SUBJECT 1. INTRODUCTION TO DRIVING

February 6, 1912 - Legislative Act 2159

Established the Automobile Section, marking the beginning of government regulation of motor vehicles in the Philippines.

1926 - Act Number 3045

Created the Automobile Division under the Bureau of Public Works (BPW), expanding vehicle regulation efforts.

January 1, 1933 - Act Number 3992

Known as the "Revised Motor Vehicle Law," it provided updated regulations for motor vehicles and traffic.

June 2, 1945 - Reorganization

Reorganized the automobile division, establishing roles such as section chief, division chief, and director.

June 20, 1964 - RA 4136

The Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which became the primary law governing land transportation.

March 20, 1985 - Executive Order 1011

Established the Land Transportation Commission (LTC) to enhance regulation of land transport.

January 30, 1987 - Present

Marked the creation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).

Mission of LTO

To rationalize land transportation services and effectively implement transportation laws and regulations.

Vision of LTO

A frontline government agency providing fast, efficient public service for a progressive land transport sector.

Mandate of LTO

Register roadworthy and emission-compliant vehicles, license quality drivers, and enforce land transport laws.

Motor Vehicle

Any vehicle powered other than by muscular power and used on public highways (excluding non-highway machines like bulldozers or lawn mowers).

Passenger Automobile

A car type with pneumatic tires like sedans, jeeps, roadsters, etc., not including motor wheels or small cycle outfits.

Articulated Vehicle

A motor vehicle with a semi-trailer bearing a substantial part of the weight.

Driver

Any licensed person operating a motor vehicle.

Professional Driver

A driver paid or hired to operate a vehicle, either privately or publicly.

Owner

The legal registrant of a motor vehicle, or for government vehicles, the head of the department it belongs to.

Dealer

Any person or company involved in making, selling, or trading motor vehicles.

Garage

A building that stores two or more hire-ready vehicles, excluding street stands or public parking.

Gross Weight

The vehicle's own weight plus its maximum freight and passenger capacity.

Highways

Public roads including boulevards, avenues, and alleys; not private or institutional roads.

Parking

When a vehicle is stationary on the roadside for a noticeable time without moving.

Tourist

A foreign national traveling for pleasure or cultural purposes.

Section 5 - Registration Requirement

All vehicles and trailers on highways must be registered with the LTO annually.

Section 6 - Application Method

Registration can be done in person or by registered mail; postmark date is the official filing date.

Private Vehicle

Not allowed to be used for hire under any circumstance.

For Hire Vehicle

Used for public transportation, needs a public convenience certificate.

Government Vehicle

Owned and operated by a government agency or political unit.

Diplomatic Vehicle

Belongs to foreign diplomats or embassies, used for official duties.

Monthly Registration Schedule

Based on last digit of plate number (e.g., 1 = January, 0 = October).

Weekly Registration Schedule

Based on second-to-last digit of plate number (e.g., 1-3 = 1st-7th of the month).

RA 8794 - MVUC Law

Imposes 25% fee on trucks/trailers exceeding max weight; no axle load over 13,500 kg.

Section 10: Special Permit

Vehicles exceeding legal dimensions need a special permit to operate on public highways.

Section 11: Additional Fees

Changes in vehicle registration or driver's license require additional (miscellaneous) fees.

Section 12: Part-Year Registration Fee

Registration fee is computed based on the remaining months of the first year.

Section 13: Tax Payment Requirement

Registration is not allowed without proof of tax payment.

Section 14: Certificate of Registration (CR)

Numbered document issued upon registration; includes MV File Number.

Section 15: Use of CR

The original or a photocopy of the CR must be kept in the vehicle at all times.

Section 16: Suspension of CR

Registration may be suspended if the vehicle is unsafe, overloaded, or unfit for the road.

Unsightly Vehicle

A motor vehicle may be suspended if it's in poor appearance or condition.

Overloaded Vehicle

Vehicle carrying more than its maximum weight limit—grounds for suspension.

Improperly Equipped Vehicle

Vehicles not meeting standard equipment requirements can be suspended.

Section 17: Number Plates

Specifies colors, formats, and types of license plates based on vehicle use.

Private Vehicle Plate (Old)

Green characters on white; 3 letters + 3 numbers.

Private Vehicle Plate (New)

Black characters on white; 3 letters + 4 numbers.

For Hire Vehicle Plate

Black characters on yellow background.

Government Vehicle Plate

Red characters on white background.

Diplomatic Plate

Blue characters on white background; 4-5 digits.

Tourist Vehicle Plate

Rainbow design plates issued to tourist transport.

Validation Sticker

Sticker on the windshield indicating registration validity.

Plate Year Tag

Sticker placed on plates indicating the registration year.

Region Plate Codes

First letter of plate shows where the vehicle was registered (e.g., "N" = NCR).

Protocol Plate #1

Assigned to the President of the Philippines.

Protocol Plate #2

Assigned to the Vice President.

Protocol Plate #8

Assigned to Congressmen or House Members.

Protocol Plate #16

Used by Regional Trial Court (RTC) Judges.

Section 18: Use of Plates

Plates must be clean, visible, and affixed in front and back of the vehicle.

