They had it coming. Now, three Zamboanga motorcycle riders (one of whom is a YouTube vlogger) are being told to hand over their driver's licenses. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has deemed their viral racing video unacceptable and had revoked their driving privileges.
The question now is: If their driver's licenses were revoked, could they still get them back?
Maybe. Unless they were perpetually revoked.
Let's visit the LTO rules governing the revocation and reinstatement of a driver's license pursuant to Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 issued by the Department of Transportation and Republic Act 4136.
1. Can a revoked driver's license be reinstated?
For the non-pro drivers, yes. But for holders of professional licenses, unfortunately, no.
A revoked non-professional driver’s license shall be disqualified from being granted a license for a period of two years counted from the date of revocation. Meanwhile, a revoked professional driver’s license means the holder is perpetually disqualified from getting any driver's license.
2. Who can revoke a driver’s license?
Only the LTO chief have the exclusive power and authority to revoke for cause any driver’s license issued under Section 27 of Republic Act 4136.
3. Why does the LTO revoke a driver’s license?
The LTO can revoke a person’s privilege to a driver's license for many reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
a.) Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime, upon conviction by a regular court of competent jurisdiction;
b.) Commission of a crime in the course of apprehension, upon conviction by a regular court of competent jurisdiction;
c.) Driving a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or similar substances, upon final conviction by a regular court of competent jurisdiction;
d.) Reckless driving;
e.) Submission of fake documents in relation to the application for a driver’s license (new or renewal); and
f.) Commission of the same violation stipulated in Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 for three consecutive times within one year (at the discretion of the LTO chief).
4. Can a driver with a revoked license make an appeal?
A driver can try to challenge a revocation decision. According to RA 4136, a decision of the LTO chief revoking or refusing the reinstatement of a license under its provisions may be appealed to the Secretary of the Department of Transportation.
5. How may a driver have his license reinstated?
RA 4136 says that a driver’s license shall not be reinstated unless the driver has furnished a bond instituted by the LTO chief, and only after the latter is convinced that said driver may again be safely permitted to operate a motor vehicle pursuant to RA 4136.
6. Are there instances when a non-pro license holder can be banned from driving in perpetuity, much the same as those with holders of professional licenses?
Yes. Upon conviction of a crime where a motor vehicle was used in the commission of the offense. In such case, the driver's license shall be revoked and the driver shall be perpetually disqualified from being granted a driver’s license and driving a motor vehicle.
The perpetual revocation also applies to non-pro drivers convicted for the second time due to driving under the influence of alcohol, dangerous drugs and/or similar substances.
7. A person is caught driving a motor vehicle while his or her license is revoked. What is the penalty for this?
The driver shall be disqualified from being granted a license for two years as initially prescribed, plus an extension of one year. He or she shall also pay a fine for driving without a license.
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