If you’re still puzzled about the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s “No Contact Traffic Apprehension Policy,” then read on. Below are the MMDA’s answers to the frequently asked questions about the policy:
1. What is the “No Contact Traffic Apprehension Policy”?
The No Contact Traffic Apprehension is a policy that utilizes CCTV, digital cameras and/or other gadget or technology to capture videos and images to apprehend vehicles violating traffic laws, rules, and regulations.
Bottom line: You don’t need to be physically apprehended in order to get caught for a traffic violation. If the CCTV catches you doing it, that’s it.
2. What does it cover?
The No Physical Contact Apprehension covers the apprehension of violators in areas within Metro Manila that are covered by MMDA CCTV cameras.
Bottom line: Kung huli ka sa camera, huli ka na.
3. Will the policy rid Metro Manila roads of MMDA traffic enforcers?
No. It was conceptualized to supplement the presence of MMDA Traffic Enforcers. Aside from the fact that there are still places not covered by CCTVs, the No Contact Traffic Apprehension was designed to catch moving violations, thus leaving the apprehension of administrative offenses to MMDA constables.
Bottom line: Love pa rin ng MMDA ang mga traffic enforcers nila. They will be posted in areas not covered by the CCTV cameras.
4. How will the No Contact Team know about the records of the vehicle?
The MMDA No Contact Apprehension Team will search for the motor vehicle records of violators in coordination with LTO.
Bottom line: All the information is at the tip of their fingers. You have no escape.
5. If I’m the registered owner and the current owner hasn’t processed the vehicle’s transfer of registration yet, will I still be penalized for a violation I did not commit?
The first notice shall require the owner of the vehicle to identify its driver at the time and place indicated in the notice and his/her address. It is the responsibility of the current owner to have the vehicle registered under his/her name. If a previous owner receives the Notice, he or she may file a protest at the MMDA Traffic Adjudication Division and show a notarized Deed of Sale as evidence, as well the name and address of the current owner.
Bottom line: Reminder na rin ito na di mo na pwede ipahiram basta-basta ang sasakyan mo. You’ll find out if the people who borrow your car care about you by the way they drive. You also have to be careful about buying secondhand cars.
6. How will the MMDA send the summon to violators?
Notices shall be sent thru personal service by MMDA Personnel, registered mail or courier services through government or private service providers.
Bottom line: Antay ka lang sa bahay, darating rin ito kung nahuli ka sa CCTV.
7. What if the violator refuses to receive the Notice?
Traffic violators who refuse to receive or accept the notice issued to them without any valid reason shall be deemed to have received it by leaving a copy and submission of an affidavit of service or report attesting the refusal of the violator to acknowledge receipt of the Notice.
Bottom line: Denial is a powerful thing, pero di ka pwedeng magtago forever.
8. Within how many days should a driver settle his/her violation under this policy?
Payment of fines and penalties shall be made within seven days upon receipt of the first notice to any authorized accredited payment centers unless a protest is filed before the MMDA TAD, in which case, the fines as finally adjudicated shall be paid at the Collection Division of the MMDA Central Office.
Bottom line: You have one week. No excuses.
9. Where should I pay to settle my violation?
The violator may pay either in the MMDA Main Office or in any branch of Metrobank.
Bottom line: Madali s’yang bayaran…lalo na kung may pera kang pambayad agad.
10. If I don’t agree with the violation given to me, how do I contest it?
The First Notice contains a statement that the traffic violator shall have the right to file a protest before the MMDA-Traffic Adjudication Division or TAD within seven days from receipt of the Notice, and that failure to do so within the prescribed period shall be seen as a waiver of such right to contest the violation or present evidence as a defense.
Within fifteen days from receipt of an adverse TAD resolution, the driver may file a Motion for Reconsideration. Within thirty (30) days from receipt of the denial of the Motion for Reconsideration, the driver may file an appeal at the Office of the Chairman where the Decision shall be final and executory.
If no protest is filed within the 7-day prescriptive period and the fines remain unpaid, a Final Notice to settle the violation shall be issued.
Bottom line: CCTV footage can prove or disprove the traffic violation you’re being accused of. However, if you go down this route, be prepared to spend some time on the process.
11. What will happen if I don’t pay at all?
If a violator fails to settle the assessed fines or penalties from the receipt of the Final Notice, the vehicle license plate number shall be included in the Alarm List and be reported to the LTO with a request that its registration not be renewed until the penalties or fines are fully settled.
Bottom line: Walang tatakas rito.
