Traffic Laws, Rules and

Regulation
 Legal Basis

R A No. 4136
An act to compile the laws relative to land transportation and traffic
rules, to create a land transportation commission and for other
purpose.

PD 96
A law declaring unlawful use or attachment of sirens, bells, horns,
whistle or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling
sounds, including dome lights and other signaling or flashing devices
on motor vehicles.
R A No. 10586
An Act Penalizing Persons Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol,
Dangerous Drugs and Similar Substances and for other purposes.

R A No. 10913
Anti-Driving distracted Act: Text, call, or internet surfing using the
mobile phone or any other electronic device are prohibited and
punishable while driving a vehicle
P D No. 843
amending republic act no. 4136 as amended, otherwise known as
the land transportation and traffic code by increasing the annual
registration fee on private automobiles and imposing an ad
valorem tax thereon, and for other purposes.

R.A No. 6374

An act amending R.A No. 4136, known as the land transportation
and traffic code.
REPUBLIC ACT No. 4136

AN ACT TO COMPILE THE LAWS RELATIVE TO LAND

TRANSPORTATION AND TRAFFIC RULES, TO CREATE
A LAND TRANSPORTATION COMMISSION AND FOR
OTHER PURPOSES
 ARTICLE II
Definitions
Section 3. Words and phrases defined. - As used in this Act:
(a) "Motor Vehicle" shall mean any vehicle propelled by any
power other than muscular power using the public highways, but
excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinklers,
lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian trucks, and
cranes if not used on public highways, vehicles which run only on
rails or tracks, and tractors, trailers and traction engines of all kinds
used exclusively for agricultural purposes.

.
(b) "Passenger automobiles" shall mean all pneumatic-tire
vehicles of types similar to those usually known under the
following terms: touring car, command car, speedster,
sports car, roadster, jeep, cycle, car (except motor wheel
and similar small outfits which are classified with
motorcycles), coupe, landaulet, closed car, limousine,
cabriolet, and sedan.
Motor vehicles with changed or rebuilt bodies, such as
jeepneys, jitneys, or station wagons, using a chassis of the
usual pneumatic-tire passenger automobile type, shall
also be classified as passenger automobile, if their net
allowable carrying capacity, as determined by the
Commissioner of Land Transportation, does not exceed
nine passengers and if they are not used primarily for
carrying freight or merchandise.
(d) "Driver" shall mean every and any licensed operator of a
motor vehicle.

(e) "Professional driver" shall mean every and any driver hired or
paid for driving or operating a motor vehicle, whether for private
use or for hire to the public.

Any person driving his own motor vehicle for hire is a professional
driver.
(f) "Owner" shall mean the actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in
whose name such vehicle is duly registered with the Land
Transportation Commission.

The "owner" of a government-owned motor vehicle is the head of

the office or the chief of the Bureau to which the said motor
vehicle belongs.
(g) "Dealer" shall mean every person, association, partnership, or
corporation making, manufacturing, constructing, assembling,
remodeling, rebuilding, or setting up motor vehicles; and every
such entity acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes,
styles, or kinds of motor vehicles, dealing in motor vehicles,
keeping the same in stock or selling same or handling with a
view to trading same.
(h) "Garage" shall mean any building in which two or more motor
vehicles, either with or without drivers, are kept ready for hire to
the public, but shall not include street stands, public service
stations, or other public places designated by proper authority
as parking spaces for motor vehicles for hire while awaiting or
soliciting business.
(i) "Gross weight" shall mean the measured weight of a motor vehicle
plus the maximum allowable carrying capacity in merchandise,
freight and/or passenger, as determined by the Commissioner of
Land Transportation.

