You must know which types of vehicles you can legally drive when you get your driver’s license. In this case, the old numerical restriction codes apply to the driver’s license. Land Transportation Office (LTO) rolled out a new alphanumeric code set in 2024 called Driver’s License (DL) codes and condition codes to specify what vehicle/s you are licensed to drive.

Nine DL codes are now available, ranging from A to CE, to represent the general types of vehicles. To indicate the types of vehicles each DL code holder may operate, each DL code is further subdivided into specific alphanumeric subcategories called Vehicle Category codes. The Vehicle Category codes can be found at the back of the license on the right side of the DL code. The alphanumeric code set corresponds to a specific type of vehicle that the license holder may operate.

What are Driver’s License (DL) Codes?

DL codes refer to the new alphanumeric codes used by the LTO instead of the old numerical codes. There are nine different categories, ranging from A to CE, which correspond to the general types of vehicles. There are nine DL categories, each with a subcategory called Vehicle Category codes, which indicate the type of vehicle a license holder can legally drive.

An individual’s license will have these DL and condition codes, regardless of whether it is a professional or non-professional license. The codes tell the authorities whether a driver is authorized to drive a particular vehicle. It also tells them if a driver is driving a vehicle that should not be on Philippine roads, which could result in hefty LTO fines and violations. Driving a vehicle you aren’t licensed to drive can result in fines, penalties, and even getting your vehicle impounded if you are caught.

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What are the Different Driver’s License (DL) Codes and Vehicle Category Codes, and What Do They Mean

The following is a list of nine Driver’s License (DL) codes and their respective vehicle categories.

DL Code A:The Motorcycle

The DL Code A license is issued to drivers who want to operate motorcycles. Any motorcycle model (e.g., Mio, Aerox, NMax, Smash, Barako, etc.) and transmission (automatic, semi-automatic, and manual) is eligible for this code in the Philippines.

The following Vehicle Category Codes are also available to license holders with DL Code A:

L1

A two-wheeled vehicle with a design speed not exceeding 50 km/h

L2

Usually three-wheeled vehicles with a maximum design speed of 50 kph or less

L3

Vehicle with a design maximum speed exceeding 50 kph on two wheels

DL Code A1:The Tricycle

A three-wheeled motor vehicle is included in this DL Code, including motorcycles with sidecars. In addition to covering three-wheeled vehicles, this license code allows drivers to operate transport tricycles and e-tricycles, such as the Bajaj Re, Yamaha Tricity4, and tuk-tuks (or bokyo). Besides three-wheeled motor vehicles, this code also covers four-wheeled motor vehicles with limited unladen masses, meaning that the vehicle has limited weight when not carrying passengers or other items.

License holders with DL Code A1 may also drive the following Vehicle Category Codes:

L4

An automobile with a sidecar and a maximum design speed of not more than 50 kph

L5

A three-wheeled, symmetrically arranged vehicle exceeding 50 mph in design

L6

A four-wheeled vehicle with an unladen mass of not more than 350 kg and a maximum speed of not more than 45 kph

L7

Automobiles with a maximum design speed of 45 km/h and an unladen mass of not more than 550 kg

DL Code B: Passenger Car

The Driver’s License Code applies to all cars with up to eight seats and a mass not exceeding 5000 kilograms. Vehicles in this category can be hatchbacks, coupes, sedans, and SUVs.

M1 is one of the Vehicle Category Codes it covers.

M1

All vehicles with fewer than eight seats and not exceeding 5000 kilograms Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) are included in this Vehicle Category.

DL Code B1: Passenger Van or Jeepney

All passenger van models, such as Honda Odyssey, Toyota Hiace, Ford Transit, and jeepneys, are covered by this DL Code.

B1 includes the following Vehicle Category Codes:

M2

GVW less than 5000 kg and more than eight seats are eligible for this Vehicle Category Code.

DL Code B2: Light Commercial Vehicle

All cargo four-wheelers transporting goods and other items for business or commercial purposes can be operated with this DL code. Models that fall under this category include the Suzuki Carry, the Hyundai H100, the Isuzu Travis, and the Mitsubishi L300.

N1 is the Vehicle Category code under B2.

N1

Vehicles in this category have a maximum gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3500 kg, and are used to transport goods.

DL Code C: Heavy Commercial Vehicle

This DL Code allows drivers to drive garbage trucks, containers, and fire trucks.

Under this DL Code, there are two Vehicle Category codes:

N2

Vehicles in this category have a maximum GVW of more than 3500 kg but less than 12000 kg, and are generally used to transport goods.

N3

These vehicles are used for the carriage of goods, with a maximum GVW exceeding 12000 kg.

DL Code D: Passenger Bus

It is permissible for drivers with this DL Code on their licenses to operate any type of bus in the Philippines.

Vehicle Category D under the DL Code D has only one code:

M3

M3 refers to vehicles with eight or more seats and GVWs over 5000 pounds.

DL Code BE: Light Articulated Vehicle

It allows drivers to drive light articulated vehicles, such as cars with trailers, with permanent or semi-permanent pivot joints.

