LTO-licensed drivers can update their driver’s license (DL) Restriction Code (RC) if they would like to operate a larger vehicle or more vehicle types. Especially with the rollout of the new vehicle and restriction code categories, it is necessary to be more specific with the restriction codes if you want to be able to operate specific types of motor vehicles on public roads.
Whether you have just learned how to operate a new type of motor vehicle (MV) or you simply forgot to declare the other restriction codes during your last driver’s license application, it is a good thing that it is now possible to add more restriction codes to your LTO driver’s license. There is a process, but if it means you can save more money on more fuel-efficient vehicles or you can earn better driving a bigger, better vehicle, then going through the process of adding more restriction codes to your driver’s license is worth the trouble.
What are Restriction Codes
LTO Restriction Codes refer to alphanumeric codes ranging from A to CE with each code corresponding to a specific type of vehicle the license holder is allowed to operate or the driving condition that the license holder is under.
These codes state the vehicle category and types that the DL holder may operate legally. This means that if the authorities catch you driving a type of vehicle that you’re not licensed to drive, you can face penalties and charges. For example, you’re prohibited from driving a bus if your driver’s license restriction code indicates you can only drive a motorcycle (DL RC A). Once caught driving a restricted vehicle, you will be required to pay a fine and there is a high possibility of you being unable to avail of the 10-year validity license and getting your vehicle impounded.
Driver’s License Restriction Codes
To learn more about these new restriction codes, here’s a list of all the nine DL codes together with their respective vehicle category codes.
1. DL Code A: Motorcycle
To drive any motorcycle model in the Philippines (e.g., Mio, Aerox, NMax, Smash, Barako, etc.), then you need a driver’s license with DL Restriction Code A. This DL code covers all types of transmissions (Automatic, Manual, and Semi-automatic).
License holders with DL Code A can also drive the following Vehicle Category Codes:
L1: Two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph
L2: Three-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph
L3: Two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph
2. DL Code A1: Tricycle
This DL Restriction Code covers all three-wheeled motor vehicles (and motorcycles with sidecars), including transport tricycles and e-tricycles like Bajaj Re, Yamaha Tricity4, and tuk-tuk ( or bokyo). It also covers four-wheeled vehicles with limited unladen mass (i.e., weight when not carrying passengers or other items) and maximum design speed.
License holders with DL Code A1 can also drive the following Vehicle Category Codes:
L4: Motorcycle with sidecar with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph
L5: Three-wheeled symmetrically arranged vehicles with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph
L6: Four-wheeled vehicles with unladen mass not more than 350 kg with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 kph
L7: Four-wheeled vehicles with unladen mass not more than 550 kg with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 kph
3. DL Code B: Passenger Car
This DL RC covers all car models with up to 8 seats and a mass not exceeding 5000 kg., like hatchbacks, coupes, sedans, and SUVs.
There’s only one Vehicle Category Code under DL Code B, M1.
M1: Vehicles with fewer than eight seats and Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 5000 kg.
4. DL Code B1: Passenger Van or Jeepney
This DL RC covers all passenger van models like Honda Odyssey, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, etc. and the popular mass transport jeepney model.
The Vehicle Category Code under B1 is M2.
M2: Passenger vehicles with more than eight seats and GVW of less than 5000 kg.
5. DL Code B2: Light Commercial Vehicle
This DL RC covers all cargo four-wheelers transporting goods and other items for business or commercial purposes. Some examples of vehicle models allowed under this restriction code include Suzuki Carry, Hyundai H100, Isuzu Travis, and Mitsubishi L300.
The Vehicle Category code under B2 is N1.
N1: This refers to vehicles used for the carriage of goods, with a maximum GVW of not more than 3500 kg.
6. DL Code C: Heavy Commercial Vehicle
Large trucks such as garbage, containers, and fire trucks belong to this DL RC.
There are two Vehicle Category codes under this DL Code: N2 and N3.
N2: This refers to vehicles used for the carriage of goods, with a GVW of between 3500 kg and 12000 kg.
N3: These are vehicles used for the carriage of goods, with maximum GVW beyond 12000 kg.
7. DL Code D: Passenger Bus
Bus drivers should have DL Code D on their licenses to operate any bus model in the Philippines.
There’s only one Vehicle Category code under DL RC D:
M3: This RC Code Vehicle Category refers to vehicles with more than eight seats and a maximum GVW of over 5000 kg.
8. DL Code BE: Light Articulated Vehicle
This DL RC is for light articulated vehicles that have permanent or semi-permanent pivot joints with lower GVW, like cars with trailers.
The Vehicle Categories under this DL Code are O1 and O2.
O1: Articulated vehicles with GVW less than 750 kg
O2: Articulated vehicles with GVW not exceeding 3500 kg
9. DL Code CE: Heavy Articulated Vehicle
Also created for vehicles with permanent or semi-permanent pivot joints, DL RC CE is a lot like DL RC BE, except that this has a higher GVW requirement.
