Traffic > Decree

The DILG says that only the LTO can confiscate your driver’s license

The agency and its deputized agents are the only ones allowed

S Sam Surla

September 21, 2022

If an enforcer asks you for your license and isn't deputized, don't surrender it. PHOTO BY SAM SURLA

Have you recently been caught for a traffic violation and had to surrender your driver’s license to the apprehending enforcer? Well, if you didn’t know, said practice is actually wrong according to a memorandum released last September 14 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

If an enforcer does not believe you, show him this memorandum. PHOTO FROM DILG

Simply put, it says that the local government units (LGUs) can issue traffic citation tickets, but only the Land Transportation Office and its deputized agents are allowed to confiscate driver’s licenses.

In a time when physical apprehension is the main focus after the No Contact Apprehension Program has taken a back seat to be reviewed, it is important that LGUs are informed of this to ensure that motorists are not taken advantage of by unscrupulous and enterprising traffic enforcers.

Sam Surla

Sam is the youngest member of our editorial team. And he is our managing editor (believe it or not). He specializes in photography and videography, but he also happens to like writing about cars a lot.