ILOILO — Roadside confiscation of driver’s licenses ends in Western Visayas starting this January 26.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 6 will implement new traffic enforcement guidelines that replace physical seizure with a digital “alarm” system — tightening accountability while easing on-the-spot confrontations.
The policy change follows a January 9 memorandum from the Department of Transportation directing the LTO to suspend the long-standing practice and review all related issuances to “ensure consistency across all existing policies.”
Under the new rules, traffic enforcers will no longer take licenses from motorists cited for violations.
Instead, unresolved offenses will be encoded in the LTO database, placing the driver’s license under an “alarm” status and issuing a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) to document the apprehension.
Motorists will have 15 working days from the date of apprehension — excluding weekends and declared holidays — to settle their fines.
Failure to do so will trigger a 30-day suspension or revocation of the driver’s license, separate from the obligation to pay penalties.
The no-confiscation policy applies prospectively, covering apprehensions on or after January 26.
Cases filed before that date will continue to be processed under previous regulations.
While the change removes immediate roadside pressure, authorities stressed it does not relax enforcement. Digital tracking is expected to improve compliance and streamline operations, with firm consequences for non-settlement.
“No confiscation, but not a free pass. Motorists are reminded that although licenses are no longer confiscated on the spot, prompt payment and settlement of violations remain mandatory,” LTO-6 stated./PN
