Erring drivers in Dagupan City will face stiffer penalties starting Sunday, July 5, 2026, as a new ordinance takes effect, allowing authorities to impound vehicles driven by unlicensed or drunk motorists in an effort to improve road safety.

Under the ordinance, the city's Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) will have the authority to impound vehicles driven by motorists without a driver's license or those caught driving under the influence of alcohol.

The penalty for driving without a license has also increased sharply. The fine has been raised from P200 to P3,000 for the first, second, and third offenses.

POSO Chief Arvin Decano said the previous penalty was too low to discourage violators.

“Kasi 'yung P200, kayang-kaya nila magbayad kahit tatlong beses sila mahuli sa isang buwan, kaya nilang magbayad na wala silang lisensya,” he said.

Decano said data presented during a public hearing at the city council showed that around 40 percent of motorists cited for driving without a license were minors. He added that many traffic accidents in the city also involve underage drivers.

“Kaya naisipan ng Sangguniang Panlungsod na dapat itaas para kung makikita mo, takot na sila mag-drive, kukuha na sila ng lisensya,” he said.

The ordinance drew mixed reactions from motorists.

One driver, Eugene Lucarbo, said the higher fine may be difficult for some people to afford.

“Mataas na ang P3,000. May mga ibang priority na dapat bayaran,” he said.

Another motorist, Roldan Untalan, supported the measure.

“Okey lang para matuto 'yung mga driver na dapat mayroon silang lisensya,” he said.

POSO continues to encourage motorists without driver's licenses to apply with the Land Transportation Office, which offers free Theoretical Driving Courses for applicants.

The ordinance also increases penalties for drunk driving. Motorists caught driving under the influence will face a P3,000 fine for the first offense and P5,000 for the second and third offenses.