The Vehicle Categories under this DL Code are O3 and O4.
O3: Refers to articulated vehicles with GVW beyond 3500 kg but less than 10000 kg
O4: This DL RC is for articulated vehicles with GVW exceeding 10000 kg.
Medical Conditions and Driving Indications
If an individual has any medical conditions that affect their ability to operate a motor vehicle, then additional restrictions shall be indicated in his license. There are five condition codes as follows:
1 – Drive only with corrective lenses
This indicates in the driver’s license that he/she is certified by an accredited physician to be out of the 20/40 vision and will not be allowed to drive without wearing eyeglasses or corrective lenses.
2 – Drive only with special equipment for upper limbs and/or lower limbs
This condition code indicated in the driver’s license says that the licensee has impairment at the upper limb and/or lower limb.
3 – Drive customized motor vehicles only
This condition code indicates that the licensee can only drive specially designed motor vehicles duly registered with the LTO.
4 – Drive only during daylight
This condition code indicated in the driver’s license of a licensee says that he/she is only allowed to drive during daylight. This includes being partially or totally blind in one eye.
5 – Drive only with hearing aid
This condition code indicates that a licensee has impaired hearing.
How to Add Restriction Codes to Your LTO Driver’s License
To help you add restriction codes to your driver’s license (DL), here are the qualifications, requirements, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply for additional restriction codes in the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Eligibility
Anyone who is a holder of either a Non-Professional Driver’s License or a Professional Driver’s License and are qualified to apply for additional DL restriction codes. They must be:
- both physically and mentally fit to drive a motor vehicle
- able to read and write both Filipino and English
- has passed the LTO Automated written and practical driving exam
- Must not have unsettled traffic violation
- For applicants with demerit points, the following period of prohibition for additional DL codes shall apply from the date of settlement of fines and penalties:
- 1 – 2 demerit points – 3 months
- 3 – 4 demerit points – 6 months
- 5 or more demerit points – 1 year
- For applicants with demerit points, the following period of prohibition for additional DL codes shall apply from the date of settlement of fines and penalties:
Additional Qualifications
- For RC 1 / DL Codes A or A1, must be a holder of DL
- For RC 2 or 4 / DL Codes B, B1 or B2, must be a holder of DL
- For RC 3 or 5 / DL Codes C, must be a holder of PDL Code B2 (RC 2) for at least four (4) years
- For RC 3 or 5 / DL Codes D, must be a holder of PDL Code B1 (RC 2) for at least four (4) years
- For RC 6 or 7 / DL Codes BE, must be a holder of B, B1, or B2 (RC 2) for at least three (3) years
- For RC 8 / DL Codes CE, must be holder of C or D (RC 3) for at least six (6) months
Requirements
Before seeking for additional DL RC, here is a list of documentary requirements that you need to prepare to save time and trouble.
- Duly-accomplished application for Driver’s License (ADL) Form available at https://lto.gov.ph/lto-forms/file/1162-application-for-student-driver-s-permit-driver-s-license-conductor-s-license-apl.html
- Original and one (1) photocopy of electronically transmitted medical certificate from an LTO-accredited medical clinic
- Original and one (1) photocopy of any of the following:
- PSA/NSO Certificate of Birth
- Philippine Identification Card
- Passport
- Local Civil Registry (for areas where there is no PSA)
- PSA Certificate of Marriage
- Original and one (1) photocopy of any of the following valid ID with photo and signature of the applicant:
- Philippine Identification (PhilID) Card
- Philippine passport
- Social Security System (SSS) Card
- UMID Card
- PhilHealth ID
- TIN Card
- Postal ID
- Voter’s ID
- Barangay ID
- Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID
- Senior Citizen ID
- OFW ID
- Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) ID
- National Council of Disabled Affairs (NCDA) ID
- Solo Parent ID
- Voter’s Certification
- Government Services and Insurance System (GSIS) e-Card
- Seaman’s Book
- Government Owned and/or Controlled Corporations (GOCC) ID
- Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF) or Pag-IBIG ID
- Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Certification
- Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) ID
- In addition, for foreigner, presentation Original and one (1) photocopy of passport with entry date of at least one (1) month and visa duration of six (6) months from date of application, or if born in the Philippines, presentation of the Original and one (1) photocopy of duly accomplished PSA birth certificate
- Taxpayer’s Identification Number (TIN), if employed
- Original and one (1) photocopy of Certificate of Completion of the 8-hour Practical Driving Course (Electronically transmitted to LTO by the accredited driving school / LTO DEC / LTO Accredited TESDA Training Center) to prove that you had some training with the type of vehicle you wish to add on your DL restriction codes
- Electronically Transmitted Certificate of Completion of Driving Enhancement Program (DEP) if applying for the renewal of a Driver’s License with five (5) years validity for the first time
- Presentation of the original Driver’s License, expired or otherwise
- Drug test result
Procedures
Once you have everything prepared, you can proceed with the application for additional DL restriction codes by following these steps:
Step 1. Make an appointment with your preferred LTO branch office via the Land Transport Management System (LTMS) portal online.
