Metro Manila single ticketing system greenlit for May 2 rollout

Motorists be advised, starting May 2, a single ticketing system for traffic violators will be implemented in Metro Manila, with the aim of improving traffic management throughout the region, according to the Metro Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) announcement on Thursday. 

The forthcoming region-wide policy will impose consistent fines for violations across all cities and municipalities in Metro Manila, unifying national and local traffic laws as well as their corresponding penalties. This landmark legislation, was also said to be 28 years in the making according to MMDA acting chairman, Don Artes.

The initial implementation will involve a pilot test that includes seven LGUs - San Juan, Muntinlupa, Quezon City, Valenzuela, Parañaque, Manila, and Caloocan.

According to Artes, officers who apprehend traffic violators will be equipped with handheld devices to facilitate cashless payments. This measure is aimed at reducing opportunities for corruption and negotiations between drivers and officers. The new system will also provide motorists who receive citations for traffic violations the option to settle their penalties at any designated location, regardless of where the violation occurred.

The traffic violations covered by the single ticketing system include some of the most frequently committed infractions in Metro Manila, such as illegal parking, violation of the number coding scheme, and obstruction. Listed below are the most common violations under the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023:

• Disregarding traffic signs
• Illegal parking (attended and unattended)
• Number coding UVVRP
• Truck ban
• Light truck ban
• Reckless Driving
• Unregistered motor vehicle
• Driving without license
• Tricycle ban
• Obstruction
• Dress code for motorcycle
• Overloading
• Defective motorcycle accessories
• Unauthorized modification
• Arrogance/Discourteous conduct (driver)
• Loading and Unloading in Prohibited Zones
• Illegal counterflow
• Overspeeding

If you frequently drive in Metro Manila, make sure you’re on top of your A-game and avoid breaking any of the aforementioned traffic laws. Sure, paying for a traffic ticket will be easier when the system goes live, but being a better and responsible driver trumps paying for tickets any day. What do you think of this new system? Is it a step in the right direction for the MMDA?