10-year valid driver's licenses only for those with clean records

Starting next year, drivers can obtain licenses with 10-year validity, provided they have a clean record with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

During a presser last week, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said that starting October 2021, these “premium” licenses will be given to outstanding drivers, which is in line with the in Republic Act (RA) 10930.

The said ruling, which was signed into law back in 2017, states that, “Except for student permits, all drivers' licenses shall be valid for five years reckoned from the birthdate of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended: Provided, however, that subject to Section 26 hereof, any holder of a professional or nonprofessional driver's license who has not committed any violation of Republic Act No. 4136 and other traffic laws, rules and regulations during the five-year period shall be entitled to a renewal of such license for 10 years, subject to the restrictions as may be imposed by the LTO.”

Following the said law, a new point system was made that would give  incentives to drivers with good standing. On the other hand, for each violation a driver commits, he/she will earn demerits.

These violations are classified according to their corresponding categories: grave for five points; less grave for three points; and light for one point.

Galvante cited examples of grave violations such as:

• driving a motor vehicle in the commission of crime,
• operating a colorum vehicle, and
• driving under the influence.

Lighter offenses may be considered grave, Galvante said, if committed repeatedly.

Should the driver accumulate a total of 10 points demerit, he/she may face suspension, and 40 points would lead to the revocation of license.

The violations committed by motorists will be uploaded and recorded to the LTO database.

The license holder, Galvante added, will also be notified of the committed violations, which will be the basis of issuing a new license upon renewal.

Furthermore, Galvante said the 10-year validity of driver’s licenses is targeted to incentivize law abiding motorists.

“Hopefully, with this measure, mababawas-bawasan ang road crashes, road or traffic incidents na nagko-cause ng injuries and even pagkamatay,” Galvante said.

“Not all license holders are entitled to this privilege. For those who have clean records, you may enjoy not coming back for renewal not only for five years, but ten years. That is if you are not delinquent,” the LTO chief added.

Photo/s from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Land Transportation Office

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