NCR mayors agree that only LTO can confiscate driver’s licenses 

The mayors of 17 local government units (LGUs) that make up the National Capital Region (NCR) have agreed that only the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has the authority to confiscate the licenses of erring drivers, in the event of a traffic violation. 

Metro Manila mayors will issue an ordinance regarding the confiscation of driver's licenses for traffic violations

This was announced by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), whose governing and policy-making body is the Metro Manila Council (MMC) composed of NCR mayors. The MMC recently held a meeting with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) over the proposed single ticketing system. 

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos called on Metro Manila mayors to defer confiscation of driver’s licenses to the LTO. The mayors responded by issuing a moratorium for their respective cities and municipalities. 

“I thank the Metro Manila mayors for heeding my appeal. I would also like to reiterate that we maintain the authority of the LTO to confiscate driver’s license as the leading law enforcement agency in implementing traffic laws and the safety of the motoring public,” Abalos said. 

DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos made the appeal as the interconnectivity with the LTO is being finalized 

Metro Manila mayors will need to pass an ordinance directing the traffic management units in their respective jurisdictions to refrain from seizing the licenses of erring drivers. “For now, the existing ordinance/traffic laws of each LGU shall prevail. Subject to the passage of an ordinance, they are allowed to continue to confiscate driver’s licenses of erring motorists,” noted MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes.  

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jay Art Tugade said that the agency has laid down the technical requirements for the MMDA and LGUs authorized to issue traffic violation tickets as part of tagging and recording violations. “Once the single ticketing system is finalized, the LTO will strictly implement its demerit point system to be able to properly monitor driver’s license records. Licenses should only be issued to deserving and qualified drivers,” he added.  

Artes said that the integration of the single ticketing system is being finalized between the LTO, MMDA, and Metro Manila’s 17 LGUs. The scheme is scheduled to be implemented by the first quarter of 2023. 

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