NATIONAL
Advocates Philippines
No More License Confiscation: LTO Sets Clear 15-Day Rule
FILE
Motorists can now breathe a little easier on the road.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has released new guidelines clarifying how long drivers have to settle traffic violation fines—without having their driver’s licenses confiscated at the scene. The policy follows the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 2026-001 dated January 9, 2026.
Under LTO Memorandum Circular No. MVL-2026-4846, the agency confirmed that drivers will be given 15 working days to pay their traffic fines, counted from the date of apprehension. Weekends, declared holidays, and days when government work is suspended are not included in the count.
One of the most notable changes: driver’s licenses will no longer be confiscated during apprehension.
Instead, motorists who fail to immediately settle their fines will have their licenses placed under an “alert” status in the LTO system. As long as the fine is paid within the 15-working-day window, the violation will be considered fully settled, with no license suspension.
However, the LTO warned that missing the deadline comes with consequences. Failure to pay within the prescribed period will result in the automatic suspension or revocation of the driver’s license for 30 days, in line with Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01. This penalty is imposed on top of the required fines and other charges.
To ensure a smooth rollout, the LTO has provided a 15-working-day transition period for system updates and operational adjustments. The new rules will apply only to violations committed on or after the policy’s effectivity date. Older cases will continue to follow the rules in place at the time of apprehension.
The circular, signed by LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, orders strict implementation across all LTO offices, traffic adjudication services, and law enforcement units nationwide.
With clearer timelines and no on-the-spot license confiscation, the LTO says the new guidelines aim to make traffic enforcement more consistent—and fairer—for motorists.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has released new guidelines clarifying how long drivers have to settle traffic violation fines—without having their driver’s licenses confiscated at the scene. The policy follows the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 2026-001 dated January 9, 2026.
Under LTO Memorandum Circular No. MVL-2026-4846, the agency confirmed that drivers will be given 15 working days to pay their traffic fines, counted from the date of apprehension. Weekends, declared holidays, and days when government work is suspended are not included in the count.
One of the most notable changes: driver’s licenses will no longer be confiscated during apprehension.
Instead, motorists who fail to immediately settle their fines will have their licenses placed under an “alert” status in the LTO system. As long as the fine is paid within the 15-working-day window, the violation will be considered fully settled, with no license suspension.
However, the LTO warned that missing the deadline comes with consequences. Failure to pay within the prescribed period will result in the automatic suspension or revocation of the driver’s license for 30 days, in line with Joint Administrative Order (JAO) No. 2014-01. This penalty is imposed on top of the required fines and other charges.
To ensure a smooth rollout, the LTO has provided a 15-working-day transition period for system updates and operational adjustments. The new rules will apply only to violations committed on or after the policy’s effectivity date. Older cases will continue to follow the rules in place at the time of apprehension.
The circular, signed by LTO Chief and Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, orders strict implementation across all LTO offices, traffic adjudication services, and law enforcement units nationwide.
With clearer timelines and no on-the-spot license confiscation, the LTO says the new guidelines aim to make traffic enforcement more consistent—and fairer—for motorists.
Jan 9, 2026
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