LTO to start distributing licenses valid for 10 years

Do you often get tickets for committing traffic violations? This may be a disadvantage for you in renewing your license. LTO plans to implement the ten-year validity of driving licenses but only for those who have good records.

LTO to start distributing licenses valid for 10 years

LTO has announced it has set to start distributing the driver’s licenses with 10-year validity this coming October. Under its improved demerit system, they will allow motorists who clean records to have 10-year valid licenses. But what’s the purpose of this new system?

According to DOTR head Arthur Tugade, they are now addressing the licensing backlog from the start of Duterte’s administration. He explained,

“The 3-million backlog in 2016 was addressed. Not only that, but we will also begin the distribution of driver’s licenses with 10-year validity under the LTO’s demerit system.”

Aside from this, the agency already made some notable progress. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and LTO underscored their initiative of issuing plastic cards to those applying or renewing their driver’s license instead of receipts. Recently, the agency issued cards that have additional security features to prevent their illegal reproduction.

New demerit system to identify good drivers from reckless ones

Under the demerit system, LTO has three categories for traffic violations. Each class has a corresponding amount of demerit points. The ‘grave’ violations are worth five points whereas ‘less grave’. Meanwhile, ‘light’ violations are worth three and one points, respectively.

Motorists with a clean slate can apply for an LTO driver’s license with 10-year validity. A year ago, Edgar Galvante explained that this measure will help reduce the number of crashes and accidents that take place on Philippine roads.

On the other hand, LTO made an announcement this week that it will extend the validity of license plates ending in 6 and 7 nationwide. Vehicles with plates ending with 6 will be valid until Aug. 31, 2021, while plates ending with 7 will be valid until Sept. 30, 2021. Note that the agency will not collect any surcharge or penalty fees.