Interface of the electronic driver’s license in the LTMS Portal. (Photo Courtesy: LTO via PTV)
QUEZON CITY, (PIA) – The city government of Manila clarified that the use of electronic driver’s license (eDL) is accepted in the city as a valid form of identification and authorization to operate any motor vehicle in the absence of the physical driver’s license.
The eDL is essentially the digital counterpart of the physical driver’s license as it bears the same information and responsibilities accorded to the owner.
Prior to its issuance last July 2023, Land Transportation Office (LTO) Officer-in-Charge Assistant Secretary Hector Villacorta earlier stressed the utilization of eDL to advance the digitalization efforts of the agency.
“[The] eDL is a valid, secure, and an alternative form of authorization for persons operating motor vehicles. We are launching this as part of the agency’s digitalization. The eDL will also ensure efficiency in our service,” said Villacorta.
“LTO enforcers and its deputized agents shall accept a holder’s eDL as a valid form of authorization and identification to operate a motor vehicle,” he added.
However, to ensure the authenticity of the eDL, the Manila City government is particularly prohibiting motorists to present a mere screenshot or photo of their actual driver’s license when asked by the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) and other deputized agents of LTO.
Instead, motorists are instructed to access their respective eDLs on their Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) Portal at the actual time of apprehension or checkpoint activity as prescribed by the LTO.
Those who will not adhere with the said policy are subject to violation due to failure to carry a driver’s license.
“eDL holders are likewise subject to the same rules on traffic violations, imposition of fines and penalties,” the LTO highlighted.
Similar to a physical driver’s license, apprehended motorists will receive a Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP) or an Electronic Temporary Operator’s Permit (eTOP) with a 72-hour validity from the issuance date.
In the event that the motorists fail to settle their violation within the given hours, the TOP or e-TOP is considered invalid and they are automatically prohibited from operating any motor vehicle. (PIA-NCR)
