Metro Manila mayors adopts single ticketing system

Mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR) have adopted the single ticketing system that will standardize fines and penalties within the metropolis.

During the Metro Manila Council meeting today, the local chief executives approved the aforementioned scheme through creation of the “Metro Manila Traffic Code (MMTC) of 2023.” MMC President and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said the system will be in effect within the first quarter of the year.

The said fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and local councils for adoption.

Based on the MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, the single ticketing system “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”

The resolution will also address various concerns surrounding transportation such as procedures of apprehension; payment of fines; redemption of licenses and plates; as well as uncoordinated implementation of traffic laws resulting in confusion of the driving public, loss of money and productive hours.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said that the single ticketing system will give apprehended motorists convenience since they can now settle their traffic-related violations wherever, regardless of the city they have been caught.

“This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than twenty years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will highly benefit our motorists,” Artes noted.

"The single ticketing system would help avoid confusion among our driving public, as well as the option to pay electronically for their violations. Driver's license will also not be confiscated during apprehension," he added.

Meanwhile, Zamora is grateful to the whole council for passing the resolution after nearly three decades.

"The Metro Manila LGUs will have to pass their respective ordinances adapting the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system," he said.

The MMTC of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, listed the most common traffic violation penalties that will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila local government units, as follows:

• Disregarding traffic signs
• Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
• Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (commonly known as number coding)
• Truck ban
• Light truck ban
• Reckless Driving
• Unregistered motor vehicle
• Driving without license
• Tricycle ban
• Obstruction
• Dress code for motorcycle
• Overloading
• Defective motorcycle accessories
• Unauthorized modification
• Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
• Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
• Illegal counterflow
• Overspeeding

Special laws:

• Seat Belts Use Act of 1999
• Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act
• Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act
• Children's Safety on Motorcycle Act
• Anti-Distracted Driving Act
• Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act

Further, the MMTC also has provision for the interconnectivity requirements with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS).

During the meeting, it was also agreed upon that the MMDA will provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and I.T requirements needed for seamless and simultaneous rollout of the LGU’s integration with the LTMS.

The LGU units will likewise enact ordinances that will adapt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinance for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code.

It can be recalled that the MMTC’s final draft was agreed upon last January 19 by officials of MMDA and LTO, as well as Metro Manila local traffic enforcement heads.

Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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