LTO DL Codes 2026: Driver's License Codes and Restriction Codes 1-8

Match the letters in the restrictions field of your card to this table. The mapping follows the LTO DL codes list (14-CC2024-DL-CODES). Older cards that show only numbers stay valid until they expire.

New applicants may apply only for the non-professional codes A, A1, B, B1 and B2, or a combination. C, D, BE and CE need a professional license. A manual-transmission code covers automatics in the same class; an automatic-only code does not cover manuals.

No. DL code B covers passenger cars (M1). A two-wheeled motorcycle needs DL code A, and a tricycle or a motorcycle with a sidecar needs A1. Each is its own code, so A alone does not cover a tricycle and A1 alone does not cover a solo motorcycle.

Worked example: your card reads B, B1 and you ride a 155cc scooter to work. If stopped, JAO 2014-01 item I.a (in force since 2 June 2014) applies. It lists an "inappropriate driver's license restriction code" as driving without a valid license. The fine is ₱3,000, plus one year without a license or permit to drive, counted from payment. Add A before you ride: see how to add a DL code.

Cards issued before the DL codes show numbers. The LTO memorandum on restriction codes defines them by vehicle type, weight and transmission:

Look at the restrictions field below your license number. It shows the numbers (for example "2,4") or the letters (for example "B, B1"), depending on when the card was issued. Your LTMS profile at portal.lto.gov.ph lists the same codes for your license.

Adding a code means passing the test for that vehicle type. RA 10930 Section 23-A (2 August 2017) requires LTO exams designed for the license type and restrictions applied for. Have these ready before you start:

1. Take PDC for the vehicle type you are adding
   Enroll at an LTO-accredited driving school: motorcycle PDC to add A or A1, manual PDC to lift an automatic-only restriction. Keep the original certificate.
2. Book the transaction on LTMS
   Log in at portal.lto.gov.ph, choose the license amendment for an added restriction, and book a branch slot.
3. Pass the practical exam and pay
   At the branch, pass the practical exam on the new vehicle type and pay the assessed fee. The card is reissued with the added code.

Your DL code and the toll class are separate checks. Class 1 on every TRB toll matrix is "Car, Jeepney, Van, Pick-Up, Motorcycle (400cc and up)". A rider with DL code A may enter on a motorcycle of 400cc or more; a smaller motorcycle is turned back at the plaza. Full rules: motorcycle expressway rules.

Cars, jeepneys, vans and pick-ups driven on B, B1 or B2 are class 1. Trucks and buses that need C, D, BE or CE pay class 2 or class 3 tolls; check the toll matrices.

JAO 2014-01 item I.a (DOTC-LTO, in force since 2 June 2014) treats a wrong restriction code or a wrong license classification as no valid license. One line covers both, with no higher tier for a repeat. The rule behind it is RA 4136 Section 24: a license covers only "the motor vehicles described in such license". The same section bars an owner from hiring anyone but a licensed professional driver.

If the code on your card does not match the vehicle, let a passenger with the right code drive. The full fine list is on LTO traffic violation fines.

A student permit holder may drive only with a duly licensed driver beside them; JAO 2014-01 item I.a fines a solo drive ₱3,000. The code on the permit follows the vehicle type of your practical driving course. See the student permit guide.

A tourist with a valid foreign license may drive for the first 90 days of the stay (RA 4136 Section 21). After day 90, JAO 2014-01 item I.a applies: ₱3,000 and the one-year bar. Convert to a Philippine license before then.

A first-time applicant gets only the non-professional codes A, A1, B, B1 and B2. C, D, BE and CE come with a professional license, which is also the one to hold when you drive for pay. See the professional license requirements.