DOTr defers implementation of penalties vs expressway violators

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MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has moved its plan to penalize motorists violating loading regulations on expressways in the National Capital Region (NCR) and nearby areas next year, according to its chief Jaime Bautista.

Before this, the implementation was supposed to commence last August 31, but it was postponed until October 31.

“The DOTr has the tools to address congestion on major roads but is taking time for a thorough review to ensure these solutions meet motorists’ needs,” Bautista said in a statement on Sunday.

READ: Revised toll expressway guidelines implementation suspended to Oct 1

“Penalties may take effect starting January next year,” he added.

Bautista explained that the Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2024-001 was signed by the DOTr, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO). It aims “to enforce cashless toll collection by encouraging motorists to install Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and maintain sufficient load when using TRB-controlled tollways.”

DOTr further disclosed that “information gathered from recent public consultations, including data on violators, will be analyzed to guide potential amendments to the JMC.”

“We will implement the program, excluding the penalties,” Bautista said.