you may watch this video posted on the Youtube channel, Kuya Ali (@BuildByAli).
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the LTMS portal services available to all?
No. As of writing, the LTO online services, via the LTMS, are only entertained in selected LTO Offices, including:
Metro Manila:
LTO Central Office-License Section
Eastwood DLRO
Ever Gotesco DLRO
LTO Muntinlupa District Office
LTO Quezon City Licensing Center
Luzon:
LTO Angeles District Office
LTO Baguio Licensing Center
LTO Bayombong District Office
LTO Biñan District Office
LTO Calapan District Office
LTO Laoag District Office
LTO Lipa District Office
LTO Naga District Office
LTO San Fernando Licensing Center
Visayas:
LTO Dumaguete District Office
LTO Ormoc District Office
LTO Roxas District Office
LTO Tagbilaran District Office
Mindanao:
LTO Butuan District Office
LTO Davao District Office
LTO General Santos District Office.
LTO Malaybalay District Office
LTO Pagadian District Office
LTO Tagum District Office
2. Is the LTO Violations Checker online the same as the No Contact Apprehension Programs (NCAP) employed by the MMDA and the cities like Manila, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, and Muntinlupa?
No. It is different. The LTO Violations Checker online checks all violations incurred under your name including the equivalent demerit points you accumulated during the validity of your license.
The No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) on the other hand, utilizes CCTV, digital cameras and/or other gadgets or technology to capture videos and images and apprehend vehicles violating traffic laws, rules, and regulations. It was suspended after a temporary restraining order (TRO) was issued by the Supreme Court effective August 30, 2022.
3. How soon should I settle the corresponding fines for my LTO violations and fines?
If you incur a traffic violation, then you have seven days to settle your fine upon receiving your violation receipt. Beyond that, you will need to go visit the MMDA’s Redemption Center located on EDSA corner Orense Street in Guadalupe, Makati City to settle your fines.
4. What if I have multiple violations?
If you have incurred more than three violations, then you will need to visit the MMDA’s Traffic Management Division located along EDSA corner Orense Street in Guadalupe, Makati City to settle your violations and pay for your fines.
5. Can I settle my LTO fines via the LTMS portal?
Yes. The LTMS portal keeps track of how many demerit points or violations you have incurred as well as the unsettled payments and the history of violations/demerits of the license holder. In one of its most recent updates, the LTO has made it so motorists can settle pending violations online, effectively doing away with the need to visit an LTO office to pay fines.
6. What payment channels can I use to settle the fines imposed for my LTO violations?
For settling fines incurred due to LTO violations, you have the option to pay via any of the following:
Land Bank Link Biz Portal
Bayad Center
PayMaya
GCash
Grabpay
SM Bills Payment
MMDA Traffic Management Division
Summary
With the digitization of many Philipine government services, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has adapted by creating the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online, allowing people to track their records conveniently without undergoing the tedious process of queueing at the LTO Office to check the violations and settle their fines.
While it has become more convenient, it is still best to avoid incurring violations and following the law. Not only is it safer, cheaper, and more convenient, but it will also give you the chance to renew your driver’s license to the new version, with a 10-year validity period and save you more trips to the LTO office.
A 30-day suspension of a driver’s license shall be imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) if a driver has been caught with violations grave enough to merit the temporary ban of his privilege to drive. It’s not always the first line of penalty, but some driver’s just deserve some penalizing time off the roads.
As an agency whose main job is to ensure road safety by enforcing rules and regulatory policies, the LTO carries out its mandate by watching over the Philippine public roads and implementing policies to reduce the risks and dangers on the road. Sure, it doesn’t always result in suspension of license, but depending on the gravity of the offense, licenses may also be suspended or temporarily seized due to the commission of a traffic violation.
Suspension of the LTO driver’s license in the Philippines refers to the temporary seizure of the license card issued to drivers to prove their roadworthiness. This is usually imposed as a penalty for various reasons. The period of suspension as well as the mode of appeal may vary, depending upon the type of violation, the type of driver’s license classification (student permit, professional, or non-professional), as well as the gravity of the offense or violation incurred. In all cases, however, the driver is given a recourse under the law to appeal the driver’s license suspension or question the validity of the suspension of the driver’s license.
