With the new Driver’s License Code implemented by Land Transformation Office (LTO) Philippines. Most of us are not aware of and creates some confusion for those who already have their new license card renewed. I, either just started Googling for the new restriction code to become updated and aware of the changes. It is important that we know what is indicated at the back of our license to avoid any unexpected apprehension on the road.

Driver’s License Code vs. Restriction Code

Driver’s License Code (DL Code) and Restriction Code (RC) are different in terms, but they are both refer to a code that represents what type of vehicle category we are allowed to drive. RC is the previous we call it and DL Code is the new code to be used. 

At some point, this new system is good because it narrowed the exact type of vehicle we are allowed to drive. On the contrary, it gives negative feedback from the citizen’s due to additional fee’s need to pay for every code you desire to be added.

Let’s inspect the old “Restriction Code and its equivalent “Driver’s License Code” and what vehicle type allowed.

Restriction Code 1

          Driver’s License Code A

                    Vehicle Category L1, L2, L3

          Driver’s License Code A1

                    Vehicle Category L4, L5, L6, L7

Restriction Code 2 & 4

     Driver’s License Code B, B1, B2

          Vehicle Category M1, M2, N1

Restriction Code 3 & 5

          Driver’s License Code C, D

                    Vehicle Category N2, N3, M3

Restriction Code 6

          Driver’s License Code BE

                    Vehicle Category O1

Restriction Code 7

          Driver’s License Code BE

                    Vehicle Category O2

Restriction Code 8

          Driver’s License Code CE

                    Vehicle Category O3, O4

Description of Vehicle Codes:

L1 – A two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph

L2 – A three-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed not exceeding 50 kph

L3 – A two-wheeled vehicle with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph

L4 – A vehicle with three wheels asymmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median plane with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph (Motorcyle with sidecar)

L5 – A vehicle with three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median plane with a maximum design speed exceeding 50 kph.

L6 – A vehicle with four wheels whose unladen mass is not more than 350 kg. not including the mass of the batteries in the case of electric vehicles, whose maximum design speed is not more than 45 kph.

L7 – A vehicle with four wheels, other than that classified for the category L6, whose unladen mass is not more than 400 kg. (550 kg. for vehicles intended for carrying goods), not including the mass of the batteries in the case of electric vehicles, whose maximum design speed is not more than 45 kph.

M1 – Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers and comprising not more than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5000 kg.

M2 – Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 5000 kg.

N1 – Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3500 kg.

N2 – Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 3500 kg. but not exceeding 12000 kg.

N3 – Vehicles used for the carriage of goods and having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 12000 kg.

M3 – Vehicles used for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than 8 seats in addition to the driver’s seat and having a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 5000 kg.

O1 – Trailers with a maximum gross vehicle weight not exceeding 750 kg. 

O2 – Trailers with a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 750 kg. but not exceeding 3500 kg.

O3 – Trailers with a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 3500 kg. but not exceeding 10000 kg.

O4 – Trailers with a maximum gross vehicle weight exceeding 10000 kg.

Points of View:

We hope that it will not only turn into a corruption that officers who run the institution will take advantage.

Visit LTO FB Page for updates:
https://www.facebook.com/lto.cdmpao/posts/5222833631067769