Step 2. On the appointment date, visit the LTO office you selected along with all the necessary documents for the application procedures.
Step 3. Secure a queue number from the service counter and wait for your turn.
Step 4. Once there, secure an application form from the concerned officer.
Step 5. Fill in all the necessary details in the application form as incomplete applications are not accepted
Step 6. Once called, submit all the required documents with the completed form to the concerned officer.
Step 7. Pay for the applicable fees at the cash counter and get the receipt for reference.
Step 8. Once paid, you will need to complete the practical test for the additional vehicle type equivalent to the additional restriction code you are applying for.
Step 9. You also need to complete a vision test.
Step 10. Once all the tests and verification process gets completed successfully, the applicant will get the new driver’s license with additional restriction codes from the office.
Fees
Depending on the type of driver’s license you already have and whether your DL is due for renewal or not, here are the associated fees you can expect to pay:
Valid Non-Professional/Professional:
Application Fee: 100.00
Computer Fee: 67.63
TOTAL: 167.63
Valid Non-Professional/Professional – Due for Renewal:
Application Fee: 100.00
Computer Fee: 67.63
TOTAL: 167.63
Valid Non-Professional/Professional:
Replacement Fee: 225.00
Additional Restriction Code: 100.00
Computer Fee: 67.63
TOTAL: 392.63
Valid Non-Professional/Professional – Due for Renewal:
Replacement Fee: (Renewal Prof.): 350.00
Additional Restriction Code: 100.00
Computer Fee: 67.63
TOTAL: 517.63
Processing Time
The entire procedure of applying for additional restriction codes can be completed within 30 days or as per the timeline advised by the respective department authority.
Video: How to Apply for Additional LTO Restriction Codes
Learn more about how to apply for additional restriction codes, along with the requirements, procedures, and fees to do so from this video poster by Wander J:
Important Reminders
For your reference, here are some tips you need to check out before going to LTO to apply for additional DL Restriction Codes:
- Consider that your application process may take a whole day.
- Review, review, and review for the exam.
- Make sure to bring all the documentary requirements needed.
- Applicants who have been issued a DL card need to take fingerprints first before the issuance of a 5-year Driver’s License Card.
- Drivers with Driving Restrictions for Conditional and Special Restricted Licenses cannot have more than two passengers under 21 in the car with him unless the applicant is with a licensed adult who is at least 21. The only exception is if he is transporting family members or students to and from school.
- Make sure you have secured the certification, receipt, and application form from the driving school before going to the LTO office.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For your reference, here are some common questions and answers related to getting additional restriction codes in your driver’s license.
1. How much does the additional driver’s license restriction codes actually cost?
Not considering the other LTO fees that need to be paid, the fee for Additional Restriction Code amounts to Php 100.00.
2. Can I still drive without a 20/20 vision?
Yes, you can still drive even without a 20/20 vision. LTO will most likely add a Condition Code on your license which states the requirements and restrictions that the licensee should abide by.
3. How much is the fine for driving vehicles outside my restrictions?
The fine for driving vehicles outside your restrictions can go as high as Php 3,000.00.
4. Can I still add more restrictions on my driver’s license?
Yes. LTO allows drivers to continuously add more restrictions if they wish to do so. This will entail taking a written and practical exam depending on the restriction code they would like to add.
5. How many restriction codes does the LTO implement?
There are currently nine (9) driver’s license restriction codes that cover different vehicle types, size, gross weight, and transmission options. There are also five (5) condition codes for those with disabilities and medical conditions.
Summary
LTO-licensed drivers can still update their driver’s license (DL) Restriction Code (RC) in cases when they learned or would like to operate a larger vehicle or more vehicle types. With the rollout of the new vehicle and restriction code categories, there are more restriction codes, and these codes are not too difficult to add to your license if need be. However, it does take some work to do so, so this guide should be able to help guide you into getting additional restriction codes on your license. It isn’t free though, so it’s still best to make the addition only when you need to. After all,being caught driving a vehicle that is not authorized on your license may entail ever higher fees in addition to other penalties.
Contact Information
For more information, concerns, or inquiries, you may reach out to LTO via the following contact information:
Land Transportation Office (LTO)
LTMS portal: Visit the LTO’s official website and fill out their Contact Us form at https://portal.lto.gov.ph/ords/f?p=PUBLIC_PORTAL:CONTACT_US:115716301949471.
Phone call: You may contact them at their telephone number (632) 922-9061 to 66.
Email: You may also send them an email at clientcare@lto.gov.ph.
LTO Text Hotline Service: You may use LTO’s nationwide SMS service for drivers and vehicle owners by typing LTOHELP and sending it to 2600
LTO office: For information, you may check any of the LTO branches closest to you.