(j) "Highways" shall mean every public thoroughfare, public

boulevard, driveway, avenue, park, alley and callejon, but shall not
include roadway upon grounds owned by private persons, colleges,
universities, or other similar institutions.
(k) "The Commissioner of Land Transportation or his deputies"
shall mean the actual or acting chief of the Land
Transportation Commission or such representatives, deputies,
or assistants as he may, with the approval of the Secretary of
Public Works and Communications, appoint or designate in
writing for the purpose contemplated by this Act.
(l) "Parking or parked", for the purposes of this Act, shall mean that a motor
vehicle is "parked" or "parking" if it has been brought to a stop on the shoulder
or proper edge of a highway, and remains inactive in that place or close
thereto for an appreciable period of time.
A motor vehicle which properly stops merely to discharge a passenger or to
take in a waiting passenger, or to load or unload a small quantity of freight
with reasonable dispatch shall not be considered as "parked", if the motor
vehicle again moves away without delay.

(m) "Tourist" shall mean a foreigner who travels from place to place for
pleasure or culture.
 In the Philippines, the mass of traffic laws, rules and
regulations have their source in laws, Presidential
Decree, Executive Orders, Letters of Instruction,
Administrative Orders and implementing Memoranda
and other Special laws relative to traffic operation and
traffic law enforcement.
The following are the basis for the traffic regulations and prohibitions in
the country.
 R A No. 4136
An act to compile the laws relative to land transportation and traffic
rules, to create a land transportation commission and for other
purpose.
It has repealed Act No. 3992 (the revised motor vehicle Law)
 R.A. 6539
An act which is known as the anti-carnapping Act of 1972. the Act
preventing and penalizing carnapping
 R.A 5448. an Act imposing a tax on privately owned passenger
automobiles, motorcycle ands and scooters,
schedule of fees:
(1) 1,000 kilos or less P35.00
(2) 1,001 kilos to 1,500 kilos 100.00
(3) 1,501 kilos to 2,000 kilos 250.00
(4) 2,001 kilos and above 450.00
 R.A 8749. This Act shall be known as the "Philippine Clean Air Act of
1999.“
The State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a
balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and
harmony of nature.
The State shall promote and protect the global environment to attain
sustainable development while recognizing the primary responsibility of
local government units to deal with environmental problems.
 R.A 8750. An act requiring the mandatory
compliance by motorist of private and public
vehicles to use seatbelt devices, and requiring
vehicle manufacturers to install seat belt
devices in all their manufactured vehicles.
R.A 7924. the act creating the
Metropolitan Manila Development
Authority, defining its powers and
functions, providing funds therefor and for
other purposes.
PRESIDENTIAL DECREES (P.D.s)
 P.D No. 96. regulating the use of sirens, bells, horns, etc. by
prohibiting the attachment of any siren, horn bell, etc. on
motor vehicles which produce unusual or startling sounds as
well as blinkers and other similar devices unless the vehicle
belongs to the AFP, NBI, LTO, PNP, BJMP, Hospitals and fire
departments an are specifically intended for use in
emergencies. (January 13, 1973)
 P.D No. 101. expediting the methods of prescribing, redefining or
modifying the lines and modes of operations of public utility motor
vehicles in the Philippines. (January 19, 1973)
 P.D. No 207. Declaring as part of the laws of the Philippines the Vienna
convention on road traffic, signs and signals. (June 6, 1973)
 P.D. No. 612. Requiring compulsory insurance for all types of motor
vehicles against third party liability as an additional pre-requisite for
registration by the LTO. (December 18, 1974)
 P.D 1686. Imposing a tax on every motor vehicle equipped with air
conditioner. (March 19, 1980)
 P.D. 1181. Providing with the abatement of air pollution from motor
vehicles and for other purposes
 P.D. 1605. Granting the Metropolitan Manila Commission certain
powers, related to traffic management and control in metropolitan
Manila providing penalties and for other purposes. (November 21, 1978)
 P.D. 98. Regulating the issuance of license plates of all motor vehicles.
