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Who Has the Authority to Confiscate a Driver’s License During a Normal Traffic Violation?

The short answer: the Land Transportation Office (LTO)  issues driver’s licenses, so only the LTO can take them away. The authority to confiscate a driver’s license during a normal traffic violation lies solely with the LTO and the law enforcement and peace officers duly deputized by the agency, as per Republic Act 4136. Exceptions exist only in cases involving injury or death due to a traffic violation, where local traffic officers may confiscate licenses if deputized by the LTO. All other agencies, including the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), and even the local government units (LGUs), lack the authority to confiscate licenses.

As the primary governing body for land transportation, the LTO plays a pivotal role in regulating and enforcing road safety measures. From granting driving privileges to enforcing compliance, the LTO’s mandate encompasses the entirety of the licensing process, emphasizing its pivotal role in maintaining road safety standards. Let’s take a closer look at this authority. 

Who Has the Authority to Confiscate a Driver's License During a Normal Traffic Violation

LTO: The Sole Authority

The LTO stands as the primary authority in matters concerning driver’s licenses. As per Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), only law enforcement and peace officers duly deputized by the Director of the LTO have the power to confiscate a driver’s license during a violation. This includes violations of local traffic rules and regulations not contrary to any provisions of RA 4136.

The law also gives the LTO clear powers to handle driver’s licenses, including issuing, confiscating, suspending, revoking, or reinstating them. To avoid clashes with local government units (LGUs), you may refer to RA 4136, Section 62, which clearly states that LGUs cannot make rules that contradict this law.

Who Can Confiscate Licenses Under Normal Violations

The basic is clear: only the LTO can confiscate a driver’s license. This power does not extend to traffic police, including the Highway Patrol Group, nor to traffic officers, enforcers, or aides of cities, provinces, and towns, including the MMDA. Even the Department of Interior and Local Government DILG) has released a memo saying the same. The only exception arises when these individuals are deputized as LTO agents.

Whether an officer is LTO-deputized or not is easy to check. After all, only LTO-deputized enforcers hold mission orders outlining their authority, responsibilities, and functions. These orders specify whether they are authorized to issue tickets or confiscate licenses. A Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) serves as a receipt when a license is confiscated, indicating that only duly deputized officials have this authority.

Limitations of Other Agencies

While agencies like the MMDA may issue traffic citations, they lack the authority to confiscate licenses unless deputized by the LTO. Similarly, local government units (LGUs) do not possess the authority to confiscate licenses, as upheld by a legal opinion from the Department of Justice (DOJ) and exemplified by the 1995 MMDA-Garin case, a case when an MMDA traffic enforcer confiscated the license of a motorist, lawyer Dante Garin, and gave him a traffic violation receipt for illegal parking.

Conflicts when it comes to implementation may arise between the authority of LGUs and the LTO. But, as the law says, the LTO holds the sole power to confiscate licenses. While LGUs possess the power to enact road safety rules, these ordinances must align with national laws and LTO regulations. It’s essential to maintain harmony between local and national legislation to ensure effective enforcement of road regulations without conflicting mandates.

Exceptions to the Rule

Naturally, like every other law, there’s always an exception. Exceptions to the LTO’s sole authority also do exist, particularly in cases involving injury or death due to a traffic violation. In such instances, local traffic officers may confiscate a driver’s license and issue a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP). However, this action is permissible only when these officers are deputized by the LTO.

Video: Who may Confiscate your Driver’s License

For a better understanding of the authorities at play when it comes to who should hold on to your driver’s license during traffic violations or accidents, you may check out this video from SaxOnWheels MotoVlog:

Summary

Simply put, the LTO holds the authority to confiscate driver’s licenses during normal traffic violations. Exceptions exist for deputized officials and in cases involving injury or death. Other than these, no one else can confiscate your license. Understanding these will help you protect your rights in case you get into trouble while on the road.