Authority to Suspend and Entertain Appeals on Driver’s License
As the main enforcing agency for land transport and regulation, the LTO holds the exclusive authority to revoke and suspend a license. By virtue of R.A. 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, the LTO Commissioner not only has the power to issue licenses but also holds exclusive authority to revoke licenses of drivers involved in violation of traffic rules and regulation. The power to suspend license may also be delegated to LTO deputies, provided that the suspension does not exceed a maximum of three (3) months. However, if the driver violated any provisions of RA 4136, the Commissioner or the municipal ordinances relating to traffic rules and regulations may also impose suspension at least three times within a year for not more than two years.
The license suspension imposed by any LTO deputy may also be appealed to the Commissioner of LTO, who may either modify, reverse, or confirm the suspension. In case of the LTO Commissioner’s revocation or refusal to reinstate a revoked license, the affected individual may appeal it straight to the Secretary of Public Works Communication to overturn the decision.
Common Reasons for License Suspension in the Philippines
To avoid all the hassle associated with driver’s license suspension and appeal to reverse it, it is essential for one to be aware of the reasons for driver license suspension in the Philippines in order to avoid it.
To this end, here’s a list of the most common reasons that would get you ending up with a suspended driver’s license in the Philippines.
Point Accumulation
One of the most common reasons for license suspension is point accumulation. This happens when the holder of a license reaches a certain number of demerit points within a given period of time, due to the number of minor and major traffic violations that the licensee has committed. It could come from any violations, though one of the most common violations that drivers struggle with is overspeeding.
If you are a license holder and you keep on violating the same rule, or violate a particular rule along with others, this will eventually lead to accumulated demerit points and eventual suspension of your driver’s license. Needless to say, the length of the license suspension that you may be forced to face would depend on the number of points that you have accumulated as the license holder.
Therefore, knowing and following the traffic rules and regulations in the Philippines is a must, especially if you don’t want to lose your license to suspension.
Habitual Offense/Repeat Violations
Yet another common cause of driver’s license suspension is the habitual offense or repeat violations of traffic rules and regulations. If you are a licensed driver and you repeatedly commit a specific offense within a certain period of time, regardless if it’s deliberate or not, then you can expect to get your license suspended.
One good example of violations that are repeatedly committed by many licensees is reckless driving. Otherwise known as driving beyond the speed limit without regards for safety and road conditions, reckless driving is a common LTO violation punished as follows:
P 2,000.00 for first offense
P 3,000.00 for second offense and suspension of driver’s license for three (3) months.
P 10,000.00 for third and subsequent offense. Further, a suspension of driver’s license for six (6) months for third offense reckoned from the payment of fine shall be imposed.
Another type of violation generally committed repeatedly by license holders is the violation of the Seat Belt Use Act. According to the law, drivers and passengers must wear the prescribed seatbelt and children, aged six (6) years old or below, cannot sit in the passenger seat. Unfortunately, not many people feel compelled to follow this law, resulting in multiple commissions of the same violation. Although the first two instances when the offenses are committed only warrant imposable fines, the third offense will result in the driver’s license’s suspension for one (1) week, counted from the time of the payment of the LTO fine.
Automatic Suspensions
Other than the violations, there are some instances when the driver’s license suspension is automatically and immediately applied, otherwise known as Automatic Suspension. These reasons include the following:
Failure to pay within 15 days
As per the provisions of the LTO’s Joint Administrative Order (JAI) no. 2014-01, in case of apprehensions, drivers who fail to pay the corresponding LTO violation fee within 15 days would result in automatic driver license suspension in the Philippines. Under the same law, a person caught driving when his license is suspended is guilty of the offense of ‘driving without license’ which would entail yet another set of penalties.
This offense is punishable by a fine of P 3,000.00 and a further penalty of disqualification from driving a motor vehicle for a period of one year from the date of the payment of the imposed fine. Driving when your driver’s license is suspended also poses a certain punishment, tagged as ‘driving without license,’ so it is best not to drive until you get your license back.
Driving under the influence (DUI)
There are also some serious traffic violations that warrant the immediate suspension of a driver’s license. Some examples of these include:
driving under the influence of dangerous drugs or alcohol
homicide
vehicular manslaughter, and
evading police checkpoints, may lead to automatic license suspension or revocation.
