Everything you need to know about driver’s license restrictions

1. LTO restriction code 1, 2, 3 meaning and so on on driver’s license?

When applying for a driver’s license in the Philippines, you will be reminded multiple times that acquiring one is not a right. It is rather a privilege. This means that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) is serious when it comes to maintaining safer roads for everyone in the country.

If you are not fully paying attention to the other aspects of your driver’s license aside from just acquiring one, there is a good chance that you are not aware of the license restrictions listed on your LTO driver’s license.

Your restriction codes can be found on the front side of your driver's license

Restrictions are implemented by the LTO to determine what type of vehicles you are allowed to drive depending on your license type. These restrictions will provide safer roads in the country as they will limit incompetent drivers.

In the event of a checkpoint, an officer will be asking you to present your driver’s license and your car’s OR/CR for identification. If an officer sees that you are driving outside your restrictions, you will be subjected to a Php 3,000 fine.

While the restriction guidelines can be found on the back part of your driver's license

These restrictions only apply to non-professional and professional driver’s licenses. For those with a student permit, the main regulation set by LTO is to make sure to bring someone who already has a non-pro or pro driver’s license with them in the car.

Be sure to drive in accordance with your allowed vehicles only

There are eight restrictions implemented by the LTO that you can find on your driver’s license. LTO has also implemented condition restrictions alongside vehicle restrictions.

With all that in mind, read on as we have listed everything you need to know about restrictions 1, 2, 3 and so on on driver’s licenses in the Philippines.

2. LTO Driver License Restrictions

Restrictions consist of different vehicular factors such as type, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and transmission. An LTO driver’s license legalizes you to drive motorbikes, tricycles, motor vehicles or cars, and articulated vehicles or trucks in the country.

If you are applying for a driver’s license, you must pass the written and/or practical examination of the LTO. The result will be the basis of the LTO for providing restriction codes on your driver’s license.

Here is the complete list of the LTO restriction codes and their corresponding allowed vehicles:

Gross vehicle weight (GVW) refers to your car’s maximum operating weight specified by your car’s manufacturer. The average GVW for most passenger vehicles out in the market is 1,814 kg. This means that your car falls under restrictions 2 and 4.

Of note, restriction codes 1, 2, and 4 only apply to non-professional driver’s license. This type of LTO driving license is used mainly for private vehicle use. Those drivers who wish to earn a living out of driving must apply for a professional driving license.

Here's the previous version of restriction code guidelines

For most non-professional license holders, the restrictions given are mostly 1 and 2. There is a common question asked by most non-professional license holders. They ask, “am I allowed to drive an automatic transmission vehicle if my license doesn’t have restriction 4?”

According to the LTO, license holders with restriction 2 and 3 are allowed to drive both an automatic and manual transmission operated vehicle. However, those who have restrictions 4 and 5 are not allowed to drive a manual transmission operated vehicle, hence an automatic transmission operated vehicle only.

Bring your driver's license with you at all times to avoid inconvenience

On the other hand, articulated vehicles refer to a type of vehicle that comes with a permanent or semi-permanent pivot joint in its construction. These include buses, trucks, trams, and trains. Restrictions for articulated vehicles only apply to professional driver’s license holders.

You can also add restrictions to your driver’s license. To do so, you will be taking a written and practical examination depending on the restriction you want to add to your license. For additional restrictions, you must be a holder of a non-professional or professional driver’s license for at least one year.

>>> Related: 

• Why you should be wary of fake driver’s licenses
• LTO fines and penalties in the Philippines

3. LTO Driver’s License Conditions

The driver’s license conditions go hand in hand with restriction codes. Both are implemented by the LTO to ensure a driver’s eligibility and capabilities to drive on the road. LTO wants to give every Filipino the privilege to drive even if he or she has certain impairments.

Here is the complete list of LTO condition codes and their corresponding requirement:

Acquiring a driver’s license will require you to provide a medical certificate which can be obtained in LTO. This will then determine if there are corresponding condition codes that must be integrated on your driver’s license.

4. FAQs about LTO drivers license restriction code

Q: Can I still drive without a 20/20 vision?

A: Yes, you can still drive without a 20/20 vision. LTO will most likely add Condition Code A on your license which states that you should wear eyeglasses while driving.

Q: How many restriction codes are implemented by LTO?

A: There are currently eight restriction codes that cover different vehicle types, gross weight, and transmission options.

Q: Can I still add more restrictions on my driver’s license?

A: LTO is allowing you to add more restrictions if you wish to do so. You will be given a written and practical exam depending on the restriction you would like to add.

Q: How much is the fine for driving vehicles outside my restrictions?

A: The fine for driving vehicles outside your restrictions is Php 3,000.

Q: Can I drive an automatic transmission operated vehicle if I have restriction 2?

A: Yes, you can still drive an automatic transmission operated vehicle with a restriction 2. However, you are not allowed to drive a manual transmission operated vehicle if you have a restriction 4.

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