DoTr to LTO:  Suspend confiscation of driver's license of erring motorists

The Department of Transportation (DoTr) ordered the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to temporarily suspend the confiscation of the driver's licenses of motorists involved in traffic violations.

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said this is in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to streamline and clarify procedures in apprehending erring motorists whose driver’s licenses have been confiscated.

In a memorandum issued Friday, Lopez ordered the suspension of the confiscation and the review of all pertinent issuances to ensure consistency in all policies

Lopez  also amended the guidelines for settling traffic apprehension cases, changing the lead time from 15 calendar days to 15 working days, “to afford both the government and the public sufficient time to resolve cases.”

“Ibig sabihin po nito, hindi kasama ‘yung mga holiday at long weekend sa bilang ng araw kapag magse-settle ng violation ‘yung driver,” he said.

(This means the lead time for settling the violations will not include holidays and long weekends.)

While it will not be confiscated, the driver's licenses of erring motorists will be immediately placed under alert.

The LTO is also ordered to strictly enforce the automatic suspension or revocation of the license should the driver fail to settle the case within 15 working days.

The memorandum is set to take effect immediately. —LDF, GMA Integrated News