LTO Violations and Penalties 2026: Updated List of Fines
In 2026, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) shifted its focus from simple “ticket-punching” to a data-driven Demerit Point System. Every violation you commit doesn’t just empty your wallet, it leaves a digital “scar” on your LTMS account that can stop you from getting that coveted 10-year license validity.
Whether you’re a new driver or a seasoned motorist, staying updated on the current “price list” of road violations is the best way to keep your records clean and your license in your pocket. In this guide you will explore LTO rules and regulation with violation’s fines. So read completely!
The article is categorized into three main areas: Licensing, Registration, and Traffic Rules. View your demerit points and history by signing into the LTO Portal.
1. Violations Related to Licensing
Your license is a privilege, not a right. So you have to treat it as such, or the LTO will take it back. If you violate the licensing rules you will face the penalty and also deduct your points on the digital LTMS portal. These penalties are for the individuals who operate their vehicles without proper authorization like their valid driving license. Settling these records is a mandatory requirement for LTO license renewal.
Driving Without a Valid License
If you are on the road and driving with an expired, suspended, or revoked license, it means you are violating the traffic rules.
- Fine: ₱3,000.00
- Consequence: You are disqualified from being issued a license for one year from the date of payment.
Failure to Carry License
You are driving your car or motorcycle and you have a valid license, but at the time of driving you don’t have it in your pocket. And you are not able to present physically or via the verified LTMS digital ID.
- Fine: ₱1,000.00
Student Driver violations
You are driving as a student without a professional/non-professional driver beside you.
- Fine: ₱3,000.00
Fake Driver’s License
During your driving you are using a “recto” or counterfeit license.
- Fine: ₱3,000.00
- Consequences: You will be suspended for 12-months to apply for your own real driving license.
If you were flagged via No-Contact Policy, you can check plate number in LTO online for pending cases.
2. Violations Related to Motor Vehicle Registration
If you have an unauthorised motor vehicle, you are violating the LTO traffic rules. In the Philippines, if you do not register your vehicle on your name and no completed your registration process then you will be fined by LTO and also you can get the heavy consequences like:
Driving an unregistered vehicle
If you are driving with an expired registration and do not renew its registration. Because renewal is required for every year.
- Penalty: A fine of ₱10,000.00.
- Consequences: If your vehicle’s violation exceeds one month, traffic police will impound your vehicle.
Note: To renew registration you can check our vehicle renewal registration guide.
Illegal modifications
When you change your vehicle’s color, engine, or chassis without LTO approval.
- Penalty: A fine of ₱5,000.00.
Defective/Improper Equipment
If you are driving with broken headlights, taillights, mirrors, or unauthorized modifications like “open mufflers.”
- Penalty: A fine of ₱5,000.00
Outstanding fines can prevent you from being able to list your vehicle in the LTMS portal.
3. Traffic Rules & Behavioral Violations
The LTO has modernized its enforcement and uses No-Contact Apprehension and AI cameras in major cities.
Reckless Driving
It means your weaving behavior through traffic or driving without reasonable caution.
- 1st Offense: ₱2,000.00
- 2nd Offense: ₱3,000.00 + 3-month license suspension.
- 3rd Offense: ₱10,000.00 + 6-month suspension or permanent revocation.
DUI (Drunk or Drugged Driving)
DUI means driving while drunk or using drugs. If traffic police catch you, you will be punished under Republic Act 10586, and the penalties are very serious.
- No Injury: ₱20,000 to ₱80,000 + 12-month suspension.
- With Physical Injury: ₱100,000 to ₱200,000 + Revocation.
- With Homicide: ₱300,000 to ₱500,000 + Permanent Revocation.
Common Traffic Signal Violations
You are violating the rules if you are beating the red light, ignoring “No Entry” or “No Left Turn” signs.
- Fine: ₱1,000.00 per violation.
Seatbelt & Helmet Violations
- No Seatbelt: ₱1,000 (1st Offense) up to ₱5,000 (3rd Offense).
- No Helmet: ₱1,500 (1st Offense) up to ₱10,000 (4th Offense).
Obstruction
Blocking the free flow of traffic.
- Penalty: A fine of ₱1,000.00.
Drivers with multiple violations may be required to retake a seminar; see how to take exam in LTO portal.
4. The 2026 "15-Day Rule" (Critical Update)
As of January 9, 2026, the LTO issued new guidelines regarding the settlement of fines:
- No Confiscation: Your license is no longer confiscated on the spot for most traffic violations.
