In a significant policy shift, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has announced an immediate and temporary halt to the practice of confiscating driver's licenses during traffic apprehensions. This suspension will be in effect for the next 15 days.
Secretary Lopez Issues Immediate Order
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued a memorandum on January 9, 2026, directing the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to suspend the confiscation of licenses from apprehended motorists. The order is part of a broader directive for the LTO to review and streamline all related procedures to ensure policy consistency across the board.
The DOTr stated that this move aims to clarify the often confusing process for motorists whose licenses are taken during a traffic stop. During this 15-day period, the LTO is tasked with revisiting its existing rules to create a more uniform and understandable system for the public.
Extended Deadlines and New Enforcement Measures
Alongside the suspension, Secretary Lopez amended the guidelines for settling traffic violation cases. The key change involves the settlement deadline. Previously, motorists had 15 calendar days to resolve their case. This has now been extended to 15 working days.
This adjustment means that official holidays and long weekends will no longer count against the deadline, giving both the government and motorists more realistic time to process and settle apprehensions. "This is to afford both the government and the public sufficient time to resolve cases," the DOTr explained.
However, the suspension of physical confiscation does not mean violators are off the hook. The LTO is instructed to immediately flag the violator's driver's license in its system. Should the driver fail to settle the case within the new 15-working-day period, the automatic suspension or revocation of the license will be strictly enforced.
Catalyst: The James Deakin Incident
This policy review was prompted by a public issue raised by well-known automotive vlogger James Deakin. The situation involved the apprehension of his son for a lane violation on the Skyway on December 18, 2025.
When Deakin and his son attempted to settle the violation and retrieve the license on January 5, 2026, they were informed they had missed the 15-day deadline, resulting in an automatic one-month license suspension. Deakin pointed out that the LTO and other government offices were closed for about eight days during the holiday period, making it impossible to comply.
In a Facebook post, Deakin highlighted the core problem: "The main issue was the 15-day deadline that included the eight or nine days the LTO was closed, as well as the demands for unnecessary paperwork that is not in the Citizens Charter. Those are the questions that people wanted answers to."
The DOTr's swift response indicates a move towards more considerate and logistically sound public service regulations, acknowledging the practical realities faced by Filipino motorists.
