In recent months, some drivers complained about the regulations implemented by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). According to them there are inconsistencies that need to be fixed. Some transport groups are also asking for the LTO to provide a thorough effort to educate the Filipino drivers and not just immediately enforce new regulations. They also suggest that the LTO must consult the public first regarding new regulations to hear their sides.
It was recorded that as of December 2019, there were 14.4 Million Filipinos who acquired driver’s license. This is according to the Management Information Division of LTO. Currently, there are 3 kinds of driver’s license in the Philippines: Student’s Permit (SP), Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), and Professional Driver’s License (PDL) and these licenses are divided into 2 categories which are A (light vehicles) and B (heavy vehicles).
If you are a Restriction 2 holder, you can still drive automatic transmission vehicles and not only manual. This has been already implemented by the LTO since February 1998 up to August 2019. But now, there are major changes being refined by the LTO. Unlike the old that has 8 restriction codes and which also depends on different conditions, the new license is based on the international standards which have more categories. It now has 3 categories for motorcycles.
EXAMPLES
Under category A1 (for motorcycles), there are:
- L1 (2 wheels with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph)
- L2 (3 wheels with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph)
- and L3 (2 wheels with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph).
For category A2 (for tricycles), there are:
- L4 (motorcycle with side cars with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph)
- L5 (3 wheels symmetrically arranged with a maximum speed exceeding 50 kph)
- L6 (4 wheels whose unladen mass is not me than 350 kg with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 kph)
- and L7 (4 wheels whose unladen mass is not me than 550 kg with a maximum design speed not exceeding 45 kph).
Ignorance to these regulations is sometimes can be the reason for corrupt traffic enforcers to commit bribery. Also, some traffic enforcers are not totally educated about the regulations themselves therefore you must familiarize these regulations yourself. It is important to remember that the LTO will be strictly implementing these new regulations and of course, there will be consequences upon breaking them.
Lastly, you need to apply for the specific license for the type of vehicle you are going to drive to avoid being penalized. There are so many vehicles in the Philippines right now and many cities are becoming more congested because of this. According to the LTO, there were so many records of accidents during the last year that’s why the LTO is looking to firmly enforce these new mandates. To learn more about these new mandates, visit your nearest LTO office or visit this website to see their directory:
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