(January 15, 1973)
 P.D. 109. Modifying P.D 98 (January 25, 1973)
 P.D. 1729. Authorizing the bureau of land
transportation to dispose of impounded motor
vehicles unclaimed by owners for a certain period of
time. (1980)
 P.D. 1730. declaring the syndicated printing,
manufacture, distribution, possession or use of fake
official Bureau of Land Transportation forms,
documents, plates and stickers as offenses involving
economic sabotage
Letters of Instruction (L.O.I.s)
 L.O.I No. 43. providing for the removal of all impediments on roads, streets
and highways such as construction, stalled, or parked vehicles and other
movable property that obstruct free passage. (1972)
 L.O.I No. 112. Prohibiting freight and cargo trucks from using roads, highways
and bridges whose load capacities are in excess of specific allowable limits.
(1973)
 L.O.I No. 229. Requiring all motor vehicle owners, users, or drivers to have in
their possession at all times while driving at least one (1) pair of early warning
device (EWD) for use when the vehicle is disabled on roads, streets and
highways or other emergencies compelling the vehicle to be on stop
position. (Dec. 2, 1974)
 L.O.I. No. 551. Directing the Law Enforcement agencies to implement the
pollution control program. (June 7, 1977)
 L.O.I. No. 1009. All owners of private motor vehicles who desire to stop
operating or using their number plates and registration certificates to
surrender to BLT. (April 17, 1980)
 L.O.I. No. 1071. every land transportation operator and/or owner of a
motor vehicle shall, before applying for the registration or renewal of
registration of any motor vehicle, secure an insurance policy issued by an
insurance company authorized by the Insurance Commissioner. Such
operators and/or owners of motor vehicles shall be required to pay in full
the annual insurance premiums needed for one whole year insurance
(Oct. 7, 1980)
Departments Orders. (D.O.s)
 DOTC D.O. 88-305. Rules of pleadings, practice and
procedure for appeals on franchising, fare rates
charges and other related matters pertinent to land
transportation public utilities.
 D.O. 93-693. revised schedule of administrative fees
and charges of the Land Transportation Office.
Administrative and Special Orders
 Administrative Order. No. VIII, S-1968, LTC. Requiring the towing and
impounding of stalled motor vehicles on public highways and the
imposition of corresponding fees thereof.
 Administrative Order No. 1, S-1973, LTC. Prescribing guidelines and
procedure in the implementation of PD No. 96.
 Administrative Order No. 1, S-1975, LTC. Laying Down
specific rules of action in the imposition of uniform
fines and penalties for violation of the provisions of R.A
4136.
 Special Order No. 101-IRM, LTC. Enumerating and
Identifying various city streets where parking is
prohibited
Memorandum Circulars
 LTC Memorandum to All Patrol Officers. Deputies and Agents – dtd 09
august 1975. Directing that motor vehicles whose loads are rice, cereals,
fertilizers and other prime commodities are not to be apprehended and
stop on roads and highways except only in cases of serious violations.
 LTC Memorandum Circular No. 33. Dated 12 September 1972. Providing
guidelines in the apprehension of illegally parked motor vehicles.
 LTC Circular No. 15, dated 19 January 1972. Regulating and laying
instructions in the use of Special Commemorative Motor Vehicle Plates.
 M.C 94-199. Aide-memoir regarding retention and authority by LTO
to regular motorized tricycles under R.A 4136, and guidelines to
implement devolution of LTFRB’s Franchising Authority over TC’s per
R.A 7160 issued by DOTC.
 M.C 94-188. Issuance of driver’s license to disabled persons.
 M.C. 92-146. Re-implementation of LOI 229, as amended by LOI 479
directing the installation of early warning devices of motor vehicles.
 M.C. 94-192. Diesel smoke emission test for motor vehicles.
 M.C. 90-020. Directing all public land transportation service operators and
drivers to display in any conspicuous place of their vehicles the authorized
fare matrix for the specific route granted them to avoid conflict.
 M.C. 93-011. Enjoining all public utility operators to use garage instead of
public places or side streets in parking their vehicles.
 M.C 94-002. Sanctions on operators arising from the violations of their
drivers.
