Motorists flagged for traffic violations will no longer have their driver’s licenses confiscated on the spot under new rules issued by the Department of Transportation.
The Land Transportation Office–Negros Island Region in a press release said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez directed the LTO to suspend the practice through a memorandum dated Jan. 9.
Under the new guidelines, traffic enforcers will no longer physically take a driver’s license during apprehensions.
Instead, unsettled violations will place the driver’s license under “alarm” status in the LTO database.
The LTO said details of the violation will be reflected in the Temporary Operator’s Permit and immediately recorded in the system.
Motorists will have 15 working days from the date of apprehension to settle fines, excluding weekends, holidays, and government work suspensions.
Failure to pay within the period will result in the automatic suspension of the driver’s license for 30 days or possible revocation.
The LTO said the no-confiscation policy will take effect 15 days after the Jan. 9 memorandum, or on Jan. 26.
Violations committed before the effectivity date will still be processed under the previous rules.
The LTO reminded motorists that while licenses will no longer be confiscated roadside, penalties and accountability for traffic violations remain in force.*