Drivers will no longer have their licenses confiscated for traffic violations under a direct order issued Friday by the Department of Transportation (DoTr).

Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez issued a memorandum instructing the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to immediately suspend the practice of seizing licenses and to review existing policies for consistency.

Under the new guidelines, the settlement period for traffic citations has been extended from 15 calendar days to 15 working days.

“This means that holidays and long weekends are not counted in the number of days for a driver to settle a violation,” Lopez said, adding that the change affords both the government and the public sufficient time to resolve cases.

While licenses will remain with the drivers, the LTO will flag violators in its system. If a case remains unsettled after the 15-working-day window, the agency will enforce an automatic suspension or revocation of the license.

The memorandum circular takes effect immediately.

The policy shift follows recent public criticism of LTO enforcement, including a social media post by road safety advocate and vlogger James Deakin.

To recall, Deakin accused the agency of inflating charges against his son, Daniel, following a traffic stop on Skyway Stage 3 on 18 December 2025.

LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao defended the citation, stating it involved more than a simple lane violation.

According to Lacanilao, the vehicle was unregistered, and the driver failed to present an official receipt and certificate of registration, providing only an importer’s sales invoice.