DL Code B Mean on an LTO Driver’s License

Driver’s license (DL) code B is one of nine (9) new alphanumeric category codes used by the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in place of the old restriction codes. It allows you to drive a specific type of vehicle. DL code B applies to motorized vehicles with 8 seats and a maximum weight of 5000kg, according to the law.

When you get your driver’s license, it’s important to know what types of motor vehicles you can drive. In this case, DL codes are useful. Depending on the DL code on your license, you may be allowed to drive certain motor vehicles. If you’re caught driving a type of vehicle that you’re not licensed to drive, you may be facing fines and penalties from the LTO.

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What is DL Code B?

A Driver’s License Code B allows the driver to drive passenger cars with up to eight (8) seats and a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) not exceeding 5000 kilograms. Hatchbacks, coupes, sedans, and SUVs are allowed to be driven by license holders with DL Code B.

DL Code B

DL Code B includes category code M1, which refers to vehicles with fewer than eight (8) seats and a gross vehicle weight (GVW) not exceeding 3500 kilograms.

DL Code B1

A driving license code B1 is also available for professionals who drive passenger vans or jeepneys. All types of jeepneys used for passenger transportation fall under this category. This includes all passenger van models, such as Honda Odyssey, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, etc., as well as the popular mass transit jeepney model.

The DL Code B1 also corresponds to the vehicle category code M2, which covers passenger vehicles with a seating capacity greater than eight and a gross vehicle weight of less than 5000 pounds.

DL code B2

Additionally, there is Driving License Code B2, a LTO DL category code requested by drivers of light commercial vehicles including four-wheeled vehicles used for cargo transportation. Among the vehicles in this category are the Suzuki Carry, the Hyundai H100, the Isuzu Travis, and the Mitsubishi L300.

According to DL Code B2, vehicles which transport goods with a maximum gross vehicle weight of up to 3500kg are classified as vehicle category code N1.

Can I Ride a Motorcycle with DL Code B

Whether you’re looking for a short answer or a long answer is No. If you have a DL Code B on your driving license, you can drive passenger cars, but not motorcycles. Driver’s License Codes specify the type of vehicle that can be operated legally based on the DL code, as we all know. The Philippines requires a Code A or Code A1 on your license if you want to drive a motorcycle, tricycle, or any other 2- or 3-wheeler legally. Otherwise, your vehicle may be impounded and you may be apprehended.

What are DL Codes A and A1

There are two types of DL Codes in the Philippines for the legal driving of motorcycles: A1 and A2.

DL Code A

There is a specific driving license code for motorcycles, DL Code A. In addition to motorcycles with manual transmissions, semi-automatic transmissions, and automatic transmissions, the code covers most motorcycle models, including Mio, Aerox, NMax, Smash, and Barako.

The DL Code A covers vehicle category codes L1, L2, and L3, allowing them to drive two- and three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed below 50 kph (for L1 and L2) or above 50 kph (for L3).

DL Code A1

The Driving License Code A1, an additional category code, covers all three-wheeled motor vehicles, including motorcycles with sidecars, transport tricycles, and e-tricycles, such as the Bajaj Re, Yamaha Tricity4, and tuk-tuks (or bokyos). The DL code also covers four-wheeled vehicles with a limited mass unladen and a maximum design speed.

Licence holders with DL Code A1 are also entitled to drive and operate motor vehicles with Vehicle Category Codes L4, L5, L6, and L7. In addition to motorcycles with sidecars, licensees with these codes can drive and operate three-wheeled symmetrically arranged vehicles with maximum design speeds exceeding 50 kph, four-wheeled vehicles with an unladen mass of less than 350 kg and a maximum design speed of less than 45 kph, and four-wheeled vehicles with an unladen mass of less than 550 kg and a maximum design speed of less than 45 kph.

What Does the DL Code Say About You

The DL codes on an individual’s license are alphanumeric codes. In a Professional Driver’s License (PDL) or Non-Professional Driver’s License (NPDL), it is stated. DL codes indicate whether the license holder is authorized to drive or operate certain motor vehicles. Also, the codes can indicate whether the driver is driving a vehicle that he shouldn’t be driving. You may be subject to tags, violations, and heavy LTO fines and impoundment for all of these things. However, getting caught driving illegal vehicles may prevent you from getting a DL with a 10-year validity period.

Where to Find the DL Codes

In contrast to the old license cards, where the restriction code was found on the front, the new driver’s license codes are found at the back, along with the transmission and condition codes.

Important Reminders

To help you remember some important tips, here are some:

  • This new DL Code system is based on the version used in Europe and the United Kingdom.
  • Those who are approved to drive a manualTransmission (MT) vehicles can also drive automatic, whereas automatic transmission (AT) vehicles cannot.
  • It is legal in the Philippines to drive with a license issued by an ASEAN member-state government.
  • It is possible for foreigners to use their driver’s license issued in their home country for up to 90 days in the Philippines.
  • A DL Code B is not required to drive a motorcycle without facing legal consequences.

Video: The new LTO DL codes in the Philippines 2024

FAQs

QNO(1):Do you need a separate license to drive a motorcycle in the Philippines?

Ans:No. It is not necessary to have separate licenses if you intend to drive both a motorcycle and a car, you just need to add more DL codes. In any case, getting a license in the Philippines is largely the same for cars and motorcycles. It’s you and me

The LTO requires that you take a driving course, apply for a student permit, log your hours, and then claim your license.

QNO(2):Can I drive a motorcycle with a car license in the Philippines?

Ans:I don’t. If your driver’s license does not bear the proper DL codes, you can’t rent or drive a 125cc or 110cc scooter in the Philippines. Small scooters and big motorcycles in the Philippines and other Asian countries require DL code A1.

QNO(3):I have an American driving license for a car, but I do not have a motorcycle driving license. Can I drive a 110cc scooter in the Philippines?

Ans:It’s not. You need DL code A or A1 on your license to avoid violations. Foreign licenses are valid for up to 90 days, too, but be sure to bring your international license since it contains translations.

Qno(4):Can I still get a driver’s license even if I have a disease?

Ans:Yes, of course. The LTO also rolled out new condition codes to identify drivers’ conditions and help them drive safely, based on their needs and ability to operate a vehicle, as determined by the LTO driver evaluator. Numbers (1, 2, 3, 4, 5) are used to identify disabilities or impairments instead of letters (A, B, C, D, E).

QNO(5):What is Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)?

Ans:According to the manufacturer, the gross vehicle weight (GVW) is the vehicle’s maximum operating weight. There is an average GVW of 1,814 kg for most passenger vehicles on the market.

QNO(6):Can I operate vehicles for hire if my driver’s license has Condition Codes?

Ans:No. License holders with conditions 2, 3, 4, or 5 are not allowed to operate for-hire/public utility vehicles or commercial vehicles without obtaining written permission from a  qualified medical specialist.

QNO(7):Can manual drivers drive automatic vehicles?

Ans:Licensees who have the restriction “MT” can operate both manual and automatic transmissions. When the restriction is set to “AT,” they are only permitted to drive automatic transmissions.

Conclusion

The Driving License Code (DL Code) B prohibits drivers from driving motorcycles. Unless the DL code is A or A1, the case is true. As for foreigners, their licenses can be used as long as they are restricted from driving big motorcycles, tricycles, or small four-wheelers. It’s best to avoid driving without the proper driving license codes to avoid high fines and penalties.

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