LTO Bacoor (Cavite) Office Location and Contact Information

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) in Bacoor City in the province of Cavite is made up of a lone LTO office: the LTO Bacoor District Office (DO). This LTO office was opened to serve the city and its people, through the extension of the agency’s operations, consequently resulting in more accessible and convenient LTO services for the people residing in the local area of the Bacoor and its geographical area of responsibility (GAOR). The LTO Bacoor Office is also operated in the hopes of making the LTO more effective in their regulation so the public can be rest assured of their safety on the road.

As a large, overwhelmingly sprawling community south of Manila, and the gateway to the province from the north, Bacoor houses an LTO branch to ensure that the LTO services will reach the people more effectively. With this office in place, road safety and driver education, licensing, and registration doesn’t have to take so much time, effort, and money for the local motorists, drivers, and car owners to avail of and keep up with the rules and regulatory policies of the agency.

lto bacoor cavite office location and contact number

What is LTO Bacoor? 

LTO Bacoor refers to the LTO office stationed in Bacoor City: the LTO Bacoor District Office (DO). Just like the other LTO offices, the LTO Bacoor office is operated in hopes of manifesting the agency’s efforts in bridging the LTO programs and the people—including the motorists, drivers, car owners, and operators in Bacoor City and its neighboring areas. This LTO office was a physical manifestation that agency is working to serve its mandate and ensure that their core programs and services—including the registration and renewal of motor vehicles (MV) and license and permits applications and renewals—are offered more conveniently, especially to the people whose work is done primarily behind the wheels or those who can’t afford to take the time off to travel to another place for their LTO-related needs.

As the lone LTO office operating in the area, the LTO Bacoor District Office literally serves as the “LTO” in the area. It is located in Revilla Business Park, a business and commercial park close to some of the major public and private establishments in Bacoor, including the Cavite Coliseum, Agimat Cavite HQ, Puregold Habay, PNB Bacoor, Victory Bacoor, Starbucks, Max’s, Shell, and a Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC). That said, it is no doubt that the LTO office gets the traffic it needs, so the office can be as effective as can be in offering the agency’s core programs and services, including applications and renewal of licenses and permits, registration and renewal of motor vehicles (MV) and motorcycle registrations, and renewal with revision of records for the people of the city of Bacoor.

List of Services Offered by LTO Bacoor

If you find yourself in need of LTO-related services while in Bacoor City or in the area of the Revilla Business Park, then you can head on to the lone LTO office in the city. This LTO branch in Bacoor City follows the same sanitation and physical distancing policies, as well as the LTO standard operating procedures, so you can be assured of safe and impeccable public service. As a frontline agency that shares the mission and vision of the LTO Central office, LTO Bacoor offers convenient services to the public while working towards a more effective and localized implementation of LTO rules and regulatory policies.

Some of the most common LTO services available to the transacting public include:

  • License And Permit
    • Student Permit

    • New Driver’s License (Non-Professional)

    • Conductor’s License

    • Plain or Advance Renewal of Driver’s/Conductor’s License and Renewal of Driver’s License of Filipino Living Abroad

    • Miscellaneous License Transactions

    • Renewal of Driver’s / Conductor’s License with Examination [Expired for more than two (2) years] and/or with ten (10) or more but less than forty (40) Demerit Points

    • Change Classification from Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL)  Code to Professional Driver’s License Code with Same Driver’s License (PDL) Code

    • Additional Driver’s License Code/s

    • Conversion of Foreign Driver’s License to Philippine Driver’s License Including Renewal of Expired Philippine Driver’s License with a Valid Foreign Driver’s License

    • Change Classification from Professional Driver’s License (PDL) Code to Non-Professional Driver’s License Code (NPDL), Dropping of DL Code and Change Clutch Type

    • Request for System Updates (RSU) for Double License

    • Request for System Update (RSU) for License and Customer Details/Misrepresentation of Age/Identity

    • Accreditation of Medical Clinics – New

    • Accreditation of Medical Clinics – Renewal

    • Registration of Physicians – New

    • Registration of Physicians – Renewal

    • Accreditation of Driving School / Driving Enhancement Program Training Center – New

    • Accreditation of Driving School / Driving Enhancement Program Training Center – Renewal

