These are the Top 5 Traffic violations committed by motorists in 2025 says the MMDA
Many motorists in Metro Manila have developed the habit of violating traffic laws for two common reasons: first, the absence of traffic enforcers, and second, sheer convenience. This mindset often leads to behaviors such as parking in clearly marked No Parking zones simply because the spot happens to be right in front of a favored establishment. The logic is disturbingly simple: if there’s no enforcer in sight, then committing a traffic violation must be acceptable. Of course, it isn’t. But when no one appears to be watching, many choose to ignore the rules anyway.
As for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), some traffic violations are just committed by motorists far too often, and it has come up with its own Top 5 traffic violation list for 2025.
According to MMDA’s Traffic Ticket Management Division, Illegal Turning tops their list. In MMDA's dictionary, illegal turning refers to a range of improper maneuvers, such as making a turn from the wrong lane, failing to use turn signals, or disregarding traffic signs like “No Left Turn” or “No Right Turn,” including “No Right Turn on Red Signal.” It also includes improper turning at intersections. The penalty is PHP 150.
Second on the list is Unattended Illegal Parking, which is arguably the most self-explanatory of all violations. This occurs when a vehicle or motorcycle is parked in a designated No Parking zone and left unattended. Once spotted, the MMDA issues a citation and carries a PHP 2,000 fine. In more serious cases, MMDA Special Operations teams may tow the vehicle and bring it to one of their impounding areas, typically in Pasay or Marikina.
Third on the MMDA’s list is Disregarding Traffic Signs, more commonly referred to as DTS. This violation occurs when drivers or motorcycle riders ignore road signs such as stop signs, yield signs, or other regulatory and directional indicators. Under MMDA rules, DTS carries a penalty of PHP 1,000 for the first offense and the same amount for all succeeding offenses.
Fourth on the list is a Number Coding Scheme violation. Simply put, the Number Coding Scheme is a traffic rule that restricts vehicles from using major roads on certain weekdays based on the last digit of their license plate, mainly to ease traffic congestion during peak hours. But, this doesn't concern you anymore, as motorcycles are exempt from the Number Coding Scheme.
Finally, rounding out the top five most common traffic violations in 2025, according to the MMDA, is Attended Illegal Parking. This is essentially the same as Unattended Illegal Parking, except the driver is still present in the vehicle. The violation carries a PHP 1,000 fine—money that could have been far better spent had the driver simply chosen to park properly in a designated parking area instead of opting for convenience.
The MMDA hopes that this year, Filipino drivers and motorcycle riders will become more disciplined and consistently obey traffic laws, helping ensure smoother traffic flow and safer roads for all road users.
