LTO to waive late renewal application penalties

Yesterday, the LTO National Capital Region and LTO Metro Davao offices started implementing Memorandum Circular 2018-2157 or the Revised Guidelines for Medical Examination, Accreditation of Medical Clinics and Registration of Physicians Relative to the Issuance of Medical Certificates to Student Driver's Permit and Driver's/Conductor's License Applicants. In a nutshell, it means that the LTO will only accept medical certificates for Student Permit, new and renewal Driver’s License, Conductor's License applications submitted online and only from ‘accredited’ physicians and clinics through the LTO’s new and improved IT system. No dry runs or testing were made prior to the implementation.

LTO NCR Announcement

At about 8:00 PM last night, the LTO-NCR made an announcement through their official Facebook page advising the public that "there were system glitches reported" and "although we trained the doctors on the use of biometric examination and uploading of results in LTO System, still there were delays experienced". The LTO advised applicants to delay their application process if possible while they troubleshoot the system. It added that “PENALTIES FOR LICENSES WHICH EXPIRE DUE TO THIS SYSTEM GLITCH WILL NOT BE COLLECTED”.

If you’re one of the unlucky driver/ motorcycle riders who is due to renew his/her Driver’s License, please expect some delay. If you opt to apply on a later date, rest assured your late penalties will be waived. Another option would be to transact with LTO branches that are not yet implementing the Memorandum Circular 2018-2157 (provincial offices). The LTO NCR, however, has not provided any assurance that traffic enforcers are aware of this and will be as considerate of those caught with expired licenses as a result of the glitch. We have yet to receive word if license application in Davao has encountered the same problems.