    • Accreditation of Driving Instructor – New

    • Accreditation of Driving Instructor – Renewal

    • Examination for Driving School Instructors

    • Driving Enhancement Program (DEP)

  • Vehicle Registration
    • Initial Registration of Motor Vehicle (MV)

    • Renewal of Motor Vehicle (MV) Registration

    • Storage of Motor Vehicle

    • Miscellaneous Transactions

    • Re-Stamping of Engine/Chassis Number

    • Request for Motor Vehicle Verification

    • Motor Vehicle Inspection

  • Miscellaneous Transactions
    • Duplicate OR/CR

    • Duplicate Plate

    • Transfer of Ownership

    • Annotation & Cancellation of Mortgage

    • Revision of Records

    • Duplicate License (for Lost Licenses)

  • Insurance

  • Proper Driver Education

  • Law Enforcement
    • Settlement of Admitted Apprehension

    • Adjudication of Contested Apprehension

    • Encoding of Alarm

    • Filing of Complaint and Lifting of Alarm

    • Lifting of Alarm (Traffic Adjudication Service)

    • Certification of No Pending Apprehension and Alarm

  • Collection of fees from law enforcement violations

  • Drug testing

  • Emission testing

  • Inventory of Plates

  • The use of self-service kiosks 

  • Process Application for New Driver’s License (DL) via the Automated Driver’s License Examination System (ADLES) Facility 

Note that not all LTO offices are created equal so while some are well-equipped to be full service branches, some have very limited service offerings so it’s best to always check with the specific branch office you intend to visit first if the service you need is available, before making the actual trip.

How to Contact LTO Bacoor

Reaching out to the LTO Bacoor City Office is a simple task of reaching out either to the LTO Bacoor District office directly or via the LTO CALABARZON (Region 4) regional office. It can be done by making contact via their phone numbers, email addresses, or social media accounts. 

For the complete contact information of the LTO CALABARZON office, please check the following:

Land Transportation Office Region 4 – Office of the Regional Director

Agency Code: 0400
Office Address: 2nd Floor Building, Old City Hall Compound, Interior, B. Morada Avenue, 4217 Lipa City
Telephone Number: 043 403 3147
Head of Agency: Atty. Noreen Bernadette S. San Luis-Lutey
Email Address: ltoord@gmail.com, ltor4a@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 8AM – 5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

Contact Information

To reach out to the LTO Bacoor District Office, please check the following contact information:

LTO Bacoor District Office (DO)

Agency Code: 0412
Office Address: Revilla Business Park, Bacoor, Cavite
Telephone Number: 046 471 1604, +639 656923455
Head of Agency: Jose Graciano F. Robles
Email Address: 0412.ltobacoor@gmail.com
Operating Hours: 8AM – 5PM (Mondays-Fridays)

Where is Bacoor City

Bacoor, officially known as the City of Bacoor, is a first class component city in the coastal province of Cavite. It is known to be the gateway to the province of Cavite, and historically served as the first capital of the Philippine Revolutionary Government. Bacoor used to be a fishing village, before urbanization took over and turned it into the country’s 15th most populous  and the province second largest city.

Geographically, Bacoor City is a large, overwhelmingly sprawling suburban community primarily composed of flat agricultural lands and some coastal areas along the upstream portion of Zapote River. It lies 5 kilometers (3.1 mi) from Imus and 15 kilometers (9.3 mi) southwest of Manila, on the southeastern shore of Manila Bay. It is also at the northwest portion of the province and is bordered on the east side by Las Piñas and Muntinlupa, on the south by Dasmariñas, in the west by Kawit and Imus, and in the north by Bacoor Bay, an inlet of Manila Bay. Bacoor is naturally separated from Las Piñas City by the Zapote River and from Imus and Kawit by Bacoor River.

Google Map Location

As the gateway to the province of Cavite, Bacoor City is quite accessible by land. If you are coming from Manila, you may take the toll Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX, or formerly but still called Coastal Road) as your main entry point, then take an exit at barangay Longos. There are other travel routes and toll exit roads, which you can learn more about by checking this map:

LTO Bacoor District Office

What Shall be the Validity of a License with Violation at the Time of Renewal?

