LTO clarifies 15-working day settlement window
With close to 10 million registered motorcycles, it’s only natural that motorcycle riders make up the largest share of vehicle volume on our roads. With sheer numbers comes greater exposure, and as a result, riders are more likely to be apprehended for various traffic violations.
Under the LTO’s new 15-working-day settlement rule, weekends, holidays, and work suspensions due to weather or other calamities are no longer counted toward the payment deadline. In other words, if the LTO is closed, the clock doesn't tick.
So, what does the LTO actually mean when it says “15 working days,” and how does this apply to motorists like us?
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.
