James Deakin’s LTO dispute sparked new 2026 rules: no license confiscation and 15 working days to settle traffic tickets
– Alex A – Lifestyle On Wheels
Exploring the Philippines by car is the ultimate lifestyle flex. Any seasoned traveller knows the dread of seeing a traffic enforcer’s whistle. Recently, a high-profile “nightmare” experienced by transport icon James Deakin turned a simple family drive into a national policy overhaul. Honestly, it’s the travel news we’ve all been waiting for.
The Holiday Trap
The saga began when Deakin’s son was flagged for a lane violation on Skyway Stage 3, and they humbly accepted their fate and underwent the LTO process apprehension without any denial. What followed was a bureaucratic maze: the LTO counted calendar days for the settlement period, meaning the 15-day deadline ticked away while government offices were closed for Christmas. To make matters worse, a “reckless driving” tag and a surprise registration issue on a loaner vehicle turned a routine stop into a social media firestorm.
A Win for Every Motorist
But here’s the lifestyle upgrade. Instead of a stalemate, the DOTr stepped in with common sense. On January 9, 2026, a new memorandum changed the game.
- The 15-Working-Day Rule: Deadlines now strictly exclude weekends and holidays. No more being penalised because the LTO is closed.
- No More License Seizure: In a massive win for convenience, enforcers are now prohibited from taking your physical license for standard tickets. Your record is “alerted” digitally, but your card stays in your wallet.
The Traveller’s Takeaway
This shift proves that even in a system prone to red tape, transparency can win. For the lifestyle traveller, it means more time enjoying the open road and less time worrying about arbitrary deadlines. So, grab your keys, double-check your registration (lesson learned from Deakin!), and enjoy the drive. The road just got a little friendlier.
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