THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE EXPANDED NO CONTACT APPREHENSION POLICY (NCAP)

MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As the implementation of the No Contact Apprehension Program (NCAP) expands to several local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, motorists and the public are encouraged to understand how the system works, including the review process, available protest mechanisms, payment options, and the consequences of unpaid penalties.

Here are some important things motorists need to know about NCAP:

1. A camera-captured incident is not automatically a violation.

Under NCAP, a traffic incident captured by an enforcement camera undergoes review and validation by authorized LGU traffic management personnel.

Only after the incident has been reviewed and approved is a formal Notice of Violation (NOV) issued to the registered vehicle owner based on the LTO records. This review process helps ensure that camera-captured violations are properly evaluated and the surrounding conditions at the time of the incident are considered before a motorist is formally notified.

2. Motorists have the right to protest a violation.

Receiving an NOV does not mean that motorists are left without recourse. If a motorist believes that the violation was issued in error, a formal protest may be filed through the appropriate online NCAP portal of the implementing LGU:

City of Manila

https://www.gomanila.com/nocontact

Muntinlupa City

https://muntinlupacity.nocontact.ph

Parañaque City

https://paranaquecity.nocontact.ph/

Quezon City

https://nocontact.quezoncity.gov.ph

San Juan City

https://nocontact.sanjuancity.gov.ph

The protest must be filed within 10 working days from receipt of the NOV. Once this grace period lapses, the violation will no longer be contestable and will trigger an LTO alarm on the vehicle. An LTO alarm will prevent the registered vehicle owner from renewing the vehicle's registration later on. The alarm will only be lifted until the corresponding fine is paid.

Motorists are therefore encouraged to promptly exercise the available protest mechanism as soon as they receive their NOV.

3. NCAP penalties do not accumulate interest.

NCAP penalties across all NCR LGUs follow the applicable provisions of the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, including the standardized fines for the 20 most common traffic violations covered by the Code.

The penalties do not accrue interest simply because they remain unpaid.

However, motorists should still settle outstanding penalties to avoid triggering an LTO alarm on the vehicle and prevent them from conducting future LTO transactions, including registration renewal or transfer of ownership, until the outstanding obligation is settled.

4. Paying an NCAP fine can be done online.

Participating LGUs provide several payment channels for NCAP penalties, including online payment options, making it possible for motorists to settle their obligations remotely. To pay online, simply use the QR code found in the Notice of Violation (NOV) or use the LGU NCAP portals.

Designated payment centers may also be available for motorists who prefer to make their payments in person.

Motorists should use only the official payment channels and instructions provided by the implementing LGU.

5. Avoid text scams. Notice of Violation is only sent via mail or courier.

LGUs will never send NCAP Notice of Violation (NOV) through text/SMS, e-mail, or messaging apps. The NOV is a physical document that is delivered exclusively via mail or courier to the registered vehicle owner's address on file with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Likewise, online payment links are also not sent through text/SMS, e-mail, or messaging apps. Use only the payment QR code found in your NOV or visit the LGU NCAP portals. Never share your bank details and one-time PIN (OTP) with anyone.

Understanding the process is part of being a responsible road user.

NCAP is intended to support traffic enforcement and road safety by helping address violations even when an enforcer is not physically present at the scene. Ultimately, road safety depends not only on enforcement but also on the everyday choices of drivers and riders.

To know more about NCAP, click here: https://canva.link/guidetometromanilancap 

Know the rules. Follow the rules. Drive responsibly.

IS METRO MANILA NOW READY FOR NCAP?

Last August 2022, the Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of the no-contact apprehension policy (NCAP) for traffic violators in Metro Manila.

The TRO stops the implementation of NCAP-related programs and ordinances and any apprehensions through the said policy and ordinances "shall be prohibited until further orders from the Court."

The order also halted the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and all parties acting on its behalf from giving out motorist information to all government units, cities, and municipalities enforcing NCAP programs and ordinances.

But last June 14, 2023, renewed calls to bring back NCAP were revitalized after a fatal accident happened at the EDSA Shaw Boulevard tunnel where a motorcycle driver was hit by an SUV drive. Both motorists happened to be in the EDSA Carousel Bus Lane resulting in the former getting run over by a tanker driver in the adjacent lane.

Because of this, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) wasted no time in coordinating with the Office of the Solicitor General in the filing of a motion before the Supreme Court to consider lifting the temporary restraining order on the implementation of the NCAP.

It’s sad to know that a gruesome incident had to happen but aside from this, MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said they will use the data they obtained in the past months showing an increase in the number of road accidents and traffic violations after the NCAP was suspended in August last year.

“We find it difficult to enforce the exclusivity of the said lane without the certainty of a CCTV-assisted apprehension, thereby exposing our motorcycle riders to a greater risk,” said Artes. “We keep on reminding motorists not to use the innermost lane of EDSA as it may result in an accident, but despite our repeated calls and pleas, many drivers of privately-owned vehicles and motorcycle riders disregard the policy,” Artes added.

Aside from MMDA, Metro Manila Council President and San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora is also leading the discussion to raise the TRO on NCAP.

According to Zamora, MMDA data shows from August 2022 to May of the present year has already resulted in an average of 25,926 per month as compared to a monthly average of 9,500 before NCAP was suspended.

“This data shows that we have more than a double increase in the number of violations. Having been Mayor of San Juan for the last four years, it is close to impossible to have traffic enforcers all over the city of San Juan, more so all over the entire Metro Manila. Having NCAP deters motorists from committing traffic violations” shared Zamora.

For those with an interest in road safety, NCAP represents a step forward, in terms of our enforcement of traffic laws.

In the few months it was implemented in San Juan, Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela City, Muntinlupa City and Paranaque City, NCAP did bring benefits that some would say were unfairly ignored in the debate.

These cities that have fully implemented NCAP cited decrease in obstructions, choking of traffic from apprehended vehicles, reckless driving, and hazardous motorists’ habits.

It is unfortunate that we needed to wait for a fatal accident in order for us to see the benefits of NCAP. And aside from this incident, many agree that it is now time for the TRO to be lifted. With NCAP already addressing a lot of the public’s concern, this July the handheld device for the Single Ticketing System (STS) will have a pilot test to be spearheaded by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

With the STS in place, it will enable the Metro Manila local government units to strictly enforce traffic laws, at the same time, harmonize the existing national and local laws on traffic enforcement to establish an effective transport and traffic management system.