Following a series of public consultations on Joint Memorandum Circular No. 2024-001, (JMC 2024-001) or the ‘Revised guidelines for all vehicles traveling on toll expressways,’ the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is again moving the implementation of the new RFID-related penalties specified in the measure—this time to 2025.
As a quick backgrounder, JMC 2024-001 was originally supposed to be implemented on August 31. However, this was moved to October 1 to give tollway operators more time to prepare their cashless toll-collection systems and inform the public of the upcoming changes.
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Now, the new RFID penalties could take effect early next year, but the DOTr has yet to specify a date.
“The DOTr has the tools to address congestion on major roads, but is taking time for a thorough review to ensure these solutions meet motorists’ needs,” said Secretary Jaime Bautista.
“We will implement the program, excluding the penalties,” he added, explaining that data on apprehensions and violators will show if any amendments should be made to JMC 2024-001.
For more details on the new RFID guidelines, check out the full list of rules and penalties below.
Tollways RFID violations and fines under JMC No. 2024-001
No valid ETC device (no RFID installed or dilapidated RFID sticker)
- First offense – P1,000
- Second offense – P2,000
- Subsequent offenses – P5,000 per offense
Insufficient load
- First offense – P500
- Second offense – P1,000
- Subsequent offenses – P2,500 per offense
Fraudulent or falsified ETC
- First offense – P1,000
- Second offense – P2,000
- Subsequent offenses – P5,000 per offense
A show-cause order (SCO) will be delivered to the Driver-Violator, or to the registered Owner/Operator if the driver at the time of the apprehension was not identified. If the Owner/Operator fails to provide the Driver-Violator’s name as required by the SCO, then the motor vehicle shall be put on alarm until a name is provided, and shall also be charged an additional fine of P2,000 per violation.
If the owner of a motor vehicle ignores notifications to have their defective, dilapidated, or phased-out RFID sticker replaced, the vehicle shall also be put on alarm until a replacement RFID sticker has been installed.
If a motor vehicle is involved in three violations under JMC No. 2024-001 within a 12-month period, the subsequent penalties are:
- the motor vehicle may be put on alarm, or
- the driver’s license of the Driver-Violator may be confiscated, or
- the motor vehicle’s Certificate of Registration may be suspended for a period not exceeding 90 days, requiring the immediate surrender of its license plate
