LTO Violations and Penalties 2023: Traffic and Administrative Violations

License-Related LTO Violations

Driving Without a Valid License LTO fine: ₱3,000

Not Wearing a Seat Belt LTO fine: ₱1,000 to ₱5,000

. If you're a second-time offender, you'll need to pay a fine of ₱2,000. For the third offense and every
succeeding one, the fine will be ₱5,000. 

Reckless Driving LTO fine: ₱2,000 to ₱10,000

The penalty for reckless driving in the Philippines includes a fine plus suspension of your driver's license.
If you get caught driving recklessly the first time, the penalty is ₱2,000. If you still don't learn your lesson
and get caught the second time, you'll get a fine of ₱3,000 and a three-month suspension on your
driver's license.
On your third and subsequent offenses, the penalty will be ₱10,000, plus six months' suspension or
revocation of your driver's license.

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol and/or Prohibited Drugs

LTO fine: ₱50,000 to ₱500,000
This is a serious violation with serious consequences under the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act. If
your violation didn't result in physically injuring or killing someone, the penalty will be three months of
imprisonment and a fine of ₱50,000 to ₱100,000. [2] 
However, if the violation resulted in physical injuries, the penalty will be as stated in Article 263 of the
Revised Penal Code,[3] plus a fine of ₱150,000 to ₱250,000.
If the violation resulted in homicide, the penalty will be as stated in Article 249 of the Revised Penal
Code,[4] plus a fine of ₱350,000 to ₱500,000.

Not Wearing a Helmet  LTO fine: ₱1,500 to ₱10,000

Motorcycle riders and their back riders should always wear a helmet whenever they travel. Failure to do
so will warrant applicable LTO motorcycle fines and penalties this 2023:
First offense: ₱1,500
Second offense: ₱3,000
Third offense: ₱5,000
Fourth and succeeding offenses: ₱10,000 

Obstruction LTO fine: ₱1,000 

If you block the free passage of other vehicles on the highway, whether it's while
loading or unloading passengers or freight, or any other similar instances, you'll have to pay the LTO
obstruction violation fee for 2023 as well. 

Number Plate-Related Violations and Penalties

Number Plate Not Firmly Attached LTO fine: ₱5,000
Be aware of different LTO violations on plate numbers. For instance, make sure your license plate is
properly attached to your vehicle.
For a no-plate violation, you'll incur a hefty fine of ₱5,000. Driving with a loose number plate may not
only cause damage to your vehicle but also risk your safety and that of other motorists you share the
road with.

LTO Sticker Violation LTO fine: ₱5,000

This fine applies to motorists and motorcycle riders attaching improper third-party stickers or tampering
with LTO stickers. For LTO decals violations, you'll also incur the same penalty.  
Tampering with License Plates LTO fine: ₱5,000
Aside from the fine, the unauthorized license plate will be removed and confiscated as well.
Illegal Transfer or Use of Regularly Issued Vehicle Plates, Tags, or Stickers
LTO fine: ₱10,000
If your vehicle is involved in the illegal transfer of plates or stickers, your license will be suspended for
three months.
If the vehicle was used in criminal activity, you'd be required to pay an LTO penalty of ₱12,000. The
plates, registration certificate, and Official Receipt would also be suspended for two years.
Note that security plates on authorized vehicles are exempted from the LTO fine.

Parts and Accessories-Related Violations and Penalties

Driving with a Defective Tail Light LTO fine: ₱5,000
The defective tail light penalty can really hurt your wallet. So as a responsible motorist, check that
everything is working properly before you hit the road. This fine for defective/improper/unauthorized
accessories, devices, equipment, and parts also applies to the following:
Bells/horns/sirens/whistles
Blinkers
Brakes
Early warning device (EWD)
Grill/s
Jalousies
Foot and hand brakes
Brake lights, headlights, interior lights, signal lights
Mirrors
Mufflers
Metallic tires/spare tire
Speedometer
Windshield
Wipers
Any other accessory, device, equipment, or part that may risk road safety
Apart from paying the fine, your vehicle will also be impounded until you replace or properly install the
said part. Unauthorized plates, accessories, or devices will be confiscated as well. 
Smoke Belching LTO fine: ₱2,000 to ₱6,000
When caught for smoke belching for the first time, you'll have to pay a ₱2,000 penalty. For the second
offense, apprehended motorists will face a fine of ₱4,000. For the third offense, violators will get a
₱6,000 penalty plus a one-year suspension of the vehicle’s registration.

LTO Fines and Penalties connected with car registration/renewal

Driving without valid vehicle registration LTO Fine: Php10,000