18/06/2023
Driving Without a Valid License
LTO fine: ₱3,000
Going for a quick drive but too lazy to get a driving license? Think twice before starting your vehicle then. The penalty for driving without a license in the Philippines is a hefty ₱3,000.
The fine for this license-related LTO violation also applies to those carrying a delinquent, expired, suspended, revoked, improper, or fake driver’s license.
Heads up, student drivers! You'll also have to pay this no-license penalty if you get caught driving without a duly licensed driver.
Read more: Applying for Your Driver’s License Renewal? Read This Guide First
❌ Not Wearing a Seat Belt
LTO fine: ₱1,000 to ₱5,000
Wearing your seat belt should be the very first thing you do when you get inside your vehicle. For drivers and passengers who fail to do so, prepare to pay the LTO fee of ₱1,000 on your first offense. If you're a second-time offender, you'll need to pay a fine of ₱2,000. For the third offense and every succeeding one, the fine will be ₱5,000.
You'll also pay the same fine if you allow kids six years old and below to sit in the front seat. Aside from the fine, your driver's license will also be suspended for one week.
❌ Reckless Driving
LTO fine: ₱2,000 to ₱10,000
The penalty for reckless driving in the Philippines includes a fine plus suspension of your driver's license. If you get caught driving recklessly the first time, the penalty is ₱2,000. If you still don't learn your lesson and get caught the second time, you'll get a fine of ₱3,000 and a three-month suspension on your driver's license.
On your third and subsequent offenses, the penalty will be ₱10,000, plus six months' suspension or revocation of your driver's license.
In June 2022, a hit-and-run incident involving an SUV driver and a security guard in Mandaluyong City went viral. The LTO found the erring driver liable for reckless driving (his fourth time) and for violating the Land Transportation and Traffic Code when he abandoned the scene and the victim. The LTO revoked the driver's license and "perpetually disqualified" him from securing a license and driving a vehicle.[1]
Such is the kind of situation you don't want to get into, so always practice safe driving and keep a cool head on the road.
Read more: Here’s How You Can Claim a Confiscated Driver’s License
❌ Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Prohibited Drugs
LTO fine: ₱50,000 to ₱500,000
This is a serious violation with serious consequences under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act. If your violation didn't result in physically injuring or killing someone, the penalty will be three months of imprisonment and a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000.[2]
However, if the violation resulted in physical injuries, the penalty will be as stated in Article 263 of the Revised Penal Code,[3] plus a fine of ₱150,000 to ₱250,000.
If the violation resulted in homicide, the penalty will be as stated in Article 249 of the Revised Penal Code,[4] plus a fine of ₱350,000 to ₱500,000.
If you're carrying a non-professional driver’s license, it will be confiscated and suspended for 18 months on the first conviction. On the second conviction, it will be perpetually revoked.
If you're carrying a professional driver’s license, it will be confiscated and perpetually revoked on the first conviction. Moreover, the driver will also be disqualified from getting any kind of driver's license after that.
❌ Not Wearing a Helmet
LTO fine: ₱1,500 to ₱10,000
Motorcycle riders and their back riders should always wear a helmet whenever they travel. Failure to do so will warrant applicable LTO motorcycle fines and penalties this 2023:
First offense: ₱1,500
Second offense: ₱3,000
Third offense: ₱5,000
Fourth and succeeding offenses: ₱10,000
Aside from the 2023 penalties stated above for this no-helmet violation, the driver's license will be confiscated for the fourth and succeeding offenses. Furthermore, motorcycle riders and their back riders will be fined if found wearing substandard helmets or those without the ICC sticker.
❌ Obstruction
LTO fine: ₱1,000
If you block the free passage of other vehicles on the highway, whether it's while
loading or unloading passengers or freight, or any other similar instances, you'll have to pay the LTO obstruction violation fee for 2023 as well.
Number Plate-Related Violations and Penalties
LTO Violations and penalties 2023 - number plate-related violations
❌ Number Plate Not Firmly Attached
LTO fine: ₱5,000
Be aware of different LTO violations on plate numbers. For instance, make sure your license plate is properly attached to your vehicle.
For a no-plate violation, you'll incur a hefty fine of ₱5,000. Driving with a loose number plate may not only cause damage to your vehicle but also risk your safety and that of other motorists you share the road with.
❌ LTO Sticker Violation
LTO fine: ₱5,000
This fine applies to motorists and motorcycle riders attaching improper third-party stickers or tampering with
