10-year valid driver's licenses only for those with clean records

driver's license

Starting next year, drivers can obtain licenses with 10-year validity, provided they have a clean record with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

During a presser last week, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante said that starting October 2021, these “premium” licenses will be given to outstanding drivers, which is in line with the in Republic Act (RA) 10930.

dotr lto

The said ruling, which was signed into law back in 2017, states that, “Except for student permits, all drivers' licenses shall be valid for five years reckoned from the birthdate of the licensee, unless sooner revoked or suspended: Provided, however, that subject to Section 26 hereof, any holder of a professional or nonprofessional driver's license who has not committed any violation of Republic Act No. 4136 and other traffic laws, rules and regulations during the five-year period shall be entitled to a renewal of such license for 10 years, subject to the restrictions as may be imposed by the LTO.”

Following the said law, a new point system was made that would give  incentives to drivers with good standing. On the other hand, for each violation a driver commits, he/she will earn demerits.

These violations are classified according to their corresponding categories: grave for five points; less grave for three points; and light for one point.

Galvante cited examples of grave violations such as:

  • driving a motor vehicle in the commission of crime,
  • operating a colorum vehicle, and
  • driving under the influence.

Lighter offenses may be considered grave, Galvante said, if committed repeatedly.

Should the driver accumulate a total of 10 points demerit, he/she may face suspension, and 40 points would lead to the revocation of license.

The violations committed by motorists will be uploaded and recorded to the LTO database.

The license holder, Galvante added, will also be notified of the committed violations, which will be the basis of issuing a new license upon renewal.

Furthermore, Galvante said the 10-year validity of driver’s licenses is targeted to incentivize law abiding motorists.

“Hopefully, with this measure, mababawas-bawasan ang road crashes, road or traffic incidents na nagko-cause ng injuries and even pagkamatay,” Galvante said.

“Not all license holders are entitled to this privilege. For those who have clean records, you may enjoy not coming back for renewal not only for five years, but ten years. That is if you are not delinquent,” the LTO chief added.

Photo/s from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Land Transportation Office

Also read:

Lawmaker eyes suspension for driving school requirement for license acquisition

LTO Set to Revise Procedure on Driver’s License Issuance

Driver's License for 400cc-and-Up Riders Should Be Different Category: TRB Exec

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • New Isuzu PH chief says current D-Max to stay for a while
    New Isuzu PH chief says current D-Max to stay for a while
    Paulo Papa . Today
  • GAC Honda GT, Dongfeng Honda GT showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025
    GAC Honda GT, Dongfeng Honda GT showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Cesar Miguel . Today
  • ‘BMW Demo Fest’ lets PH buyers shop for cars at trimmed-down prices
    ‘BMW Demo Fest’ lets PH buyers shop for cars at trimmed-down prices
    Ruben Manahan IV . Apr 24, 2025
  • Mazda unveils EZ-60 at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Mazda unveils EZ-60 at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
  • Omoda, Jaecoo showcase latest NEV models at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Omoda, Jaecoo showcase latest NEV models at Auto Shanghai 2025
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
  • Mazda BT-50: old vs. new
    Mazda BT-50: old vs. new
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
  • Check out the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's 2 trims
    Check out the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's 2 trims
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
  • Here’s what inside the BYD eMAX 7
    Here’s what inside the BYD eMAX 7
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 23, 2025
  • BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
    BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
    Paulo Papa . Apr 23, 2025
  • Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week
    Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week
    Paulo Papa . Apr 16, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
    Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
  • First drive: Changan Lumin
    First drive: Changan Lumin
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 22, 2025
  • JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
    JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
    Paulo Papa . Apr 22, 2025
  • First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
    First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
    Paulo Papa . Apr 03, 2025
  • Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 27, 2025
  • First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
    Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025