The LTO Demerit Point System is a method used by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to track and penalize traffic violations by assigning points to drivers based on the severity of their offenses. It started in 2021 alongside the introduction of the 10-year validity driver’s license via the Republic Act 10930. This system categorizes violations into grave, less grave, and light, with each category carrying different point values.
The demerit point system was introduced to improve road safety and ensure drivers adhere to traffic rules. It aims to reduce accidents and encourage responsible driving behavior. By making drivers more accountable for their actions, the system plays a crucial role in promoting a safer driving environment in the country.
Understanding the LTO Demerit Point System
The LTO Demerit Point System tracks traffic violations by assigning points to drivers based on the severity of their offenses. This system is important because it helps enforce traffic rules and maintain road safety. Understanding the demerit point system can help drivers avoid penalties and keep their licenses valid.
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit points are assigned to drivers who commit traffic violations. The points are categorized into three types: grave, less grave, and light violations. Grave violations result in five points, less grave violations in three points, and light violations in one point. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
Categories of Violations and their Corresponding Demerit Points
Violations are classified into three categories. Each category has a specific point value that impacts the driver’s record and license validity.
- Grave violations, such as driving under the influence, lead to the highest demerit points – Five points each.
- Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (third and succeeding offenses)
- Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (third and succeeding offenses)
- Failure to wear seat belt, both for the driver and the passenger (third and succeeding offenses)
- Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet both for the driver and the back rider (third and succeeding offenses)
- Smoke belching (third and succeeding offenses)
- Reckless driving (third and succeeding offenses)
- Driving a motor vehicle used for committing a crime
- Committing a crime while driving a vehicle
- Driving a PUV and collecting fares without a franchise
- Driving under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, dangerous drugs, or other similar substance
- Axle overloading
- Driving an unregistered motor vehicle
- Driving without a valid driver’s license
- Submission of fake documents when applying for or renewing a driver’s license
- Disregarding traffic signs (repeat offenders)
- Overtaking
- At a curve
- When the left side is not clear of oncoming traffic,
- at an intersection;
- in a no-overtaking zone;
- within an unsafe distance;
- upon a crest or grade;
- at any railway crossing;
- Not giving way to an overtaking vehicle
- Speeding up when being overtaken
- Cutting an overtaken vehicle
- Failure to yield right of way
- Driving a motorcycle with more than one passenger
- Presentation of fake CPC, OR/CR, plates, stickers, or tags
- Operating a vehicle with defective, improper, or illegal accessories, devices, equipment, or parts
- Carrying illegal or prohibited cargo (Drugs, Illegal Firearms, endangered animals, etc.)
- Unauthorized motor vehicle modification
- Operating a right-hand-drive motor vehicle
- Driving against the flow of traffic
- Fraud concerning the registration or renewal of the registration of the motor vehicle
- Less grave violations include offenses like reckless driving – three points each.
- Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (second offense)
- Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (second offense)
- Failure to wear seat belt, both for the driver and the passenger (second offense)
- Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet both for the driver and the back rider (second offense)
- Smoke belching (second offense)
- Reckless driving (second offense)
- Intentional Traffic Obstruction
- Illegal Parking
- Allowing passengers on the motor vehicle roof
- Not dimming headlights when approaching another motor vehicle
- Hitching or permitting a bicycle, a person, a skateboarder, a motorcycle, or a tricycle to hitch to a motor vehicle
- Not yielding right of way to pedestrians at a pedestrian crossing
- Not stopping before traversing a “through highway” or railroad crossing
- Not yielding right of way to an ambulance, a police car, or a fire truck
- Not yielding right of way at a “through highway” or a “stop intersection”
- Not shutting down the engine and engaging the handbrake when the vehicle is unattended
- Failure to attach license plates
- Tampering with license plates
- Load-extending beyond the projected width without a permit
- Operating a bus or truck with cargo exceeding 160 kg of its load limit
- Not rendering service to the public or not conveying a passenger to a destination for PUVs
- Trip-cutting for PUVs
- Violations in connection with motor vehicle registration
- Light violations cover minor infractions, such as not wearing a seat belt – one point each.
- Driving a motorcycle with a child aboard on public roads (first offense)
- Using smartphones or any electronic entertainment or computing device while driving (first offense)
- Failure to wear seat belt, including that of the passenger (first offense)
- Failure to wear a motorcycle helmet, both for the driver and their back rider (first offense)
- Smoke belching (first offense)
- Reckless driving (first offense)
- Driving in places not intended for traffic or parking in areas not designated for parking
- Not carrying a driver’s license or the OR/CR of the motor vehicle while driving
- Failure to provide a cover to cargo or freight trucks
- Overtaking on “men working” and “caution” signs
- Not yielding right of way to vehicles on a highway when entering from a private road
- Not using signal lights when turning
- Not following the proper lane designation when taking a turn
- Unsafe towing
- Overcharging or undercharging of fare
- No franchise or Certificate of Public Convenience carried inside the PUV
- Defective, fast, or tampered taxi meter
- Operating without a taxi seal or with an old taxi meter or broken seal
- Broken, tampered, joined, reconnected, fake, or altered sealing wire of taxi meters
- Not providing fare discounts to those entitled to them
- No signboard for PUVs
- Pick-up and drop-off of passengers outside the terminal for buses
- Failure to display fare matrix (for public transport)
- Not displaying the International Symbol of Access inside a PUV
- Not designating seats for the use of persons with disabilities (PWDs)
- Refusing to transport PWDs
- Franchise breach of the conditions stated on the 2011 revised terms and conditions on the certificate of public convenience
- Not displaying a “no smoking” sign and allowing personnel or passengers to smoke inside a PUV
Impact on License Validity
The number of demerit points affects how long a driver can keep their license. Accumulating points can shorten the validity of a driver’s license, especially with the new 10-year validity licenses. It can also affect when you can apply for a new license, because accumulating demerit points can mean prohibitions in license renewal applications:
- Drivers with 1-2 points face a six-month prohibition period,
- Those with 3-4 points have a three-month prohibition, and
- Drivers with five or more points may face a one-year or longer prohibition.
Additional Information
The demerit system also includes specific penalties for various violations. This system ensures that repeat offenders face stricter consequences.
- Drivers who reach 10-40 demerit points must attend a 40-hour reorientation course.
- Those with 40 or more points face a two-year prohibition from applying for a new license.
Important Tips for Drivers
For your reference, here are some important reminders regarding the LTO Demerit Point System:
- To renew into a 10-year license validity, avoid traffic violations and complete required medical exams regularly.
- Monitoring your demerit points through the LTMS portal can help prevent unexpected suspensions or fines.
- Stay informed and cautious on the road is crucial for keeping a clean driving record.
Video: LTO Demerit Point System – RA 10930
For a better understanding of the LTO demerit points system, watch this video on YouTube from DriveSafe PH:
Summary
The LTO Demerit Point System is a vital tool for managing and enforcing traffic rules in the Philippines. By understanding how demerit points work and regularly checking your driving record online, you can avoid penalties and maintain your license’s validity. Safe driving habits and staying informed are key to a smooth and trouble-free driving experience. Plus, you get a shot at renewing into a driver’s license with 10-year validity, saving you from the trouble of having to go to the LTO and renew your license again.