MV Plate Issuance

Plates are issued at the LTO office where the vehicle was first registered.

Exempted Vehicles

Machines like bulldozers, tractors, and forklifts not for public roads don't require registration.

SECTION 19. Duty to Have a License

The license must be carried at all times when operating a motor vehicle and shall be shown and/or surrendered for cause and upon demand to any person with authority under this RA 4136 to confiscate the same.

SECTION 20. License for Enlisted Men Operating Government Vehicle

Repealed by BP398.

SECTION 21. Operation of Motor Vehicle by Tourists

Any tourist or transients desiring to operate a motor vehicle are allowed to do so for a period of not more than 90 days. After ninety (90) days, they are required to have a Philippine driver's license.

SECTION 22 & 23.

Application for Driver's License

Professional Driver's License

For operating private and public utility vehicles for a fee. Requirements: At least 18 years old, valid non-professional license, no contagious disease.

Non-Professional Driver's License

For private vehicle operation. Requirements: At least 17 years old, valid or expired Student Permit (SP).

SECTION 23. Issuance of Driver's License, Fees, and Validity

Renewal entitlement for 10 years provided no traffic violation. Establishment of stricter rules before issuing driver's license.

Demerit Point System:

Grave violation (5 points), Less grave violation (3 points), Light violation (1 point). Public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers get double demerit points.

Driving Enhancement Program (DEP)

All holders of driver's license for renewal must attend DEP. Delinquent DL holders must pass theoretical and practical exams. Failing to attend within 30 days from notice will lead to suspension.

Prohibition periods for DL codes:

1-2 demerit points - 3 months, 3-4 points - 6 months, 5+ points - 1 year.

SECTION 24. Use of Driver's License and Identification Card

The license entitles the holder to operate the vehicles described while the license remains valid and effective.

SECTION 25. Driver's Record

Drivers must notify LTO of changes in address, employer, and other required information within 15 days.

SECTION 26. Renewal of License

Refer to Supplemental IRR of RA 10930.

SECTION 27. Authority to Suspend, Revoke, and Reinstate Driver's License

The Director has the exclusive power to suspend or revoke a driver's license for cause.

SECTION 28. Driver's Bond

The driver may be required to post a bond for reinstating the DL as a result of any damage incurred by the driver.

SECTION 29. Confiscation of Driver's License

Only LTO deputized traffic enforcers are allowed to confiscate driver's licenses.

SECTION 30. Student-Driver's Permit (SP)

Requirements: 16 years old for Filipinos, 18 years old for Foreigners, able to read and write, physically and mentally fit. Must complete 15 hours of driving education before taking the written exam. Valid for 1 year.

SECTION 31. Imitation and False Representation

No person shall make or use a driver's license, badge, registration certificate, number plate, tag, or permit that imitates or resembles those issued by the LTO.

SECTION 32. Exceeding Registered Capacity, Issuance of Conductor's License, Validity and Fee

No person may allow more passengers or freight than the vehicle's registered capacity. No passenger allowed to ride on the running board, step board, or mudguard while the vehicle is in motion.

Conductor's License

Required to assist in fare collection and ensuring safety. Requirements: 18+, physically and mentally fit, able to read/write, pass exam, attend Road Safety Seminar, no unsettled violations.

Law Enforcement

Put order on the road and enforce land transportation laws, rules, and regulations.

Carry out effectively a rule of conduct or action prescribed by a controlling authority and formally recognized as binding by the people in a given territory.

Types of Enforcement

1. Persuasive
2. Preventive
3. Punitive

Persuasive

Encouraging compliance through education and awareness.

Preventive

Preventing violations through measures like signage and checkpoints.

Punitive

Imposing penalties for violations.

Ticketing System

Temporary Operator's Permit (TOP)

Issued by LTO deputized enforcers for traffic and administrative (non-moving violations).

TOP Serves as:

1. Receipt for driver's license confiscated
2. Notice and Summon
3. Temporary driver's license (valid for 72 hrs.)

Traffic Violation Receipt (TVR)

Issued by MMDA deputized enforcers for traffic violations within Metro Manila (under Sec. 5F of R.A. No. 7924, dated April 15, 1995).

Uniform Ordinance Violation Receipt (UOVR)

Issued by Local Government Units (LGUs) under the Single Ticketing System (MMDA Resolution No. 12-02, dated Jan. 26, 2012). Only applicable within Metro Manila.

Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT)

Issued by the LGU under Sec. 5 of PD 1605, dated Nov. 21, 1978.

Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 Series of 2008

Non-confiscation of Driver's License under, dated September 10, 2008, under Sec. 3.4A.

DOTr

The primary policy, planning, coordinating, and implementing entity of the government in the promotion, development, and regulation of a dependable and coordinated transportation network.

LTFRB

Responsible for issuing Certificates of Public Convenience (franchising of public utility motor vehicles) and enforcing the Public Service Law (CA 146).

PNP-HPG

Enforces Republic Act 4136.

MMDA/LGUs

Responsible for traffic direction and control within Metro Manila and its localities.

DPWH

Responsible for road engineering, infrastructure, construction, maintenance, and repairs of roads, including installation of traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings.