Apprehended drivers, operators, and conductors who wish to contest their alleged traffic violation may do so in the following offices:
- LTO
- Cashier (LTO Central Office)
- LTO Regional Offices – Operations Division
- LTO District Offices with LETAS functions
- LTO Extension Offices with LETAS functions
- MMDA
- Traffic Adjudication Board (for complaints relative to the apprehension)
- Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) (for complaints relative to the Traffic Enforcer’s apprehension manners)
Learning where and how to contest an alleged traffic violation is an important part of being a driver. After all, the thought of having to pay the hefty fines imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to traffic violators is no joke. Sure, you’re bound to commit one or two violations in your lifetime, but when you are slapped with what you perceive to be an “unjustly-issued” traffic ticket, you’d want to know the appropriate place to go crying for help or to raise hell.
If you want a short answer, then contesting an alleged traffic violation can be done in different places, depending upon the issuer and the type of complaints that you have. For LTO-issued traffic tickets, you may go to either the Cashier at the Central Office, the Operations Division of the LTO Regional Offices, or the LTO District or Extension Offices with Law Enforcement and Traffic Adjudication Service (LETAS) functions. For MMDA-issued traffic tickets, complaints can be made at either the Traffic Adjudication Board office (for complaints relative to the apprehension) or the Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) (for complaints relative to the Traffic Enforcer’s apprehension manners). You wouldn’t want to go to these places for no good reason though, as it is really quite inconvenient to do so.
Contesting an Alleged Traffic Violation
Contesting an alleged traffic violation is a normal process. After all, with the hefty fines and inconvenient penalties imposed towards violations on the road, filing complaints about being unjustly slapped with a traffic ticket is the lesser evil. It also offers the possibility of getting the traffic ticket rescinded, so there really is nothing to lose in doing so.
So, if you believe you have been unjustly issued a traffic ticket, then the LTO, as well as the MMDA, says it is well within your rights as a driver to contest the alleged violation through the appropriate channels and by following the appropriate motions, depending on the nature of the violation.
How to Contest an Alleged Traffic Violation
Both the LTO and the MMDA have laid the guidelines and requirements for contesting alleged traffic violations. Though the process can take place in different offices, the process remains pretty much the same.
This process includes the preparation of the documentary requirements including a written motion or contest letter and all the supporting evidence they could provide, including photos and videos. If the complaint is towards the attitude of the traffic enforcer, it should come with the officer’s name as well as the date and time of apprehension.
Note: The contest letter must be filed within five days of the apprehension being contested.
For more detailed information on the procedures for contesting an LTO traffic violation, you may check out this guide on How to Contest an Alleged Traffic Violation?
Where can you Contest an Alleged Traffic Violation
According to the LTO and the MMDA website, apprehended drivers, operators, and conductors who wish to contest their alleged violation may do so in the following offices:
- LTO
- Cashier (LTO Central Office)
- LTO Regional Offices – Operations Division
- LTO District Offices with LETAS functions
- LTO Extension Offices with LETAS functions
- MMDA
- Traffic Adjudication Board (for complaints relative to the apprehension)
- Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) (for complaints relative to the Traffic Enforcer’s apprehension manners)
Summary
Contesting a traffic violation is pretty normal. If you believe the traffic ticket is unjustly issued or if the traffic enforcer has been especially rude while issuing the traffic ticket, then by all means, you can go to either the LTO or the MMDA to complain. Do note that while it is okay to complain about and contest a violation, the process will include an investigation of the case, so it’s best to be truthful rather than having to face worse consequences.