1.0 Rationale

It has been noted that numerous traffic violations remain unsettled or unpaid for an unreasonable length of time that cause not only financial burden but also waste of time and effort on the part of the Authority.

A review of pertinent MMDA Resolutions, Regulations, and Circulars, including the revised schedule of traffic fines previously issued by the Authority do not provide for the imposition of penalties and/or surcharges on overdue traffic fines to curb the growing number of recidivism among motorists.

Memorandum Circular No. 04, series of 2004 was issued prescribing the guidelines and operating procedures on the use of the Metropolitan Traffic Ticket, and requiring apprehended traffic violators to pay and/or settle the traffic fines within seven (7) working days from date of receipt of the MTT, if uncontested.

The failure of apprehended motorists/drivers to pay/settle the fines within the prescribed period is construed as deliberate and intentional thereby undermining the Authority's capacity to exact compliance to its traffic Rules and Regulations, hence, justifying the imposition and collection of surcharges and/or additional penalties on delinquent and overdue payments of traffic fines.

2.0 Objectives

1. To compel apprehended erring drivers/motorists to pay/settle traffic fines within the prescribed period.

2. To minimize the growing number of drivers/motorists who wantonly disregard traffic rules and regulations.

3. To instill discipline among motorists in order to achieve order and safety along the thoroughfares of Metro Manila.

3.0 Definition of Terms

1) Metropolitan Traffic Ticket - replaces the former Traffic Violation Receipt and shall be the official traffic citation ticket in the implementation of the Single Ticketing System pursuant to RA 7924.  It shall not be valid as a temporary driver's license except in cases provided for under Memorandum Circular No. 04, Series of 2004.

2) Overdue Traffic Ticket - is a traffic citation ticket issued by an authorized Traffic Officer or Deputies of MMDA to a person who committed a traffic violation that is not contested and has remained unpaid after seven (7) working days from date of receipt by the violator.

3) Memorandum Circular No. 04, Series 2004 - refers to the Guidelines and Operating Procedures governing physical traffic apprehension and the use of the MTT issued by the Authority.

4.0 Penalties and Surcharges

1) Any violator who fails to pay the corresponding fines within the prescribed period of seven (7) working days shall be imposed an additional penalty or surcharges equivalent to double the amount of fine to be paid.  This applies only to uncontested MTT.

2) Any motorist who has a record of overdue traffic ticket and who is subsequently apprehended for committing another traffic infraction, shall be penalized twice the overdue amount of the previous violation plus the fine corresponding to the most recent violation.

3) The non-payment of overdue traffic fines/penalties shall be a ground for impounding of the vehicle without prejudice to the penalties and surcharges provided for in the preceding paragraphs.

5.0 Accrual of Fines

Revenue generated by virtue of this Circular shall accrue to the General Fund of MMDA that shall be governed by existing rules of disbursement and shall be subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures.

6.0 Effectivity

This Memorandum Circular shall take effect 15 days after publication in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in Metro Manila.

Adopted: 28 Sept. 2004