Where can you contest an alleged traffic violation

Enforcement

According to the MMDA's guidelines for traffic officers during apprehensions, it is required for a traffic enforcer to wear a complete and proper uniform while carrying their mission order at all times.

When stopped by an MMDA officer, drivers have the right to request the officer's mission order, which contains information such as the officer's area of responsibility, official function, and duty schedule. The apprehended motorist should be directed to the roadside in a manner that does not disrupt the flow of traffic, and the apprehension should take place in a visible, open area where the public can witness it.

As stated in the handbook, officers are instructed to greet the violator respectfully, introduce themselves with their name and authority, and courteously inform the driver about their violation. It is important to maintain a calm demeanor, avoid raising your voice, and treat the officer with respect.

Depending on the nature of the violation, the officer may either confiscate your license or issue a ticket.

If you believe you have been unjustly issued a traffic ticket, you have the right to contest it through the appropriate channels.

According to the MMDA's regulations, drivers who wish to contest a violation can do so by submitting a written motion to the Traffic Adjudication Board. If necessary, drivers can also provide supporting evidence such as photos or videos, especially if captured by a dashcam, to aid in the investigation of their case.

It's important to note that the contest letter must be filed within five days of the apprehension.

Additionally, drivers can file complaints against apprehending officers who may have violated the agency's procedures. To do this, drivers should take note of the officer's name, as well as the time and location of the incident.

Complaints regarding the conduct of traffic enforcers during an apprehension can be directed to the Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) as per the MMDA's guidelines.

The most frequently violated traffic rules in the Philippines are as follows:

1. Disregarding Traffic Signs: Many drivers fail to obey traffic signs, such as stop signs, yield signs, or no-entry signs. This can lead to unsafe road conditions and increased risk of accidents.

2. Obstruction: Drivers often obstruct the flow of traffic by parking or stopping their vehicles in unauthorized areas, such as on sidewalks, in no-parking zones, or blocking intersections. This hinders the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians.

3. Violation of the Number Coding Scheme: The Number Coding Scheme, also known as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), restricts certain vehicles from plying specific roads on designated days based on the last digit of their license plates. Many drivers violate this scheme, resulting in increased traffic congestion and non-compliance with regulations aimed at managing traffic volume.

These three traffic violations are among the most prevalent in the Philippines and contribute to traffic congestion, safety hazards, and inefficiency in the transportation system.

Contest 

If you believe you have been unjustly issued a traffic ticket, you have the right to contest it through the appropriate channels.

According to the MMDA's regulations, drivers who wish to contest a violation can do so by submitting a written motion to the Traffic Adjudication Board. If necessary, drivers can also provide supporting evidence such as photos or videos, especially if captured by a dashcam, to aid in the investigation of their case.

It's important to note that the contest letter must be filed within five days of the apprehension.

Additionally, drivers can file complaints against apprehending officers who may have violated the agency's procedures. To do this, drivers should take note of the officer's name, as well as the time and location of the incident.

Complaints regarding the conduct of traffic enforcers during an apprehension can be directed to the Technical Committee on Complaints (TCC) as per the MMDA's guidelines.

1.Prepare your written contest

Prepare your written contest within five days of the apprehension. Make it an affidavit, narrating what happened and stating why the officer was wrong. Attach copies of the vehicle's Certificate of Registration (CR), Official Receipt (OR), and evidence if available. Remember, if you fail to file within five days, the violations are deemed admitted, and you may face fines or penalties.

#Fines must be resolved within 15 days from the date of apprehension. Failure to settle the fine within this period will lead to a further suspension of the driver's license for an additional 30 days.

2.Submit your written contest:

Once you have prepared your written contest, submit it along with all necessary attachments to the designated clerk. Obtain a stamped copy as proof of submission. The clerk will assign you a case number and forward your contest to the Stenographer for scheduling a formal hearing.

3. Attend the Hearing:

Ensure your presence at the scheduled hearing. The Hearing Officer will preside over the proceedings and consider evidence presented by both parties. Winning your contested case requires substantial evidence. According to the Supreme Court, substantial evidence is defined as "sufficient relevant evidence that a reasonable mind would accept as adequate to support a conclusion." The Hearing Officer will evaluate the evidence and provide a recommendation based on their findings.

4. Wait for the Decision and Receive the Resolution/Decision:

Once the Hearing Officer completes the evaluation of evidence, they will make a recommendation. This recommendation will be reviewed, signed, and become the Resolution/Decision of your case. You will receive a written resolution indicating whether it is in your favor or not. If the resolution is in your favor, you may not have to pay anything or be required to pay a reduced fine. If it is against you, you will need to pay the full amount. In the case of payment, visit the Cashier's office to settle the payment and receive an Official Receipt.

In the end, to regain your driver's license, make sure to gather the following documents before approaching the Records Officer's window:

1. Photocopy of your motor vehicle's Certificate of Registration.
2. Photocopy of the Official Receipt you received when registering your motor vehicle.
3. Photocopy of the Official Receipt you received when your driver's license was issued.
4. Resolution or decision pertaining to your case.
5. Official Receipt confirming the payment of any fines or penalties, if applicable.

Online Contest 

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has introduced an online platform for motorists in the Philippines to contest their traffic violations. 

To file a complaint, individuals can visit the website: https://bit.ly/3J62YhH, and provide their contact and vehicle details. 

Each form allows the upload of up to five tickets. Once submitted, complainants will receive a response from the MMDA's Traffic Adjudication Division within three working days. 

They will be scheduled for an in-person hearing at the MMDA office, where they must present the tickets and necessary documents for verification. 

The resolution of the complaint will be communicated physically or via email. If unsatisfied with the decision, motorists can file a motion for reconsideration addressed to the MMDA chairman. 

The online form is accessible Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and any complaints filed after 5 p.m. will be processed on the next working day. 

It's important to note that the online form is only for physical traffic violations, and tickets issued under the suspended no-contact apprehension program will not be considered. The MMDA chairman, Carlo Dimayuga III, cautions against providing false or inaccurate information, as it may result in legal consequences such as perjury charges and disqualification from using the online form.