How does the LTO's new 15 working day settlement policy work?
Day 1 counts from the date of apprehension, says LTO
As a law-abiding motorist, you should already be aware that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has issued a new Memorandum Circular directing the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and its deputized law enforcers to (1) implement the no confiscation policy of driver’s licenses from erring motorists, and (2) extend the settlement period for traffic violations from 15 calendar days to 15 working days.
To put an end to any lingering confusion, the LTO issued its own memorandum to “provide a clear, uniform, and prospective rule on the reckoning of the fifteen (15)-day period for the settlement of fines under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-01, in line with DOTr Transportation Memorandum Circular No. 2026-001 dated 09 January 2026.”
So, what exactly does “15 working days” mean under the LTO’s interpretation?
Reckoning of the Fifteen Working Days
According to LTO Memorandum Circular MVL-2026-4846, the 15-working-day period begins on the date of apprehension.
“The fifteen (15) day period for the settlement of fines under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 shall be reckoned in WORKING DAYS, counted from the date of apprehension.”
The memorandum further clarifies that working days exclude Saturdays, Sundays, declared non-working holidays, and days when government work is suspended.
The word “from” is crucial. In legal and administrative usage, when a time period is said to be “counted from” a specific date, that date is included in the count, unless the rule clearly states otherwise, such as using terms like “after,” “following,” or “starting the next day.”
In layman’s terms, if the rule says “counted from today,” then today already counts as Day 1. LTO’s clock doesn’t wait for 24 hours or until tomorrow before counting Day 1, unless the rule clearly says it should.
Now, what if you were apprehended on a non-working day, such as a Saturday or Christmas Day? In that case, Day 1 begins on the next working day, since non-working days are not included in the count.
Failure to settle fines after 15 working days
If, for whatever reason, you still fail to settle the fines imposed by the LTO, a heavier and often hefty penalty awaits.
“Failure to settle the fine within fifteen (15) working days from the date of apprehension shall result in the automatic suspension or revocation of the driver’s license for thirty (30) days, in accordance with Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, without prejudice to the payment of the corresponding fines and penalties.”
Simply put, if you don’t pay your traffic fine within 15 working days starting from the day you were apprehended, the LTO will automatically suspend or revoke your driver’s license for 30 days. And even if your license gets suspended, you still have to pay the fine and any other penalties. The suspension doesn’t cancel the violation, and it’s an added consequence for paying late.