 M.C. 94-209. Clarificatory guidelines for the registration/operation of new
private vehicles particularly in the use of conduction sticker.
Executive Orders (E.O.s)
 E.O 125. Reorganizing the DOTC, defining its powers and functions and
for other purposes.
 E.O.266. Providing for two service units in the office of the Asst. Sec. for
land Transportation in the DOTC (Law Enforcement Service-LES and
Traffic Adjudication Service-TAS), defining the powers and functions
thereof and for other purposes.
 E.O. 202. Creating the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory
Board (LTFRB). › E.O. 248. Empowering the Land Transportation
Commission to control and supervise the operations of motor vehicle
driving schools.
Other Special Laws, Statutes, etc.
 Batas Pambansa Blg. 344 (B.P. 344). Act to enhance the mobility of disabled persons by
requiring certain buildings, institutions, establishments and public utilities to install facilities
and other devices. (February 25, 1983)
Sec. 1, Par. 2. in the Case of the parking place of any of the above institutions,
buildings, or establishments, or public utilities, the owner or operator shall reserve
sufficient and suitable space for the use of disabled person.
Sec. 2, In case of public conveyance, devices such as the prominent display of posters
or stickers shall be used to generate public awareness of the rights of the disabled
and foster understanding of their special needs. Special bus stops shall be designed for
disabled persons. Discriminating against disabled persons in the carriage or
transportation of passengers is hereby declared unlawful.
 Memorandum Unnumbered Dated July 13,
1992. Early Warning Device (EWD) not a
requirement for registration.
 SC BarsLawmen from Removing Car Plates (187
SCRA 432).
Important Provisions of R.A. 4136
Words and used in R.A. 4136. as used in this act, the following words
and phrases are defined for better and common understanding.
 Motor vehicle - Shall mean any vehicle propelled by any power
other than muscular power using the public highways, but
excepting road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinkles, lawn
mowers, bulldozers, graders, fork-lifts, amphibian trucks, and cranes
if not in used in public highways, and traction engines of all kinds
used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
 Passenger Automobiles - Shall mean all pneumatic tire vehicles of
types similar to those usually known under the following terms: touring
car, command car, speedster, sports car, roadster, jeep, cycle car
coupe, landaulet, closed car, limousine, cabriolet, and sedan.
 Articulated Vehicle - Shall mean any motor vehicle with a trailer
having no front axle and so attached that part of the trailer rests
upon the motor vehicle and a substantial part of the weight of the
trailer and of its load is borne by the motor vehicle. Such trailer shall
be called as “semi-trailer.”
 Driver - Shall mean every and any licensed operator of a motor vehicle.
 Professional Driver - Every and any driver hired for driving or operating a motor
vehicle, whether for private use or for hire to the public. Any driver driving his own
motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver.
 Owner - The actual legal owner of a motor vehicle, in whose name such vehicle is
duly registered with the LTO
 Dealer - Every person, association partnership, or corporation making,
manufacturing, constructing, assembling, remodeling or setting up motor vehicles;
and every such entity acting as agent for the sale of one or more makes, keeping
the same in stock or selling same or handling with a view to trading same.
 Gross Weight - The measured weight of a motor vehicle plus the maximum
allowable carrying capacity in merchandise, freight and/or passenger, as
determined by the Commissioner of the LTO.
 Highways - Every public thoroughfare, public boulevard, driveway, avenue, park,
alley and callejon, but shall not include roadway upon grounds owned by
private persons, colleges, universities, or other similar institutions.
 Parking or Parked - Shall mean that the motor vehicle is parked or parking if it has
been brought to a stop on the shoulder or proper edge of a highway, and
remains inactive in that place or closed thereto for an appreciable period of
time.
 Tourist - A foreigner who travels from place to place for pleasure culture.
 ARTICLE III
Passengers and Freight

