THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 1 has implemented a standardized method for counting the settlement period for traffic violation fines, following updated national guidelines on traffic enforcement.

The policy is based on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 2026-001 and LTO Memorandum Circular No. MVL-2026-4846, which provides clearer rules for implementing Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01. The guidelines were discussed and emphasized by LTO Region 1 Regional Director Glorioso Daniel Z. Martinez.

Under the new rule, the 15-day settlement period for paying traffic fines will be counted in working days only, starting from the date of apprehension. Weekends, declared holidays, and days when government work is suspended will not be included in the computation.

LTO said the move aims to give motorists sufficient and reasonable time to settle violations without incurring additional penalties due to non-working days.

The agency also reiterated that driver’s licenses will no longer be confiscated at the time of apprehension, as part of the streamlined and uniform traffic enforcement process being implemented nationwide.

LTO Region 1 said the standardization is intended to promote consistency in traffic law enforcement across the region, while ensuring clearer procedures for motorists. (Ahikam Pasion)