Issuance of Driver's License, Fees and Validity
- Licenses issued after applicant passes examination proving qualifications and proficiency.
- Applicants must read and write in official languages or a major dialect and understand traffic signs.
- License issuance requires applicant's in-person appearance and photo capture.
- Licenses include comprehensive personal information and biometrics to prevent falsification.
- Implementation of measures to prevent license alteration and unauthorized issuance.
- Introduction of online renewal system for driver’s licenses within one year from the Act’s effectivity.
- Driver's licenses (except student permits) are valid for five years from the licensee’s birthdate.
- Renewal for ten years granted if no traffic violations are committed during the five-year period.
- Local agencies must report traffic violations to the LTO, which maintains violation records.
Establishment of Stricter Rules Before Issuance of Driver's License
- LTO mandated to set prerequisites and guidelines to ensure licenses issued only to qualified applicants.
- Examinations to measure competency tailored to license type and intended vehicle/service.
- Professional driver tests must be appropriate for the vehicle and service intended.
Penalties
- LTO officers issuing licenses without proper examination or through gross negligence face removal and accessory penalties.
- Applicants found guilty of misrepresentation, connivance, falsification, or cheating fined ₱20,000.
- Such misconduct leads to license revocation and a two-year application ban; repeated offenses result in permanent disqualification.
- Licensed drivers violating traffic laws face penalties prescribed by law.
- License revocation for four years if driver’s negligence causes death, serious injury, or disability after court finding.
- DOTr and LTO to conduct nationwide information and education campaigns on road safety and implementation of the Act.
Review of Penalties
- DOTr Secretary can increase or adjust fines every five years upon LTO recommendation, with a cap of 5% increase.
Research and Development
- LTO tasked with continuous research to improve driver’s licensing system efficiency.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- DOTr Secretary to issue necessary implementing rules within 60 days, with assistance from LTO, LTFRB, and MMDA.
Separability Clause
- Invalid or unconstitutional provisions do not affect the validity of the remaining parts of the law.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, and regulations are revoked or amended to conform with this Act.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.