DOTr Update: Driver’s Licenses Will No Longer Be Confiscated for Traffic Violations

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced a major update that directly affects all motorists in the Philippines. Starting in 2026, driver’s licenses will no longer be physically confiscated during traffic apprehensions, marking a significant change in how traffic violations are handled nationwide.

The directive, implemented through the Land Transportation Office (LTO), aims to improve fairness, efficiency, and transparency in traffic enforcement while reducing inconvenience for drivers.

What Changed Under the New DOTr Policy

Under the new DOTr directive, traffic enforcers are no longer allowed to take a driver’s license on the spot when a motorist commits a violation. Instead, the LTO will use a digital monitoring system to manage traffic offenses.

Here’s how the new system works:

• The driver’s license will be placed under “alert status” in the LTO database.
  
  
• The motorist will receive a traffic violation ticket or notice, but will keep their physical license.
  
  
• The driver will have 15 working days to settle the violation.
  

This replaces the old practice where licenses were immediately confiscated, often forcing drivers to visit LTO offices just to retrieve them.

Why the 15 Working Days Rule Matters

One of the most important updates is the change from 15 calendar days to 15 working days for settling traffic violations.

This means:

• Weekends and holidays are not included
  
  
• Drivers have more realistic time to comply
  
  
• Government offices can process cases more efficiently
  

If the motorist fails to settle the violation within 15 working days, the LTO will then impose automatic penalties, which may include:

• Driver’s license suspension
  
  
• License revocation for repeated or serious offenses
  

This ensures accountability without immediately disrupting a motorist’s ability to drive.

Source: DOTR

Why DOTr implement this change?

The DOTr cited several reasons for the policy shift:

• To reduce complaints from motorists about on-the-spot license confiscation
  
  
• To prevent confusion and inconsistent enforcement
  
  
• To modernize traffic management through digital records
  
  
• To ease congestion in LTO offices caused by license retrieval
  
  

This is especially beneficial for daily commuters, professional drivers, and delivery riders, who depend on their licenses for work and mobility.

Important Reminders for Motorists

While licenses will no longer be confiscated, motorists should remember:

• An alert status still counts as an active violation
  
  
• Unsettled violations may affect license renewal
  
  
• Repeated offenses can still lead to suspension or revocation
  
  
• Traffic laws must still be strictly followed
  
  

The new system is not a free pass—it simply ensures due process and fairness.

What This Means for Philippine Traffic Enforcement

This update represents a move toward balanced traffic enforcement—protecting both public safety and motorists’ rights. By removing immediate license confiscation, the DOTr aims to reduce stress during apprehensions while maintaining strict accountability through the LTO’s centralized system.

As traffic volume continues to grow nationwide, this policy helps create a more efficient, driver-friendly system without compromising road safety.

Conclusion

The DOTr’s decision to stop confiscating driver’s licenses during traffic violations is a major improvement in Philippine traffic management. With the new alert status system and the 15-working-day settlement period, motorists are given fair opportunity to resolve violations while authorities maintain effective enforcement.

For all drivers, staying informed and settling violations on time remains essential—but the process is now clearer, more humane, and more efficient.