Contest an Alleged Traffic Violation

Apprehended drivers, operators, and conductors may contest their alleged traffic violations at the following offices:

• LTO

  • Central Office Cashier (LTO)

  • Regional Offices – Operations Division of LTO

  • LETAS-equipped LTO District Offices

  • Extension offices with LETAS capabilities

• MMDA

  • Apprehension complaints adjudicated by the Traffic Adjudication Board

  • Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) (concerning apprehension manners of Traffic Enforcers)

The ability to contest an alleged traffic violation is an important part of being a driver. Traffic violators should understand that the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) impose hefty fines. It’s inevitable that you’ll commit one or two traffic violations in your lifetime, but when you get an “unjustly issued” ticket, you’d want to know where to go for help or to vent your frustration.

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In a nutshell, contesting a traffic violation can be done in different places, depending on the issuer and type of complaint. For LTO-issued traffic tickets, you may visit the Cashier at the Central Office, the Operations Division at the Regional Offices, or the District Office or Extension Office that offers LETAS services. A complaint concerning an MMDA traffic ticket can be submitted either to the Traffic Adjudication Board (for complaints regarding the apprehension) or to the Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC). These places aren’t worth going to without a reason, however, as they are quite inconvenient.

Contesting an Alleged Traffic Violation

The process of contesting a traffic violation is normal. As a result of the hefty fines and inconvenient penalties associated with traffic violations, filing a complaint is the lesser evil when compared to a traffic ticket that is unfairly issued. In addition, it offers the chance of getting the ticket rescinded, so there is really nothing to lose.

So, if you believe you have been unjustly issued a traffic ticket, both the LTO and the MMDA say that as a driver you have the right to contest the alleged violation through the appropriate channels and by following the appropriate motions, depending on the nature of the violation.

How to Contest an Alleged Traffic Violation

There are guidelines and requirements for contesting alleged traffic violations laid out by the LTO and MMDA. Despite taking place in different offices, the process remains the same.

As part of this process, they must prepare the documentary requirements, such as a motion or contest letter and all the supporting evidence they could provide, such as  photos and videos. A complaint about a traffic enforcer’s attitude should include the officer’s name, date, and time of apprehension if the complaint is about the enforcer’s attitude.

Where can you Contest an Alleged Traffic Violation

Apprehended drivers, operators, and conductors may contest their alleged violations at the following offices, according to the LTO and MMDA websites:

• LTO

  • Central Office Cashier (LTO)

  • Regional Offices – Operations Division of LTO

  • LETAS District Offices within LTO

  • Offices with LETAS functions within LTO Extension Offices

• MMDA

  • Apprehension complaints adjudicated by the Traffic Adjudication Board

  • Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) (concerning apprehension manners of Traffic Enforcers)

Conclusion

Traffic violations are pretty common, and it is pretty normal to contest them. If you believe the traffic ticket was unjustly issued or the traffic enforcer was especially rude, you are welcome to complain to either the LTO or the MMDA. The process will involve an investigation of your complaint, so it is best to be truthful rather than have to face worse consequences if you complain about or contest a violation.