DOTr defers tollway penalties to 2025

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is further deferring implementation of the penalties for violations of Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) No. 2024-001 – Revised Guidelines for All Vehicles Travelling on Toll Expressways – until next year.

Data and information from the recent public consultations will be collated, including the number and profile of violators, to determine any amendments to the JMC.

This complies with the instruction of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. at the April 2024 Traffic Summit to provide innovative solutions to traffic congestion at major thoroughfares.

“We will implement the program except for the penalties,” said Transport Secretary Jaime J. Bautista.
“We might start applying the penalties probably January next year,” he added.

The JMC – signed by DOTr, Toll Regulatory Board (TRB) and Land Transportation Office (LTO) – revised the guidelines on toll expressways which was originally for implementation last August.

The JMC intends to implement cashless toll collection by urging motorists to install Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) and ensuring sufficient load whenever travelling along TRB-controlled toll expressways.

The goal is restoring smooth traffic for comfortable and efficient travel along toll expressways.