Under this DL Code, there are the following vehicle categories:

1:

The GVW of an articulated vehicle must not exceed 750 kilograms.

2:

A license holder with this code can drive articulated vehicles with GVWs not exceeding 3500 pounds.

DL Code CE: Heavy Articulated Vehicle

This DL Code differs from the previous one only in that it requires a higher Gross Vehicle Weight. This DL Code covers the following vehicle categories

3:

Over 3500 kg but under 10000 kg GVW articulated vehicles

4:

Vehicles with a GVW greater than 10000 kg.

Why is it Important to Know the DL Codes

Driving a type of vehicle that you are not licensed to drive will result in penalties and charges and even jail time if you are caught. Not only will you save time and money, but you will also avoid hefty LTO fines and the possibility of having your vehicle impounded. Furthermore, the license can be renewed for a 10-year validity period.

What are the Equivalent DL Codes of Previous Restriction Codes?

Vehicle classification was based solely on Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and clutch type. The old system is therefore susceptible to misinterpretation. In addition to the new DL codes, the LTO has implemented a more comprehensive restriction system based not only on GVW and clutch type, but also on seat number and maximum vehicle design speed.

Here’s a list of the equivalent DL codes with the old LTO restriction codes, according to LTO:

Restriction Code 1

Drivers with RC 1 licenses can drive motorbikes or motorized tricycles. DL Codes A and A1 are equivalent in the new DL codes.

Restriction Code 2

With RC 2, drivers are allowed to drive motor vehicles with GVWs up to 4500 kg. The new DL code corresponds to DL codes B, B1, and B2, but only for manual transmission vehicles.

Restriction Code 3

RC 3 refers to the restriction code allowing only vehicles over 4500 kg of GVW to be driven. Only manual transmissions were covered by DL Codes C and D.

Restriction Code 4

RC 4 refers to the old restriction code that allowed motor vehicles with automatic transmissions weighing up to 4500kg to operate. It is equivalent to the new DL codes B, B1, and B2, but only for automatic transmissions.

Restriction Code 5

RC 5 refers to an old restriction code that allowed licensed drivers to operate vehicles with automatic transmissions and GVWRs over 4500 kgs. There are now only DL Codes C and D for automatic transmissions, replacing DL Codes B and C.

Restriction Code 6

A license holder operating an articulated vehicle with a GVW of less than 1600 kg is permitted under the old RC 6. In place of the old DL restriction code 6, the new DL code BE is now in effect.

Restriction Code 7

The RC 7 restriction allows articulated vehicles with GVW of 1601 kg to 4500 kgs to operate on the road. It has been replaced by the new DL Code BE.

Restriction Code 8

It refers to the old restriction code that allows licensed drivers to operate articulated vehicles with GVWs above 4501 kg. The DL Code CE has replaced it since 2024.

Where to Find LTO Driver’s License Codes

There are three components to the new DL codes found on the back of your driver’s license:

How to Read the New DL Codes in Your License

Listed below are the alphanumeric codes that indicate the categories of vehicles you are permitted to operate. Second, you will find license classification codes. Professional licenses are called PLs, while non-professional licenses are called NPs. Lastly, the alphanumeric codes indicate the transmission type or clutch. An automatic transmission is an AT, while a manual transmission is an MT. If the restriction indicates “MT,” you may operate both manual and automatic transmissions, but if the restriction indicates “AT,” you may only drive automatic transmissions.

New LTO Condition Codes

Aside from the restriction codes, the LTO also rolled out new condition codes to identify the conditions of the driver and assist them in driving safely, according to the needs and abilities of the driver as determined by the LTO driver evaluator. As opposed to the old condition codes, which used letters (A, B, C, D, E), the new condition codes use numbers (1, 2, 3, 4’5).

Below you will find an updated list of condition codes that may or may not appear on your driver’s license:

Condition Code 1 

Condition Code 1 replaced Condition Code A and requires license holders to wear corrective lenses. Drivers who wear contact lenses or eyeglasses are permitted to drive.

Condition Code 2

The condition code 2 replaced Condition Codes B  and C and requires license holders to drive only with special equipment for their upper and lower limbs. Drivers with upper or lower limb impairments are covered under this scheme, whereas under the old system, they would be classified as either upper or lower limb impairments.

Condition Code 3

Condition code 3 requires license holders to drive only customized motor vehicles. It is a new feature. The term refers to vehicles that are customized to meet the unique needs of individuals with disabilities.

Condition Code 4

Only registered license holders are allowed to drive during daylight hours under condition code 4. Condition Code D remains unchanged and the same as before.

Condition Code 5

License holders who have condition code 5 must wear hearing aids. Individuals with hearing loss can now drive without the assistance of a person with normal hearing under Condition Code E.

Video: Understanding LTO DL Codes

FAQs

Conclusion

A driver’s license restriction is in place to regulate drivers and vehicles, regardless of the old or new restrictions codes. The LTO uses these codes to prevent people with inadequate knowledge and experience from driving vehicles that could endanger themselves, pedestrians, and other motorists.