Selected Provisions of R.A 4136

 Exceeding Registered Capacity (OVERLOADING) Passengers,
freight or cargo load of a motor vehicle should not be more
than its registered carrying capacity. Conductors of public
utility trucks or buses are held liable for the overloading of
vehicles under their charge. (Sec. 32. a)
 Cargo Carrying Devices - The construction of devices
for carrying cargo at the rear or sides of trucks may be
allowed, subject to the approval of the commissioner
but the total net weight of the device, including
cargo, must not exceed 100 kilos. (Sec. 32)
 Carrying of Passengers and Freight on Top of
Vehicles - Passengers shall not be allowed to ride
on top of motor vehicles, but baggage or freight
may be carried on top of the truck, provided that
the weight thereof is not more than 20 kilos per
square meter distributed in such a way as not to
endanger passengers or vehicles stability. (sec.
32.b)
Riding on Running Boards. – No driver
shall allow any person to ride on the
running board, step board, or
mudguard of his motor vehicle for any
purpose while the vehicle in motion.
(Sec. 32. c)
 Passenger or Freight Capacity Marked on Vehicle. – All passengers
automobiles for hire shall have the registered passenger capacity
plainly and conspicuously marked on both sides thereof, in letters and
numerals not less than five centimeters in height.
 All motor trucks, whether for passenger or freight, private, or for hire,
shall have the registered passenger gross and net weight capacities
plainly and conspicuously marked on both sides thereof, in letters and
numerals not less than five centimeters in height. (Sec. 33)
 ARTICLE IV
Accessories of Motor Vehicles
 Required Motor Accessories - Every motor vehicles when operated on a
traffic way should have the following specified accessories:
Tires - Motor vehicles having metallic tires are prohibited from operating
on any public highway. If the tires are solid, it should be thick enough to
prevent the metal rims from touching the roads. (Sec. 34 a)
Brake- Every motor vehicle with four (4) or more wheels shall be provided
with dual hydraulic brake system so that in case of hydraulic line failure
affecting the braking efficiency of any of the four (4) wheels at least
either the front or rear wheels shall retain normal braking capabilities.
(Sec. 34 b)
 Horns - Every motor vehicle shall be provided with a horn or signaling
device in good order. Provided, however, that no horn or signaling device
emitting exceptionally loud, startling, or disagreeable sound shall be
installed or used on any motor vehicle. (sec 34. b-1)
 Headlight - The vehicle should have two (2) headlights, one on each side,
which must be dimmed when meeting another vehicle. (sec. 34. c)
 Tail Lights - Every motor vehicle and trailer shall,
during the night time, also bear on each side in
the rear a lamp showing a red light visible at
least one hundred meters from the rear of the
vehicle and a lamp throwing a white light upon
the number plate issued for such vehicle. (sec
34 d)
 Stop Light - Every motor vehicle shall be
equipped at the rear with at least one
lamp which shall throw a sustained bright
red light visible under all conditions, even
under bright sunlight, when the brakes
are applied. (sec. 34 e.)
 Motorcycle and other vehicle lights - Every
motor vehicle of less than one meter of
projected width shall be subject to the
preceding provisions of this section, except
that one headlight and one taillight shall be
required. No signal light shall be necessary.
(sec 34 f.)
 Lights when parked or disabled. – Appropriate parking lights or
flares visible one hundred meters away shall be displayed at a
corner of the vehicle whenever such vehicle is parked on highways
or in places that are not well-lighted or is placed in such manner as
to endanger passing traffic. (sec 34. g.)
 Windshield wiper. – Every motor vehicle shall be equipped with a
mechanically or electrically operated device for wiping off
raindrops or other moisture from its front windshield. (sec 34. h.)
 Use of red flag. – Whenever the load of any vehicle extends more
than one meter beyond the bed or body thereof, there shall be
displayed at every projecting end of such load a red flag not less
than thirty centimeters both in length and width, except that
during the hours fixed under subsection (c), there shall be
displayed, in lieu of the required red flags, red lights visible at
least fifty meters away. (sec. 34. i)
 Mufflers. – Every motor vehicle propelled by an internal
combustion engine shall be equipped with a muffler,
and whenever said motor vehicle passes through a