When renewing a driver’s license in the Philippines, the validity of the license with a violation at the time of renewal is determined by Republic Act 10930. According to this law, drivers with recorded traffic violations will be issued licenses with a validity period of only five years, regardless of the standard ten-year validity for those without violations. This means that even if a driver’s license is up for renewal, if there are outstanding traffic violations on record, the renewed license will only be valid for a shorter period of time, reflecting the driver’s history of infractions.

This provision aims to incentivize safe driving behavior and adherence to traffic laws by imposing shorter validity periods for licenses with violations. By aligning license validity with driving records, the law encourages drivers to maintain a clean record and prioritize road safety. Additionally, it serves as a deterrent against reckless driving, as drivers are aware that their violations can impact the duration of their license validity, emphasizing the importance of responsible behavior behind the wheel.

What Shall be the Validity of a License With Violation at the Time of Renewal

Driver’s License Renewal Process in the Philippines 

The driver’s license renewal process in the Philippines has undergone significant changes with the implementation of Republic Act 10930. This law introduced amendments to the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, aiming to streamline the renewal process and promote road safety. One notable change is the extension of license validity to either five or ten years, depending on the driver’s record of traffic violations. Drivers without violations are eligible for a ten-year validity license, while those with violations receive a five-year validity license, reflecting their driving history.

To renew an LTO driver’s license under RA 10930, applicants must adhere to specific eligibility criteria and requirements set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). This includes providing necessary documents such as a duly accomplished application form, government-issued ID, original driver’s license, and a medical examination certificate. Additionally, applicants may need to pass written and practical examinations, depending on their circumstances. The renewal process can be completed through either a walk-in application at an LTO office or online via the LTMS (Land Transportation Management System) portal for certain applicants, with the aim of enhancing efficiency and reducing waiting times for motorists.

Eligibility for the License with 10-Year Validity

Under Republic Act 10930, drivers without recorded traffic violations are eligible for a 10-year validity license, while those with violations receive a five-year validity license. However, regardless of validity, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including physical and mental fitness, passing written and practical examinations, and having a non-expired license.

Requirements for Driver’s License Renewal

The renewal requirements vary depending on the applicant’s circumstances, including whether they are local applicants, OFWs (Overseas Filipino Workers), or applicants with expired licenses. Necessary documents include a duly accomplished application form, government-issued ID, original driver’s license, medical examination certificate, and payment of renewal fees.

For a detailed list, you may check out this separate article on What are the Requirements for Non-Professional Driver’s License Applications.

Renewal Process

The renewal process can be done either through a walk-in application at an LTO office or online for certain applicants. Walk-in applicants must undergo various steps, including verification of documents, medical examination, biometrics, and payment of fees. OFWs and applicants with delinquent licenses follow slightly different procedures.

For the complete procedures, you can check this guide on How to Renew LTO Driver’s License.

Validity of Driver’s License with Violation at Renewal

For drivers with recorded traffic violations seeking renewal, their license’s validity will be limited to five years, in accordance with Republic Act 10930. However, it’s crucial to settle any outstanding violations before renewal to avoid complications and delays in the process.

Penalties for Driving with an Expired License

Failure to renew a driver’s license beyond the scheduled renewal date will result in it being automatically expired. Driving with an expired license can lead to penalties, including fines imposed by the LTO. Therefore, it’s essential for motorists to adhere to renewal schedules and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Video: How to Renew into a 10-year Validity License

For a visual guide to renewing your driver’s license into one with 10-year validity, you may check out this video from Vanvan Motovlog:

Summary

Renewing a driver’s license in the Philippines involves understanding eligibility criteria, renewal requirements, and the implications of past traffic violations. With the implementation of Republic Act 10930, drivers must be aware of the validity period associated with their renewal, especially if they have committed violations. By adhering to legal requirements, practicing defensive driving, and maintaining road safety, motorists can ensure a smooth and hassle-free renewal process with a license that has longer validity period while contributing to safer roads for every road user.

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