Driver's license restrictions decoded
The LTO is now rolling out new driver's license restriction codes in order to streamline which vehicles licensed drivers can and can’t operate.
On your license, restriction codes are on the bottom left, usually denoted by numbers corresponding to what kind of vehicles you can drive.
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In the past, if you want to drive a motorcycle, you must have Restriction Code 1 on your driver’s license. If you want to drive a car with a manual, you must have Restriction Code 2 on your driver’s license. If you want to drive both, you need both Restriction Codes 1 and 2. Automatic vehicles were denoted by Restriction Code 4.
What can you drive under the new license codes? image
Now, the LTO is overhauling driver's license (DL) restriction codes completely, replacing them with new driver’s license codes (DL Codes) with several subcategories to encompass all kinds of vehicles. It’s now an alphanumeric code, with subcategories to cover what vehicles are allowed under that code.
Restriction codes will now be listed in the back, on the same line as the kind of vehicles you're allowed to drive.
New DL Codes
Under the new DL Code system, motorcycles are classified as A, while tricycles are classified as A1. Cars and light trucks are classified under B. There are even more vehicle categories under that, which indicate the types of cars and motorcycles each DL Code holder is allowed to drive (e.g., M1, M2, N1, etc.).
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These new vehicle categories should cover many of the new kinds of cars, motorcycles, and tricycles that are now available in the country. It should also clear up any confusion as to what kind of DL Code and type of license is required to operate them on public roads.
These include new models like tricycles with a symmetrical three-wheel layout like the Bajaj RE, Yamaha Tricity, and even small electric tricycles. It also puts large vans like the Hyundai H350 and Ford Transit in a new segment. Also, if you want to pull a trailer (for jet skis, motorcycles, side by sides), there’s another code for that.
What can you drive under the new license codes? image
The old 2 code (for cars) is now replaced with B and B1, upgrading the limit to 5000 kilograms GVW. B restricts the license holder to drive cars with up to 8 seats. B1 is for cars with 9 or more seats. For vehicles carrying goods, the driver's license must have DL code B2 (less than or equal to 3500 kg GVW) and/or C (more than 3500 kg GVW). Those that drive buses that weigh over 5000 kilos GVW and have more than 9 seats are restricted to D. As for cars with trailers, semi-trailer trucks, and other articulated vehicles, they are now classified under 'BE' and 'CE' accordingly.
New Conditions
Besides the codes, there are also conditions, which drivers with certain impairments or disabilities must meet at all times when driving. The LTO has made some adjustments to these as well. These conditions, formerly letters, are now numbers. The old condition A is now 1, which requires eyeglasses has been updated to corrective lenses, which means holders of this condition can drive while wearing contact lenses.
