Traffic violations here in the Philippines are overflowing. Even if you don't drive in major highways and entry points, there will be violations that not a lot of people know. If you've experienced driving or traveling, then the chances are, you have already received a ticket at least once.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is strict when it comes to abiding with traffic rules and regulations. This is why a lot of Filipino drivers are dubbed as "expert" drivers and that is all because of the strictness of the LTO.
Read: LTO Released the New Guidelines in Getting a Driver’s License
Do you drive a car? Or do you ride a motorcycle? If you answered yes in either of the questions, then you should know these following violations in order for you to be safe from being caught and penalized.
Driving without a license
How much is the fine if you get caught? P1,500.00
We all have our stories how we got our license and how we started using motor vehicles without licenses. But did you know that our country is strict when it comes to driving vehicles without a license? Yes, there is a penalty of P1,500.00 if you get caught driving without a license.
If I were you, I won't risk it. It's a small amount, yes, but it the record can actually stain your records. If you are driving with a revoked or a suspended license, however, an LTO fine of P1,000.00 will be charged against you.
Need a guide on how to secure a driver's license here in the Philippines? We've got a guide for you!
Read: Requirements and Procedure for Applying Driver’s License in the Philippines
Driving under the influence (DUI) of liquor
How much is the fine if you get caught? P5,000.00
Good old days. Drinking and driving. This is bad and everyone knows it is. Did you know that according to government data, the cases of death due to drinking and driving has been increasing every single year since 2006? This is a serious issue and it should not be neglected.
Other than the fact that it's extremely dangerous, if you get caught, whether you are driving a car or a motorcycle, you will be fined P5,000.00 for the first offense. In addition to that, motorists who will violate this will receive a license suspension of two (2) months.
Being caught again for the 2nd time will have another penalty of P6,000.00 and a three-month suspension. If you continue to neglect this, a fine of P7,000.00 and a six-month license suspension is on its way to you.
Driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs
How much is the fine if you get caught? P10,000.00
So you now know the penalties if you get caught driving under the influence of alcohol. What if you get caught driving under the influence of drugs? Well, there's a P10,000.00 fine from the LTO and a revocation of license automatically.
No seatbelt
How much is the fine if you get caught? P1,000.00
Now this goes for drivers of cars. If you get caught driving without your seatbelt on, you will be fined P1,000.00 for the first offense. If the violation reoccurs, then a fine of P2,000.00 will be charged against you. For the third offense, however, a fine of P5,000.00 will be ticketed to you.
Read: LTO: List of Traffic Violations, Fines and Penalties
Reckless driving
How much is the fine if you get caught? P2,000.00
Reckless driving is more than just swerving on the road. It's a mere offense if you neglect to lawfully follow road rules and regulations. In the event that you get caught, there is an LTO fine of P2,000.00 for the first offense. Then, being caught again will fine you P3,000.00. The third and subsequent offenses will charge you a staggering P10,000.00.
Can you imagine these violations? How much it would actually cost you by just not following the law? Those are just the common violations everyone should be aware of in terms of driving and licensing.
We will also be guiding and telling you violations that are connected to number plates.
Expired commemorative sticker or plate
How much is the fine if you get caught? P2,000.00
When you are driving, you need to make sure that the plate of your vehicle is updated. If you get caught driving and displaying an expired plate or sticker, you will be fined P2,000.00.
If you need a guide on how to renew an expired car registration or sticker, we have a guide perfect for you!
Read: Renewing Motor Vehicle Registration (All Classifications)
Illegal or unauthorized use or transfer of issued vehicle stickers, plates, or tags
How much is the fine if you get caught? P10,000.00
An operator or a driver shall be the one responsible for the plate or tags of his/her vehicle. Being caught transferring any of these illegally will issue a fine of P10,000.00.
- If the motor vehicle was traced and used involving a criminal activity, the owner of the vehicle shall pay a penalty to the LTO of P12,000.00. More so, they will face suspension of registration certificates, plates, and official receipts for a maximum of two (2) years;
- Operators and/or owners are definitively known to proceed with the illegal transfer; and
- People involved with the transfer of stickers and/or plates will have their licenses suspended for three (3) months.
Broken, tampered with, or marked stickers or plates
How much is the fine if you get caught? P2,000.00
Did you know that it is illegal to tamper with the plate, stickers, or registration certificates? Everything should be legal so if you are thinking about doing some of these, you might want to consider not doing so because if you get caught, you will face a fine of P2,000.00.
Those are common and often-forgotten laws of the LTO in terms of stickers and plates. Lastly, we will be telling you some of the laws that are relative to vehicle accessories, devices, parts, equipment, and markings.
Read: Updated LTO Student’s Permit Requirements and Procedure 2019
Smoke Belching
How much is the fine if you get caught? P2,000.00
If you're unfamiliar with what smoke belching is, it is what most jeepney drivers are caught for because their vehicles release a huge amount of black smoke that is both dangerous for the environment and for the health of the people in the area.
Being caught for the first offense will issue you a fine of P2,000.00. Motorists and drivers will face a fine of P4,000.00 for the second offense. For the third offense, however, a fine of P6,000.00 with a 1-year license suspension is the penalty.
Driving with a broken or defective tail light
How much is the fine if you get caught? P5,000.00
Driving without appropriate gear or equipment is as dangerous as driving with a broken vehicle. This violation revolves around the topic of driving or traveling in a motor vehicle with improper, defective, or unauthorized parts. This does not only refer to tail lights. This also would observe:
- Headlights
- Interior lights
- Side mirrors
- Rear-view mirror
- Brake lights
- Signals
- Spare tires
- Speedometers
- Wipers
- Windshields
Generally, everything that you need in order for you to be safe while driving is going to be affected. This is why it's a common and a regular rule to check everything before you go and traverse the roads.
Read: Cheapest Cars You can Buy for Under Php700k
Getting caught violating this rule would incur a fine of P5,000.00.
Defective motor vehicle
How much is the fine if you get caught? P1,000.00
Following the rule of not being able to drive with defective equipment or gears would be the fact that people are not allowed to drive if their motor vehicle is dilapidated or broken.
In the event that the LTO sees you driving with a broken or a defective motor vehicle, you will be fined P1,000.00.
What do you need to do to avoid paying these penalties or fees?
Of course, the number one and only rule is to follow the rules. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) did not make these rules just for nothing. This is in order to keep a steady and a paced road environment.
Everyone uses the road. Whether or not you are a driver, you commute, you walk the streets. Wouldn't you want to be safe every single time you are outside?
While these are just some of the more common rules and regulations of traffic and the road, there are more that most people are not aware of. We shared these because these are just simple rules that not everyone can follow. So, if you've read this, better be sure to always check the rule book to avoid being caught and to avoid paying high fees and penalties.
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