DUI, in particular, is very common despite the dangers. That said, the driver’s license may be suspended for being in control of the vehicle when you are not in your best state due to alcohol.
The suspension of the driver’s license is also without prejudice to the filing of appropriate criminal cases to the traffic violators. In case of non-professional drivers, those who drive under the influence of alcohol and dangerous drugs, when proven guilty by the court of competent jurisdiction, the suspension will last for twelve (12) months for first conviction. The second conviction would warrant a perpetual revocation of driver’s license.
LTO Records that do not reflect actual individual information
A driver’s license holder whose driving record fails to match the actual driver’s personal information may also be suspended for having an inaccurate record. According to the provisions of Section 25 of RA 4136, the driver records should bear the following accurate information:
Driver’s address;
Name and address of employer;
Motor vehicle’s number authorized to operate for professional driver’s license holder;
Other information that the LTO Commissioner may require.
Unauthorized to operate the subject vehicle
According to Section 27 of RA 4136, an LTO driver’s license may also be suspended when the LTO Commissioner has a reason to believe that the license holder of a professional driver’s license is not the person authorized to operate the subject motor vehicle. Operation of vehicles not authorized under the license classification authorized to the licensee will merit a fine of two hundred pesos and suspension of driver’s license for a period of three months for the first conviction; a fine of three hundred pesos and six months imprisonment of one year and permanent revocation of the driver’s license for the third conviction.
Also, the fact that the motor vehicle is operating, or is being used as an accessory in committing a crime may be subject to suspension, without prejudice to the appropriate criminal charge/s that may be filed against the driver. The suspension should not be more than three months and subject for appeal to the LTO Commissioner.
Pursuant to the same law (RA 4136), if the subject vehicle is said to be improperly equipped, marked, or unfit to operate due to possible damages it may cause to culverts, bridges, or highways, the Commissioner or the apprehending officer may also suspend the license of the driver.
Confiscation of License
According to the provisions of RA 4136, law enforcement and peace officers of other agencies deputized by the LTO Director may confiscate licenses when apprehending a driver for any violation of this RA 4136 or any traffic regulations or local traffic rules and regulations issued not contrary to any provisions of this Act, and issue a receipt, otherwise known as Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) prescribed and issued by the Bureau. The TOP is issued to authorize the driver to operate a motor vehicle for a period not exceeding seventy-two (72) hours from the time and date of issue of said receipt. The period affixed in the receipt shall not be extended, and shall become invalid afterwards. Failure of the driver to settle his case within fifteen (15) days from the date of apprehension will be grounds for the suspension and/or revocation of his license.
How to check if the Driver’s license is suspended
One of the most common questions asked by drivers is how to check if a driver’s license is suspended. This is where the importance of the traffic violation receipt or TOP issued by a traffic officer comes in. In all cases of suspension of driver’s license in the Philippines, the officer in charge issues a receipt. The receipt not only allows the person to operate the subject motor vehicle for at most seventy-two (72) hours from the time of the issuance of the receipt, but also proves if the license is no longer usable or already suspended. If the driver doesn’t settle the case within the designated period, then it would result in a graver penalty – license revocation.
Revoked vs. Suspended License
To differentiate revoked driver’s license and suspended driver’s license, it is important to note that the suspension is the lighter penalty between the two. After all, the revocation of license put it in the state of being disqualified to be a grantee of license for two years in case of nonprofessional driver’s license and perpetual disqualification to get another license for professional driver’s license. Unless the driver has issued a bond, the suspension or revocation would not be lifted.
Summary
Owning a driver’s license is a privilege afforded by the Philippine government, via the LTO, to those who deserve it. That said, the Philippine government, through the same agency, has the power to take it back. In fact, even the LTO deputized agencies may suspend a license for a limited period of time. A 30-day suspension of a driver’s license may also be automatically applied in cases of serious violations or those that are grave enough to merit a temporary ban to drive. It’s not always the first line of penalty, but some driver’s just deserve some penalizing time off the roads. To avoid it, it’s best to know the rules, not to break them, but to ensure that you don’t lose your license and the privileges that come with it.
