DAVAO CITY, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region XI is gearing up for the implementation of a demerit system for traffic violators, which will utilize the internet to synchronize traffic violation records across the Philippines.
This system will integrate all traffic violations committed by motorists nationwide into a centralized database managed by the LTO. “Wherever you commit traffic and road rules violations, that data will reflect on the LTO’s records.
“For every violation, there is a corresponding number of points that will affect your driver’s license,” explained Eleanor Calderon, LTO XI Regional Director.
For example, committing an obstruction violation will result in three demerit points. If a driver accumulates 10 points, they will be required to undergo a reorientation course. Additionally, records of drivers issued Temporary Operator’s Permits (TOP) or Citation Tickets (CT) will be forwarded to the LTO and encoded into the centralized system, regardless of their location.
“Every record of the local governments will be stored in the LTO central system, which means all LGUs will have to connect to the system,” Calderon explained.
All LGUs are compelled to enforce the new rules as embodied in Republic Act 10930. The Philippine law, officially entitled “An Act Rationalizing and Strengthening the Policy Regarding Driver’s Licenses by Extending the Validity Period of Drivers’ Licenses and Penalizing Acts in Violation of its Issuance and Application Amending for Those Purposes Section 23 of Republic Act No. 4136,” mandates these changes.
The demerit system has already been implemented in ten key cities of the National Capital Region. Calderon noted that the system is part of the agency’s broader efforts to enforce stricter traffic regulations and improve road safety.
Furthermore, the LTO now implements a policy where drivers with no traffic violations are eligible for a 10-year driver’s license validity. In contrast, those with violations will be issued a license with a five-year validity upon renewal.
This innovation in traffic laws is expected to empower local governments in terms of traffic management, providing them with more efficient tools to monitor and enforce traffic regulations.