street of any city, municipality, or thickly populated
district or barrio, the muffler shall not be cut out or
disconnected. No motor vehicle shall be operated in
such a manner as to cause it to emit or make any
unnecessary or disagreeable odor, smoke or noise.
The Muffler Act of 2016, this bill aims to prohibit motorcycles and other
vehicles—both in the public and private sector—that make use of
muffler modifications to increase the noise output of their engines.
 Hitching on to a Vehicle. The following practices are
prohibited :
 Hanging on - to or riding on the outside or rear end any
vehicle.
 Holding on - to any moving vehicle whether on foot or
otherwise. and
 No Driver allowing any person to hang on or ride outside of or
at the rear end of hisvehicle. (SEC. 51)
 Driving while under the influence of liquor or other prohibited drugs.
(sec. 53)
It is absolutely prohibited to operate any motor vehicle under the
influence of liquor or other prohibited drugs.
 Obstruction of Traffic.
Obstruction of traffic by operating a motor vehicle in such a manner
as to obstruct, block, or impede the passage another vehicle is
prohibited. This prohibition applies even when discharging or loading
passengers. (sec. 54)
 Duties of Driving in case of Accident. In the event that any accident should
occur as a result of the operation of motor vehicle upon a highway, the driver
shall observe the following :
a. Stop immediately.
b. Show his driver’s license to inspecting traffic law enforcer.
c. Give his true name and address, including that of the owner of the vehicle.
d. Assist injured persons.
e. Take measures to protect belongings of passengers.
f. Report the accident. (sec. 55)
 When could the driver leave the area of accident without
being held liable for HIT- AND-RUN?
a. His life is in imminent danger of being harmed by other
person/s by reason of the accede
b. He surrenders to proper authority; and
c. He summons the assistance of physician or nurse to aid
the victim.
 CHAPTER II
REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
ARTICLE I
Duty to Register, Reports, Applications,
Classifications
R.A. 4136 mandates that all motor vehicles shall be registered by
its owner before the designated District Offices of the Land
Transportation Office.
On the other hand, motor vehicle owners as well as drivers
should be aware of the provisions on motor vehicle registration
to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties whenever
registration-related apprehensions occur.
All motor vehicles and other vehicles must be registered.
(a) No motor vehicle shall be used or operated on or upon any
public highway of the Philippines unless the same is properly
registered for the current year in accordance with the provisions
of this Act.
(b) Any registration of motor vehicles not renewed on or before the
date fixed for different classifications, as provided hereunder shall
become delinquent and invalid:
 Classification of registered Motor Vehicles.
 Private (not for hire) - These are motor vehicles use for the personal
use of their owners.
 Public Utility Vehicle (for hire) - These are registered primarily for the
conveyance of passengers and other commercial goods.
 Government - These are the motor vehicles owned by the
government offices and is used for official use purposes only.
 Diplomat – These are issued to foreign diplomats and consuls
assigned in the Philippines.
 Plate numbers – Upon registration, motor vehicles are assigned with plate numbers. The letter
and numeral prefixes as well as the assigned colors are based on the date and place of
registrations and purpose of the registered motor vehicle.
 Green with white background – Issued to private or not for hire motor vehicles.
 Black with yellow background – Issued to PUVs.
 Red (maroon) with white background – Issued to government owned MVs.
 Blue with white background – Assigned for foreign diplomats, consuls, and other foreign
dignitaries.
 Commemorative plate - These special plate numbers are issued for specific purposes such as
fund-raising for government projects and programs.
 Schedule of Registration - Registration of motor vehicles should be done annually which
follows the numerical suffixes of their plate numbers.
Last Digit of Plate No. Middle Digit of Plate Weekly Deadline
No. (working days of the
month only)
1 - Jan 6 - June 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
2 - Feb 7 - July 4 5 6 8 9 10 11 12 13 14
3 - Mar 8 - Aug. 7 8 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
4 - Apr 9 - Sep. 9 0 22 23 24 25 26 27 28
5 - May 0 - Oct. 29 30 31

Note: Vehicles may be registered one month in advance of weekly deadlines. For motorcycles, used
the 3rd digit.
 Letters Prefixes on Plate Numbers. The letter prefixes indicates:
 Place of initial registration of the motor vehicle;
 Year if initial registration and the possible year model of the registered
motor vehicle could be determined from the order of the letter prefixes,
i.e., the higher the letters the later the year of registration and year
model of the motor vehicle.
Example: Vehicle 1 = PLT 255 Vehicle 2 – TNU 636
Between the above motor vehicles, Vehicle 1 was registered earlier
than Vehicle 2 and possibly, Vehicle 2’s model is later than Vehicle 2.
 President of the Philippines (1)
 Vice President of the Philippines (2)
 Senate President, etc.
Special Plate Numbers for Government Officials
OFFICIAL ASSIGNED
NUMBER
President of the Republic of the Philippines 1 and/or
PANGULO
Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines 2
Senate President 3
Speaker of the House of Representatives 4
Chief Justice of the Supreme Court 5
 Cabinet Secretary 6
Senator 7
Congressman 8
Associate Justices of the Supreme Court 9
Presiding Justice/Other Justices of the 10
Court of Appeals/Solicitor General
Chairman of the Commission on 11
Elections
Cabinet Undersecretary 12
Chief of Staff, AFP/Chief, PNP 14
RTC Judges 16
Drivers Licenses

