QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10930)
RA 10930 declares the State policy to establish a system that promotes ease of access to government services and efficient transportation regulation favorable to the people.
RA 10930 amended Section 23 of RA 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), primarily concerning issuance of driver’s licenses, required qualifications/examinations, license fees, and validity.
Fees must be prescribed in accordance with law and shall not cost more than the government’s procurement expense.
The applicant must present himself/herself in person and have his/her photograph taken by the LTO.
All licenses must be signed in the presence of the LTO Head or deputies and must bear, among others: full name, date of birth, height, weight, sex, color of eyes, blood type, complete current address, biometrics, license number, and date of issue and expiration.
LTO must use processes or measures that prevent alteration or falsification of a license or enable detection of any unauthorized license.
LTO must create an online process for renewal of professional and nonprofessional licenses within one (1) year from the effectivity of the Act.
Except for student permits, driver’s licenses are valid for five (5) years reckoned from the birthdate of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended.
A holder of a professional or nonprofessional license who has not committed any violation of RA 4136 and other traffic laws during the five-year period is entitled to renewal for ten (10) years, subject to restrictions imposed by LTO.
They must report within a reasonable time (to be determined in the IRR) the details of traffic violations to the LTO, which serves as the repository of traffic violation records.
LTO must promulgate prerequisites and guidelines to ensure licenses are issued only to deserving applicants with sufficient driving skills and knowledge on road safety and proper road courtesy; theoretical and practical examinations must measure competency appropriate to the license type, and for professional drivers, tests must be appropriate to the vehicle and service intended.
Acts include willful misrepresentation with respect to material information, connivance for irregular examinations/issuance, falsification of documents, and cheating during examinations. Punishment applies whether or not a license was granted by reason of the acts.
The driver’s license, if granted by reason of such acts, shall be revoked; the applicant is prohibited from applying for two (2) years.
Repetition warrants perpetual disqualification from being granted a driver’s license, in addition to the stated fine.
A holder who acts in violation of RA 4136 and other existing traffic laws shall suffer corresponding penalties as may be provided by law and other issuances.
If death or physical injuries result in loss of any part of the body or use thereof, insanity, imbecility, impotence or blindness, or incapacity to work for more than 90 days, the license shall be revoked for four (4) years after a court finding that the driver was negligent or at fault.
The Secretary of the DOTr, upon recommendation of the LTO, after due hearing and publication, may increase/adjust the fine once every five (5) years; the increase may not exceed 5% of the fine sought to be increased.
IRR must be promulgated within 60 days from effectivity; the Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.