Application for Driver's License, Required Fees, and Qualifications
- Applicants must apply personally to the Director or deputies for a license.
- Professional driver's license applicants must be at least 18 years old, have a valid student-driver's permit, and have completed at least five months of instruction.
- Non-professional license applicants must be at least 17 years old, have a valid student-driver's permit, and have completed one month of instruction.
- No professional license shall be issued to persons with certain contagious diseases or dependencies (e.g., tuberculosis, STDs, epilepsy, alcoholism, drug addiction).
- Applicants must present a health certificate from an accredited physician.
- The Bureau requires theoretical and practical examinations.
- The Bureau may publish an official manual to assist applicants.
Issuance, Fee, and Validity of Driver's Licenses
- Licenses are issued only after the applicant passes examinations and demonstrates qualifications.
- License features include personal data, physical characteristics, license number, issue and expiration dates.
- Anti-falsification measures are required for license issuance.
- Licenses (except student permits and new licenses) are valid for three years.
- License holders with a clean record may renew for five more years.
Use and Transfer of Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards
- Licenses entitle holders to operate vehicles within the authorized category.
- Professional drivers operating public utility vehicles must obtain and display a driver's identification card.
- Transferring or lending a license to enable another person to drive is unlawful.
- Vehicle owners must only employ duly licensed professional drivers.
Renewal and Replacement of Driver's Licenses
- Failure to renew before expiry makes the license delinquent and invalid.
- Delinquency fees amounting to 50% of the basic fee apply.
- Renewal applicants must personally present their expiring license and pay the fees.
- Professional drivers must submit photographs for renewal.
- Drivers with multiple offenses or health issues must undergo re-examination.
- Lost licenses can be replaced by filing a sworn statement and following prescribed procedures.
Suspension, Revocation, and Reinstatement Authority
- The Director has exclusive power to suspend or revoke licenses.
- Suspension period can be up to three months; revocation after hearing.
- Licenses may be suspended or revoked if the driver is deemed unfit or involved in crimes/endangering acts.
- Three or more convictions within 12 months may result in suspension or revocation for up to two years.
- Reinstatement requires posting a bond and satisfying fitness criteria.
- Appeals on Director's decisions may be made to the Minister of Transportation and Communications.
Driver's Bond Requirements
- Drivers whose licenses are suspended/revoked may be required to post a bond of PHP 5,000.
- The bond covers claims/executions related to motor vehicle operation liability.
- Bonds are valid for 1-3 years.
- Higher bonds (minimum PHP 10,000) for drivers convicted multiple times for reckless offenses.
Confiscation of Driver's License Upon Apprehension
- Authorized officers must confiscate the driver's license upon violation apprehension.
- The driver receives a receipt valid for 72 hours permitting operation.
- Failure to settle cases within 15 days may cause suspension or revocation.
Student-Driver's Permits
- Issued to persons at least 16 years old for one-year validity.
- Must be accompanied by a licensed driver while operating.
- Student-drivers who fail examinations must wait at least one month before re-examination.
- Accredited licensed instructors share liability for violations/injuries.
Passenger Capacity, Conductor's License, and Vehicle Load Regulations
- No vehicle shall carry passengers or freight exceeding registered capacity.
- Conductors of public utility vehicles are liable for violations on capacity.
- Conductors must be licensed, pay fees, and present fitness certificate.
- Passenger trucks may have cargo devices weighing up to 100 kilos with Director's approval.
- Passengers not allowed on vehicle tops or running boards; freight on top allowed within weight limits and safety conditions.
Penalties for Violations
- Late vehicle registration: Fine of 50% of registration fees.
- Driving without carrying or signing license: PHP 100 fine.
- Driving with invalid/delinquent license: PHP 200 fine or up to 10 days imprisonment.
- Driving with invalid registration or plates: PHP 300 fine or up to 15 days imprisonment.
- Driving without any license: PHP 500 fine and imprisonment up to 15 days.
- Driving under influence: Minimum PHP 1,000 fine or 3-6 months imprisonment, or both.
- Various traffic violations: fines ranging from PHP 25 to PHP 100.
- Forgery or fraudulent use of licenses/documents: PHP 1,000 to PHP 3,000 fine or up to 6 months imprisonment, or both.
- Manufacture or sale of forged documents: penalties under Revised Penal Code.
- Public officers violating license use provisions face perpetual disqualification.
- Using private vehicles for hire: escalating fines, imprisonment, and license suspension or revocation.
- Owners permitting unauthorized hire use face fines and suspension of registration.
- Failure to pay fines results in subsidiary imprisonment.
- Reckless driving causing injury/death punished under Revised Penal Code.
Revision of Fees and Charges
- Fees may be revised by the Minister of Transportation and Communications upon Director's recommendation.
- Revisions aim at administrative cost coverage and uniformity.
License Issuance and Renewal Rules
- The Director may promulgate rules to rationalize license issuance and renewal within the first three years of effectivity.
- Fees may be proportionally reduced according to license validity periods.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon approval on May 18, 1983.