 Driving a motor vehicle in the Philippines as in

other countries is NOT a right but a privilege
granted by the Philippine Government through
the LTO based on Republic Act 4136 and Batas
Pambansa Blg. 398. Further, it is a privilege
which may be suspended or revoked.
 Driver’s License. A document issued to a
qualified driver who possesses the statutory
qualification as provided therefore. It is also a
public document which has the legal
presumption of genuineness.
 Duty to procure License.
Sec.19 of R.A. 4136 states that no person shall operate
any motor vehicle without first procuring a license to a
drive for the current year. To be effective the hands of its
holder, it must not be delinquent, invalid, suspended or
revoked and should be carried at all times and shall be
shown or surrendered for cause when demanded by a
person authorized by R.A 4136 to inspect the same.
 Confiscation of Driver’s license.
Sec.29 of R.A 4136 mandates that a driver’s license may be
confiscated for violations of R.A 4136, the rules and regulations issued by
the commissioner and local traffic rules and regulations.
When a driver’s license is confiscated for any reason, the traffic
enforcer must, however, issue a receipt (temporary Operator’s Permit
(TOP) which is good for 72 hours within which the driver may be continue
to operate his vehicle. Failure to settle the case within 15 days will cause
suspension or revocation of the license.
 Types of Licenses, procedure and requirements
A driver is licensed by the LTO as proof of his
proficiency in driving his knowledge of road rules and
regulations while operating a motor vehicle. Upon proving
his proficiency and knowledge, he will be issued a
document the form of the following licenses:
 International Driver’s License.
Bonafide tourist and transients who are duly licensed to operate
motor vehicles in their respective countries may be allowed to operate
motor vehicles during their stay but not beyond 90 days of their sojourn in
the Philippines. (sec.21, R.A 4136)
The applicant must submit the following requirements:
a. The original foreign license plus a photo copy of the same license.
b. In the event that the foreign license is written in the language of the
license holder other than ENGLISH, a translation of the contents of the
license into ENGLISH from the embassy from which license was issued.
c. In the event that the applicant applies for a license or if
his foreign license is expired at the time that the
application is filed, the applicant will have to undergo
both a WRITTEN EXAMINATION AND AN ACTUAL ROAD
TEST.
d. An application form filled by the applicants.
 Military Driver’s License.
Enlisted personnel of the AFP operating motor vehicles owned
by the government shall be licensed in accordance with R.A. 4136
but no license or delinquency fees shall be collected thereof. (sec.
20 RA 4136)
All licenses so issued shall bear the words “FOR GOVERNMENT
VEHICLES ONLY” plainly marked or stamped in red inks across the
face thereof. A license so marked or stamped shall authorize the
holder thereof to operate a private-owned motor vehicle.
 Professional Driver’s License.
This licensed is issued to a driver hired or paid for driving or operating
a motor vehicle whether private use or for hire to the public. Any person
driving his own motor vehicle for hire is a professional driver. (Sec. 3,e, RA
4136)
 Restriction - the type of category of authorized to drive is indicated
on the face of the license.
 Validity- The license is valid for 3 birth years of succeeding year and
automatically expires if not renewed on due date.
Requirements for professional driver’s license
 Must be at least 18 years of age
 Presentation of either the following documents:
 A STUDENT PERMIT which has been issued in the possession of
the applicant for at least five months
 A NON-PROFESSIONAL Driver’s license that has been in the
possession of the applicant for not less than four months
 A certificate from an LTO accredited doctor attesting to the following
that the applicant;
 Is physically and mentally sound
 Has normal, non impaired vision and hearing
 Does not have any contagious ailment and
 Does not have a history of heavy drinking and drug abuse.
 A police, NBI or prosecutor’s clearance certifying that the applicant
does not have a criminal record or any case involving the taking of
human lifer
 He must pass a written examination
 To pass an actual road test
 An application form (ADL) filled out by the applicant
 Payment of the following fees
1. application fee
2. Licensing fee
 Non-Professional driver’s license
This kind of license is issued to owners of privately-owned vehicles or those
not for hire or paid for driving.
Requirements
 must be at least 18 years of age
 a student driver’s permit that has been issued not less than 1 month from
the date of application
 a certificate from an LTO accredited doctor attesting that the applicant:
1. is physically and mentally sound
2. has normal vision and hearing
 Must pass a written examination
 Must pass an actual road test
 An application form (ADL) filled out by the applicant
 Payment of the following fees
1. application fee
2. Licensing fee
The holder of a non-professional driver’s license shall be restricted to
operate motor vehicles up to 4500 kgs. And The color of its logo is green
Change of classification: non-professional to professional
 Current/expired non-professional driver’s license.
 Duly accomplished application for driver’s license (ADL) [Download
this form here].
 Medical certificate with official receipt (from LTO accredited or
government physician)
 Negative drug test result (from a DOH accredited drug testing center
and government hospital)
 Clearance/certificate – any of the following
 NBI or Police or Court Clearance
 Must have passed the written examination if driver’s license is
valid.
 Must have passed the written and practical examinations if
driver’s license is expired or with additional restriction code (ARC).
 Tax Identification Number (TIN) (In compliance to EO 98 and MC
ACL-2009-1251)
 Student driver’s permit
This kind of document is issued to person/s who desire to learn how to drive. A
student driver cannot operate a vehicle unless accompanied by an instructor who
may either be a licensed professional or non-professional driver (sec. 30 RA 4136)
QUALIFICATIONS
Must be at least seventeen (17) years old.
Must be physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle.
Must be able to read and write in Filipino or english or the applicable local dialect; and
In addition, for foreigners, the applicant must be eighteen (18) years old and must have
been in the Philipppines for at least one (1) year from date of application.
REQUIREMENTS
 Duly accomplished Application form for Driver's License (ADL);
 Original and photocopy of birth certificate duly authenticated by National Statistics
Office (NSO);
 If below eighteen (18) years of age, original copy of parental/guardian's consent with
original and photocopy of one (1) valid government issued Identification Card containing
the signature of the consenting parent/guardian; and
 Medical Certificate issued by any licensed practicing physician stating that the applicant
is physically and mentally fit to operate a motor vehicle or otherwise stating his/her
impairment.
 In addition, for foreigners, original and photocopy of passport with entry date of at least
one (1) month and visa duration of at least one (1) year from date of application, or if
born in the Philippines, present original and photocopy of birth certificate duly
authenticated by the NSO.
GENERAL RULES OF ROAD USE AND
CONDUCT

 The traffic rules in the Philippines are base

entirely on the General Rules of road use and
conduct which also include the general
prohibitions and restrictions. Chapter IV, Articles
1-5 of RA 4136 comprehensively discuss the
traffic rules observed in the Philippines.