A total of 157 motorists across the country became the first to register to the e-ticketing system of traffic violations in its first day of implementation of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday, Feb. 6.

Based on the LTO data, Region 4A has the most number of violators apprehended with 37, followed by Cordillera Administrative Region with 29, Metro Manila with 28, and Northern Mindanao with 27.

A total of 17 motorists were apprehended in Cagayan Valley Region, 11 in Zamboanga Peninsula Region and eight in Western Visayas.

LTO chief Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade said the Law Enforcement Handheld Mobile Device is part of the digital shift aimed at addressing corruption issues using the old system since a traffic enforcer could no longer alter the violation once it is entered into the new system.

Tugade said the handheld mobile device that will be distributed to its enforcers has the capability to detect if the driver’s license presented by a motorist is fake.

“The device has a camera and fingerprint scanner for the LTO traffic enforcer to verify if the driver’s license presented is fake. The camera can also be used as face recognition scanner,” said Tugade.

The device, he added, has two mobile SIM card to ensure strong and reliable internet connectivity but Tugade said the handheld mobile device has the capability to issue traffic violation ticket even offline.

“Once mobile data connectivity is available, all transactions will be uploaded and saved to our servers,” said Tugade, adding that the next step for the LTO is to facilitate the cashless payment feature wherein fines for the traffic violation could already be paid through credit card or electronic wallets.

New Arsenal

LTO National Capital Region Office West (LTO-NCR West) regional director Roque I. Verzosa III said the new devices will form part of their arsenal against traffic violators and make roads safer for all motorists.

Verzosa said a number of their personnel previously underwent training on how to use the handheld devices, which resemble point-of-sale (POS) scanners used in stores.

He said using handheld devices that can automatically generate an electronic Temporary Operator's Permit (e-TOPs) in lieu of physical tickets will be crucial in issuing citation tickets for traffic violations.

"By using these devices, this can help us address complaints against undisciplined drivers and other motorists who wittingly and unwittingly violate traffic rules," Verzosa said.

Verzosa said in the initial report submitted to him by LTO-NCR-West Operations Chief a total of six motorists were apprehended by their operatives as of 4 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 6.

LTO-NCR-West covered the Manila, Pasay, Makati, Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Muntinlupa, and Las Pinas City.

Verzosa said the motorists were apprehended due to: illegal change body, defective accessories, excess passenger and failure to wear a seatbelt.

#e-TOPs

LTO: 157 motorists apprehended using e-ticketing system