26/02/2025
Updated LTO restriction codes.
When you successfully get a driver’s license, it’s important to know which types of motor vehicles you’re allowed to drive. This is where restriction codes apply.
If you’re caught driving a type of vehicle that you’re not licensed to drive, you can face penalties and charges.
The Land Transportation Offices has recently updated the restriction and condition codes to clearly specify which vehicle/s you are licensed to drive.
What used to be known as restriction codes will now be known as “Driver’s License Codes” (DL Codes). Found at the back of your driver’s license, DL Codes are alphanumeric characters that will replace the old restriction codes 1 to 8.
DL Code
B
Vehicles up to 5,000 kgs GVW/ 8 seats
M1 - vehicles up to 5,000 kgs GVW w/ not more than 8 seats
B1
Vehicles up to 5,000 kgs GVW/9 or more seats
M2 - vehicles up to 5,000 kgs GVW w/ more than 8 seats
B2
Vehicles carrying goods ≤ 3,500 kgs GVW
N1 - Vehicles up to 3,500 kgs GVW for carriage of goods
Whereas in the old system they’re placed in the same restriction code (1), motorcycles and tricycles now have their own DL codes: A and A1, respectively. The different subcategories under these DL codes specify which type of tricycle or motorcycle can be driven with the license.
Meanwhile, the old restriction code 2 has been replaced by DL codes B and B1 with an upgraded weight limit of up to 5,000 kilograms Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Drivers with a DL code of B can only drive cars with up to 8 seats while those with B1 are only allowed to drive cars with 9 or more seats.
If you are driving a vehicle carrying goods, you may use either DL code B2 and/or C, depending on the weight of the vehicle. The B2 code is for vehicles weighing less than or equal to 3,500 kg GVW while C is assigned to vehicles weighing more than 3,500 kg GVW.
On the other hand, buses weighing more than 5,000kgs with 9 or more seats have a DL code of D. Lastly, DL codes ‘BE’ and ‘CE’ are for articulated vehicles like semi-trailer trucks and cars with trailers.
Furthermore, you may also encounter the following acronyms in your Driver’s License:
Clutch:
Automatic (AT) – means the license holder can only drive automatic vehicles.
Manual (MT) – means the license holder can drive manual, semi-automatic, and automatic vehicles.
Driver’s License Classification:
NPL– Non-Professional Driver’s License
PL– Professional Driver’s License
