Motorists living in areas that were severely affected by last week's intensified Southwest Monsoon and by Typhoons Cristin, Dante, and Emong can breathe a sigh of relief when it comes to renewing their driver's licenses, registering their motor vehicles, and paying their fines.

This comes after the Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently announced that it has waived all penalty fines for late vehicle registration and driver's license renewals in calamity-stricken areas. In a memorandum signed by Acting Assistant Secretary Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr., the waiving of fines covers the weekly surcharge for late MV vehicle registration and driver's license renewal.

In the same memo, Pua also said the imposition of a penalty for motor vehicles, including motorcycles, bought from July 21 to 25 this year, which were not registered within the prescribed time, will also be waived. To maximize assistance to affected motorists, Pua said the 15-day period for settling all traffic apprehension fines, from July 21 to August 4, has been extended until August 8, 2025.

With more than 2.7 million people affected by the recent weather disturbances, the LTO hopes waiving of penalties will help those affected in calamity-stricken areas.