Confiscating driver’s license LTO job ‘alone’

THE Land Transportation Office on Friday reiterated that only the LTO and its deputized agents under the law are allowed to confiscate a driver’s license for violations of traffic regulations.

“The LTO appreciates the action of the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) in ordering local government units (LGUs) and local police forces around the country not to confiscate drivers’ licenses during apprehension for this action is solely reserved for the LTO and its deputized agents and law enforcement personnel,” the transport agency said in a statement.

It noted that its stand is “congruent and consistent with the ruling of the Supreme Court and the principles stated under Republic Act 10930 stating that confiscation of drivers’ licenses can only be done by the LTO unless the apprehending officer is deputized by the agency.”

“The LTO welcomes the DILG memorandum as the agency can assert its primary authority as the sole law enforcement agency mandated to enforce the nation’s traffic laws and thus keep the country’s roads safe and promote orderly traffic flow in towns, cities and provinces,” the LTO said.

It added that the memorandum opens the opportunity for the LTO to work closely with the LGUs to increase awareness among drivers on road safety through conducting training and promoting road discipline.

In his memorandum to local government officials dated September 14, DILG Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said the LGUs can issue traffic citation tickets, but only the LTO and its deputized agents are allowed to confiscate drivers’ licenses in accordance with the provision of DILG-Department of Transportation Joint Memorandum Circular 1-2008.

Abalos directed the LGUs to review their ordinances, orders, and local policies to ensure conformity and compliance with this provision of the memorandum circular.