Traffic Violations in Cebu | A Guide to Fines and Settlement Procedures

Road Safety 101: Traffic violations, Penalties, and Fines

Navigating the road isn’t just about knowing where to go—it’s also about knowing the rules that keep everyone safe. Here’s a rundown of some common traffic violations in the Philippines, along with their fines and penalties.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI)

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is a serious offense, with penalties that depend on the outcome of the violation, for example:

• No injuries or death: 3 months imprisonment + ₱20,000–₱80,000 fine
• With physical injuries: Penalty under the Revised Penal Code (or above) + ₱100,000–₱200,000 fine
• With homicide: Penalty under the Revised Penal Code + ₱300,000–₱500,000 fine
• License suspension/revocation:
  • Non-professional: 1-year suspension (1st offense), perpetual revocation (2nd offense)
  • Professional: Immediate perpetual revocation

Driving Without a Valid License

Whether driving with an expired, fake, or inappropriate license—or without a license at all—the consequences are steep:

• Fine: ₱3,000
• Penalty: Disqualification from obtaining a driver’s license for 1 year after fine payment

 No Helmet, No Ride

Motorcyclists and their passengers must wear standard protective helmets. Violators face these fines:

• 1st Offense: ₱1,500
• 2nd Offense: ₱3,000
• 3rd Offense: ₱5,000
• Subsequent Offenses: ₱10,000

Seatbelt Violations

Not buckling up or failing to require front-seat passengers to do so comes with increasing penalties:

• 1st Offense: ₱1,000
• 2nd Offense: ₱2,000
• 3rd and Subsequent Offenses: ₱5,000

Distracted Driving (Anti-Distracted Driving Act)

Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless hands-free. This includes texting, calling, gaming, or even browsing social media. Exemptions apply only for emergency calls. Fines are:

• 1st Offense: ₱5,000
• 2nd Offense: ₱10,000
• 3rd Offense: ₱15,000 + 3-month license suspension
• Subsequent Offenses: ₱20,000 + license revocation

Failure to Signal

Neglecting to use proper signals before turning or stopping costs drivers:

• Fine: ₱1,000

Failure to Dim Headlights

Blinding oncoming vehicles by not dimming your headlights results in a fine of:

• Fine: ₱1,000

Driving Against Traffic

Counterflowing or driving against the flow of traffic comes with a fine of:

• Fine: ₱1,000

Illegal Parking

Parking violations include stopping too close to intersections, driveways, fire hydrants, or in areas with prohibitive signs. Penalties vary depending on location and severity.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving includes overspeeding or endangering others due to carelessness. Fines and penalties are as follows:

• 1st Offense: ₱2,000
• 2nd Offense: ₱3,000 + 3-month license suspension
• 3rd and Subsequent Offenses: ₱10,000 + 6-month suspension or license revocation

Blatant disregard for speed limits can also result in accidents, with penalties under the Revised Penal Code if death or injury occurs.

How to Check LTO Violations Online

To check your LTO violations and penalties, follow these simple steps:

1. Visit the LTMS Website
   Go to https://portal.lto.gov.ph.
2. Log In to Your LTMS Account
   Use your registered email and password to log in. If you don’t have an account, create one to get started.
3. Access Your Violation Information
   Once logged in, navigate to the Dashboard and click on the "Violations" tab. Here, you will find:
   • Demerit Points: See how many points you've accumulated.
   • Unsettled Violations: Check if you have any unpaid fines.
   • Violation History: Review your past infractions.
4. Settle Your Violations
   Click on the details of any violations to view the penalty and make a payment.

How to Pay for LTO Violations

There are two ways to settle your LTO violations: online or in person.

1. Online Payment via the LTMS Portal

After identifying your violation on the LTMS Portal, you can pay your fine online. Available payment methods include:

• Landbank LinkBiz Portal
• Gcash or Paymaya
• Bayad Center

Make sure to save your transaction receipt, as you will need it for future reference when renewing your driver's license or vehicle registration.

2. In-Person Payment

If you prefer to pay in person or need assistance, you can visit an LTO branch (listed at the end of this article) or an accredited payment center. Here's how:

1. Go to your nearest LTO office or an authorized payment center.
2. Provide your violation ticket and driver's license information.
3. Pay the fine and request a receipt as proof of payment.

Paying Violations via Gcash for Oponganons (and Others)

Good news! You can now pay your traffic fines through Gcash. Here’s how:

1. Open the Gcash app.
2. Tap on "Pay Bills."
3. Search for "Lapu-Lapu City Traffic" in the biller search bar.
4. Enter the necessary details:
   • Amount to pay
   • Your name
   • Plate number
   • Place of apprehension
   • Name of the apprehending officer
   • Your email address (optional)
5. Confirm the payment and complete the process.

This service is available to everyone (the biller name may be different depending on location), but it’s especially helpful for Oponganons!

Stay Safe on the Roads

Always keep in mind that driving is a privilege, not a right. Understanding these rules ensures everyone’s safety and helps avoid hefty fines—or worse, accidents. Remember: Being a responsible driver protects not just you but everyone else on the road!