Before anyone is allowed to drive a car, motorcycle, or any vehicle in the Philippines, they must have a valid driver’s license from the LTO.

Here are the basic rules:

• You must be physically and mentally fit to drive.

• You must pass both written and practical driving tests.
  There are different types of licenses depending on the vehicle:

  • Student Permit (for beginners)

  • Non-Professional License (for private vehicles)

  • Professional License (for public utility or commercial vehicles)
    
    

Important:
Driving without a license or using a fake license is illegal and has serious consequences such as fines or jail time.

RA 4136 says that all motor vehicles must be registered with the LTO to be allowed on public roads.

• The registration proves that the vehicle is legal and safe to use.

• You must renew registration every year.

• If the vehicle is sold to another person, the new owner must also register it under their name.
  
  

Vehicles are checked for things like:

• Working brakes

• Proper lights

• Clean emission (not too much smoke)

Unregistered vehicles may be impounded or fined if caught by authorities.

RA 4136 also sets rules for how people should drive on the road. These rules are made to prevent accidents and save lives.

Here are some important ones:

• Always obey traffic signs and traffic lights.

• Drive on the right side of the road.

• Use signals when turning or stopping.

• Do not overspeed or drive recklessly.

• Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks.

• Do not use a cellphone while driving unless it’s hands-free.

• Never drive if you are drunk or under the influence of drugs.
  
  

Breaking these rules can lead to fines, suspension of license, or even arrest in serious cases.

Every vehicle must have a license plate and an LTO sticker that shows it is registered.

• Plates must be clear and readable.

• You cannot change or remove your license plate.

• You are not allowed to drive a vehicle without a plate or temporary plate.

It’s illegal to use fake or stolen license plates.

RA 4136 also includes a list of traffic violations and the corresponding penalties.

Some examples:

• Driving without a license – fine and possible jail time

• Reckless driving – suspension or cancellation of license

• Drunk driving – heavy fines and imprisonment

• Driving an unregistered vehicle – vehicle may be impounded

• Using fake documents – criminal charges
  
  

Multiple violations can lead to your license being permanently revoked.

RA 4136 defines what kinds of vehicles are allowed and how they should be classified:

• Private Vehicles – for personal use

• Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) – for business, like jeepneys, buses, and taxis

• Trucks and Delivery Vans – for transporting goods

Each type has different rules for registration, operation, and licensing.

According to the law, you must drive at a safe speed, depending on where you are and what kind of vehicle you're using. The goal is to avoid accidents and keep traffic flowing smoothly.

Here are the maximum speed limits (unless road signs say otherwise):

1. Open country roads, with no "blind corners" not closely bordered by habitations. 

• Passenger cars  and motor cycles - 80 km per hour 

• Trucks  and buses  - 50 km per hour

2. On "through streets" or boulevard, clear of traffic. with no "blind corners" when so designated. 

•  Passenger cars  and motor cycles - 40 km per hour 

• Trucks  and buses  - 30 km per hour

3.  On city and municipal streets with light traffic, when not designated "through streets". 

• Passenger cars  and motor cycles - 30 km per hour 

• Trucks  and buses  - 30 km per hour

 4. Through crowded streets, approaching intersections at "blind corners", passing school zones, passing other vehicles which are stationary, or for similar dangerous circumstances. 

• Passenger cars  and motor cycles - 20 km per hour 

• Trucks  and buses  - 20 km per hour
  
  
  

Note: These are just the maximum speeds. You must always drive slower if:

• The road is slippery or wet

• It’s dark or foggy

• You’re near people or animals

• Traffic is heavy
  
  

Driving too fast for the conditions — even if you’re below the limit — can still be dangerous and illegal.

The LTO is the main agency responsible for enforcing RA 4136, but it also works with other government offices and partners to ensure road safety and proper transport management.

Here are the major agencies involved:

 1. Department of Transportation (DOTr)

• The DOTr is the main agency that oversees the LTO.

• It sets transportation policies, plans, and programs nationwide.
  
  

 2. Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT)

• I-ACT is a group made up of different agencies that work together to improve traffic flow and enforce laws.

• Members include LTO, LTFRB, MMDA, PNP-HPG, and others.
  
  

 3. Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP–HPG)

• Enforces traffic rules, especially on highways.

• Assists the LTO in catching violators and investigating road incidents.
  
  

 4. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB)

• Handles the franchising and regulation of public vehicles (jeepneys, buses, taxis, etc.).

• Works with LTO to check if public utility vehicles are legal and roadworthy.
  
  

 5. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

• Manages traffic and road discipline in Metro Manila.

• Enforces road rules and clears obstructions in urban areas.
  
  

 6. Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)

• Works with LTO and DOTr in providing driving courses and road safety training.
  
  

 7. Local Government Units (LGUs)

• Enforce local transport policies and traffic rules in cities and municipalities.

• Issue local transport permits and manage traffic in barangays.
  
  

 8. Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

• Supervises LGUs and ensures they follow national traffic and transportation policies.
  
  

 9. Department of Health (DOH)

• Provides guidelines for medical examinations required when applying for or renewing a driver's license.