Check out all the violations, penalties, and fines a driver may face in the Philippines - Part II

Welcome to part two of our driving violations, penalties, and fines imposed by the LTO series. In the first part, we discussed violations related to permits and license, and now it is time to look a little bit ahead, i.e., violations related to registration, renewal, or operation, along with vehicle dimensions, specs, weight, and load limit.

Yes, there is a lot a driver should be aware of before taking the car out for a drive or even for work. Even a small mistake can result in a penalty and the associated fine. We are sure no one wants to waste their time and energy in such situations that could otherwise have been easily avoided.

Also Read:Don't get caught off guard: A complete guide to car registration renewal in the Philippines

So, without any delay, let’s begin discussing LTO’s driving violations and their consequences.

#1 Violation Driving an unregistered vehicle or one with an undocumented engine

Fine: PHP 10,000

Penalty: Confiscation of the vehicle until the payment of the fine & completion of the registration work

If a driver is found driving a motor vehicle with the below-mentioned registration malfunctions for more than one month, he/she will be imposed with a fine of PHP 10,000, along with the penalty of seizure of the vehicle unit registration and payment of the fine. As for motor vehicles with undocumented engines, the vehicle in question will be confiscated and barred for a year from payment of the fine.

Following are the vehicle registration/engine malfunctions that result in penalties and prohibitions -

• Improper registration
• Expired registration
• Revoked registration
• Suspended registration
• Invalid registration
• Unregistered/fake substitute/replacement chassis, engine, engine block

#2 Violation Unauthorised modification of motor vehicle

Fine: PHP 5,000

Penalty: Confiscation of the vehicle until correction and payment of the fine

If you are a car owner who wishes to modify your car, we suggest you first check with the LTO, as not all add-ons are approved. Also, applying such a car modification will put you in trouble with the traffic regulators. You’ll not only be fined PHP 5,000, but the car will also be taken into custody until after inspection, correction, and clearance of all dues. So, unauthorised colour changes and modifications to the standard specifications should be avoided.

#3 Violation Driving a right-hand drive motor vehicle

Fine: PHP 50,000

Penalty: Vehicle confiscation

It is a well-known fact that the Philippines is a left-hand drive country, meaning the steering wheel is located on the left side of the car, with vehicles moving on the right side of the road. Under the Republic Act, no 8506, registration and operation of vehicles with the right-hand steering wheels are banned in the country. However, there are a few exceptions to this law, one being the imported car is tagged as vintage (manufactured before 1960) and in showroom condition. Second, the vehicle in question is used for some special off-road purposes.

Note that brand-new cars, demo units, and concept cars with right-hand drive setups displayed at auto shows/launches are not included in the exception list.

If the car owner fails to comply, the vehicle will be impounded until the defect is corrected and the fine is paid.

#4 Violation Driving a vehicle with defective, unauthorised accessories, devices, parts etc

Fine: PHP 5,000

Penalty: Correction/removal/confiscation of accessory/part/device etc

It is never a good idea to drive a vehicle with improper, defective, unauthorised parts, devices, accessories, or equipment as this poses danger to you, the vehicle, and others on the road. The LTO poses a fine of PHP 5,000 on such units along with impounding the vehicle unit until the part/accessory/equipment is installed properly or removed and the fine is paid.

The list of unauthorised devices, accessories, parts, and equipment includes horns, bells, whistles, sirens, blinkers, early warning devices, jalousies, grille/s, brake lights, brake (both foot and hand), brake lights, interior lights, headlights, tail lights, signal lamps, mirrors, metallic tires, mufflers, spare tyre, wipers, windshield, and speedometer, among others that are prejudicial to road safety.

#5 Violation Improper or tampering with authorised license plates and/or third plate sticker

Fine: PHP 5,000

Penalty: Removal and confiscation of unauthorised plate

The traffic controller will stop your car if it features an unauthorised plate or an accessory/device around the authorised license plate. Also, make sure there is no attachment that compromises the visibility of the license plate or the third plate sticker. If you fail to meet these requirements, the unauthorised plate, accessory, and device will be removed and confiscated.

#6 Violation Smoke belching & violation of emission rules

Fine: PHP 2,000 to PHP 6,000

Penalty: Impounding of the vehicle and license and suspension of the MVR for one year. The table below explains the violations and the penalties in detail.

First offense	PHP 2,000
Second offense	PHP 4,000
Third offense	PHP 6,000

#7 Violation MV registration or renewal fraud

Fine: PHP 3,000

Penalty: The vehicle will be impounded with its registration barred for a year from the date of payment of the fine.

When a motor vehicle is found to be involved in registration or registration renewal fraud, it is not only fined but also has its registration invoked for a year.

#8 Violation Any other violation related to motor vehicle registration

Fine: PHP 1,000

Penalty: NA

The authority will fine a motor vehicle PHP 1,000 if it is involved in any violation related to its registration.

#9 Violation Without permit load extension beyond projected width

Fine: PHP 1,000

Penalty: NA

When a traffic controller stops a vehicle for violating load extension beyond the projected width without a permit, the vehicle is fined PHP 1,000.

#10 Violation Axle overloading

Fine: 25% of MVUC at the time of infringement

Penalty: NA

If the vehicle’s load is found to exceed 150% of the maximum allowable gross weight or if the dual-wheel axle load exceeds 13,500 kgs; the authority imposes 25% of motor vehicle user’s charge during infringement.

#11 Violation Not wearing a helmet

Fine: PHP 1,500 to PHP 10,000

Penalty: Confiscation of driver’s license

When commuting on a two-wheeler, both the rider and the pillion must wear a helmet. Failure to do so results in fines and penalties. The driver’s license is suspended when the offense is committed four or more times. The rider and the back passenger are also fined for wearing substandard helmets or those without the ICC sticker. The table below gives a brief description of the violation and the corresponding fine.

First offense	PHP 1,500
Second offense	PHP 3,000
Third offense	PHP 5,000
Fourth and succeeding offense	PHP 10,000

Bottom line

With this, we come to an end of our LTO driving violations, fines, and penalties. We hope you have gone through all of them and will ensure that you commit no violations next time you drive.

Also Read:LTO OR/CR: Get to know the two of the most important docs for your car