Metro Manila Mayors approve single-ticketing for traffic violations

Remember when the LTO announced last year that LGUs will be using the single-ticketing system in Q1 of next year? Fast forward to February 2023, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has just announced that the Metro Manila Council (MMC) has approved its implementation.

Local chief executives of Metro Manila have adopted the single ticketing system through the establishment of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023. This will provide for a system of interconnectivity among government instruments involved in transport and traffic management in the metropolis with harmonized fines and penalties. In addition, the standardized fines and penalties will also be endorsed to the LTO and local officials for adoption.

Based on the MMDA Resolution No. 23-02, the single ticketing system “will harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish effective transport and traffic management in Metro Manila.”

The Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which will serve as the guideline for the system, listed the most common traffic violation penalties which will be imposed uniformly in all Metro Manila local government units, as follows:

-Disregarding traffic signs

-Illegal parking (attended and unattended)

-Number coding UVVRP

-Truck ban

-Light truck ban

-Reckless Driving

-Unregistered motor vehicle

-Driving without a license

-Tricycle ban

-Obstruction

-Dress code for motorcycle

-Overloading

-Defective motorcycle accessories

-Unauthorized modification

-Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)

-Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones

-Illegal counter-flow

-Overspeeding

There are also special laws that will be part of the single-ticketing system. These include:

-Seat Belts Use Act of 1999

-Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act

-Mandatory Use of Motorcycle Helmet Act

-Children's Safety on Motorcycle Act

-Anti-Distracted Driving Act

-Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act

For MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes, the single-ticketing system will give apprehended motorists convenience as they can now pay for their traffic-related violations wherever regardless of the city they have been caught.

“This is a historic moment for all of us because after more than twenty years, Metro Manila is finally adopting the single ticketing system that will highly benefit our motorists. The single ticketing system would help avoid confusion among our driving public, as well as the option to pay electronically for their violations. Driver's license will also not be confiscated during apprehension,” said Artes.

Meanwhile, MMC president and San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora stated his gratefulness to the whole council for passing the historic resolution. He also said that the single ticketing system would be in effect within the first quarter of 2023.

“The Metro Manila LGUs will have to pass their respective ordinances adapting the Metro Manila Traffic Code 2023 on or before March 15 to fully implement the single ticketing system,” added Zamora.

The MMTC (Metro Manila Traffic Code) also has provision for the interconnectivity requirements with the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS). During the meeting, it was also agreed upon that the MMDA will provide the funds for the purchase of the hardware and I.T. requirements needed for seamless and simultaneous roll-out of the LGU’s integration with the LTMS.

The LGUs will likewise enact ordinances that will adapt standardized fines on the identified common traffic violations and separate ordinances for traffic-related offenses not stated in the traffic code.

The final draft of the Metro Manila Traffic Code was agreed upon by the officials of MMDA and LTO, as well as Metro Manila local traffic enforcement heads last January 19.