The move aims to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion at toll plazas.
Under the “No Valid ETC Device, No Entry” policy, vehicles without RFID stickers will still be allowed entry but will be issued one upon passage.
However, violators will face penalties, including a Temporary Operator’s Permit or a Show Cause Order from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Why?
The TRB noted that “dedicated toll lanes used by cash-paying motorists are usually congested with long lines of motor vehicles, and the same often hampers the fast and efficient flow of traffic leading to the ETC-designated lanes.”
“It is expected that a better and more efficient flow of traffic will result once these lanes are strictly used for ETC only,” it added.
Delayed implementation
The TRB stressed that the penalties are outlined in the Department of Transportation/Land Transportation Office/TRB Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001.
The policy was initially set for Aug. 31, 2024, but was deferred to Oct. 1 for system adjustments and public awareness before being postponed again.
Penalties
BusinessWorld previously reported that motorists without RFID tags or an ETC device will face fines of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second, and P5,000 for further violations.
Those exiting toll expressways with insufficient balance will be fined P500 for the first offense, P1,000 for the second, and P2,500 for subsequent offenses.