- 15 Working Days: You have exactly 15 working days to settle your fine.
- The Penalty: If you fail to pay your fines within 15 days, your license will be placed under “Alert/Alarm” in the LTMS, which triggers an automatic 30-day suspension and you are not eligible for any other LTO transactions.
The Demerit Point System
There is not enough to pay the financial fines, LTMS also launched the Demerit Point System for the rules violators. It means if a person violates the LTO rules and regulations, it will be assigned a point, which is an alarm for him to be suspended from license.
- Points are given to violations (1 for light, 3 for less serious, 5 for serious).
- Point accumulation leads to disqualification for the 10-year driver’s license validity.
- A high number of demerit points can result in compulsory re-training or even suspension of one’s driving license.
Complete List of Common LTO Violations and Penalties
Driver-Related Penalties
Violation | Penalty |
Driving without a license | ₱3,000 |
Expired driver’s license | ₱3,000 |
Driving with fake license | ₱3,000 + confiscation |
Reckless driving (1st offense) | ₱2,000 |
Reckless driving (2nd offense) | ₱3,000 |
Reckless driving (3rd offense) | ₱5,000 + suspension |
Driving under the influence (DUI) | ₱20,000–₱80,000 + suspension |
Vehicle-Related Violations
Violation | Penalty |
Unregistered motor vehicle | ₱10,000 |
No OR/CR while driving | ₱1,000 |
No plate number | ₱5,000 |
Defective headlights or taillights | ₱1,000 |
Smoke-belching vehicle | ₱2,000 |
Improper or unauthorized plate | ₱5,000 |
Motorcycle-Specific Penalities
Violation | Penalty |
No helmet (driver or passenger) | ₱1,500 |
Backrider without helmet | ₱1,500 |
Child below allowed age riding | ₱3,000 |
Modified exhaust (open pipe) | ₱5,000 |
Overloading passengers | ₱2,000 |
Traffic Rule Violations & Penalities
Violation | Penalty |
Overspeeding | ₱1,000 |
Beating the red light | ₱1,000 |
Illegal parking | ₱1,000 |
Failure to wear seatbelt | ₱1,000 |
Using mobile phone while driving | ₱1,000 |
Counterflow / wrong lane | ₱2,000 |
How to Check LTO Violations Online
If you violate any rules or just want to check any fine by LTO then you can easily check violations through the LTMS Portal.
Steps:
- Log in to your LTMS account. If you do not have an account then visit our guide on LTMS portal registration and create your account first.
- Open your driver or vehicle record
- View listed violations and penalties
How to Pay LTO Fines and Penalties
If you have checked your violation and penalties details and found fine you need to pay, then you can pay it through three different payment methods such
Authorized LTO payment centers
You can pay through the partner payment centers, these are approved by LTO.
Steps:
- Visit an authorized LTO payment center near you
- Tell the cashier you are paying an LTO fine or penalty
- Present your violation ticket or reference number
- Pay the required amount
- Get and keep your official receipt
Through Online LTMS Portal
You can also pay some of your fines online through the LTO approved platforms LTMS website.
Steps:
- First you have to log in to your LTMS Portal account.
- Then open your violation or transaction record.
- Now you have to choose an available online payment option.
- Then enter payment details and confirm.
- Now for your safety save or take a screenshot of the payment confirmation.
LTO offices
You can also pay directly at an LTO branch, for this you have to visit the LTO office nearby and pay your fine. It is the physical method and the most reliable as compared to the above.
Steps:
- Go to the nearest LTO office.
- Now you have to get a queue number at the entrance.
- Then submit your violation ticket or details.
- Next, pay the amount at the cashier.
- They will give you an official receipt, receive it.
Tips to Avoid LTO Fines and Penalties
For Drivers we advise that use the below tips avoid penalties and suspension:
- You have to carry all the necessary documents with you so that you can be present on the spot.
- You can’t ignore the road signs and signals, so follow the instructions while you are on the driving seat.
- You always need to maintain your vehicle’s conditions like maintain side mirrors, brakes etc.
- If you see something wrong on the road you have to be calm and responsible while driving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I renew my license with unpaid violations?
No, You must pay all your fines before renewal.
Do LTO violations expire?
No, violations remain until settled.
Can I check violations using plate numbers?
Yes, you can check it online through the LTMS Portal.
What happens if I ignore an LTO ticket?
If you do not pay your ticket (fine), LTO blocks renewals and adds more penalties.
