Common Traffic Violations and Fines

by Ronel Forbes

May 5, 2022

Our resilience knows no bounds, and we Filipinos are superb survivors. The ultimate test of this used to be the numerous powerful typhoons that regularly pummeled our country, but nowadays, what distinguishes us as modern-day heroes is how we manage to keep our sanity while sitting through increasingly horrific traffic situations (for the most part).

We can even laugh at ourselves in this situation. Take a peek at these Manila traffic memes for inspiration.

Although we have little control over traffic policy, we may contribute to the solution by being disciplined drivers who follow the rules of the road. Know which violations you should avoid not just to avoid endangering other drivers, but also because the penalties levied by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) can quickly deplete your finances.

Most Common Violations:

Driving when inebriated

Don’t jeopardize your own and others’ lives. Driving while inebriated, whether from alcohol or drugs, is one of the most dangerous things a driver can do on the road since it is so risky and so easily avoidable. These infractions may result in a fine.

LTO: Php5,000-10,000
MMDA: Php2,000

Color Coding Scheme

In essence, it restricts the number of cars on the road by prohibiting vehicles with specific number plate ending numerals. The days on which each numeral is prohibited are listed below:

Schedule for number coding

Monday – ending 1 and 2
Tuesday – ending 3 and 4
Wednesday – ending 5 and 6
Thursday – ending 7 and 8
Friday – ending 9 and 0

Infractions of number coding occurred 30,474 times in 2017, compared to 22,503 in 2019. For the first, second, and third infractions, a fine of Php 300 would be imposed.

Reckless driving

There is no excuse for unsafe driving, whether you are having trouble or are in an emergency scenario. Don’t underestimate the extent to which your car can cause property or human life if it is used carelessly and without regard for the safety of others.

LTO: Php1,000-Php5,000
MMDA: Php500-Php1,000

Illegal Parking

In general, you cannot park on the side of the road where there is a NO PARKING sign, nor can you stop and wait inside your car without risking a parking obstruction charge. You can park on streets without No Parking signs as long as they are not private roads with their own parking restrictions and you meet the following guidelines:

Within or near a junction
Never, ever, ever block a driveway.
Stopping or double parking on the driver’s side of a stopped or parked vehicle
Within a pedestrian crossing
within walking distance of footbridges
All important national highways are accessible.
Keep at least 4 meters away from a fire hydrant.
Keep at least 6 meters away from intersections of curb lines.
Stay at least 4 meters away from the fire station’s entrance.

There are two sorts of illegal parking fines: those that are not towed (with a fee of Php 200 for the first, second, and third offenses) and those that are towed (which carries a penalty of Php 500 for the first, second, and third offense).

Overspeeding

Patience is essential on the road once more. Stop channeling your inner Michael Schumacher; driving at peak speed is a no-no unless you’re a professional racing car driver. Other factors such as visibility and weather conditions can quickly increase the odds of an accident occurring, regardless of how wide the road is or how quick your reflexes are when using the brakes.

MMDA: 1,200-2,000 pesos

Driving while your license is suspended, revoked, or invalid

Though scheduling a driver’s license renewal and then waiting in line for hours can be inconvenient, don’t put off getting your license renewed. If you’re caught driving with a suspended, revoked, or incorrect license, you could face the following penalties:

MMDA: Php300
LTO : Suspended – Php 1,000
Fake – Php 2,000

Stickers or tampered/marked plates

So you believe your windshield would look so much nicer if it weren’t covered in LTO stickers.

You think stickers and engravings would make your plate look nicer. Stop right there tampering with those is a violation punishable by a fine of P2,000.

Keep your hands off your car’s plates and stickers and find alternative ways to express yourself.

MMDA: Php300
LTO: Php2,000

Truck Ban

Motor vehicles with a gross capacity weight of less than 4,500 kilograms and/or six (6) or more tires with an enclosed or open payload area are covered by the policy.

The truck ban does not apply to any vehicle with a gross capacity weight of 4,500 kg or more:

Motor vehicles that are officially designated as such and registered in the name of any government office, agency, or unit, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police
Firetrucks and ambulances, for example, are examples of emergency vehicles.
If the conditions permit, the MMDA may provide exemptions to motor vehicles.
Light vehicles transporting perishable commodities must still apply for and receive an MMDA exemption (Regulated).

MMDA: Php 2,000

Motorcycle lane policy

Motor vehicle accidents have increased as a result of the increased number of automobiles traveling along EDSA. This regulation was adopted by MMDA traffic enforcers on EDSA, Macapagal Avenue, C-5 Road, C.P. Garcia highway, and Commonwealth Avenue.

It should be highlighted that this does not just apply to motorcycle lane violations, but also to motorcyclists who do not wear the required riding gear (e.g. not wearing the prescribed helmets, no side mirrors, riders wearing slippers or shorts).

The MMDA registered a total of 6,370 occurrences of traffic violations in 2019. Erring drivers face a fine of Php 500 for the first, second, and third offenses.

Traffic Violation

This is a type of careless or inattentive driving that may have resulted from frustration or perplexity but is nonetheless one of those completely avoidable offenses. People driving in the wrong way, against the flow of traffic, are the main cause of head-on collisions.

Resist the impulse to travel against traffic, no matter how late you are for a crucial meeting. Also, keep an eye out for road signs! Report the matter to the local government, LTO, or MMDA if you find that they are insufficient.

MMDA: 2,000 Php plus license revocation

Thoughts

Always remember that breaking the law not only tarnishes your driving record but also drains your bank account. Don’t forget to look over the whole list of LTO fines and penalties in the Philippines to avoid being punished for traffic offenses.