How does the MMDA online traffic violation appeal work?

As mentioned in our previous article, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) just launched an online filing platform that will cater to traffic violation ticket complaints for motorists.

Of course, this is welcome news for those who may have been wrongfully apprehended. But the question now is, what are the processes involved in filing your traffic violation appeals online? Here's how:

Access the traffic violation appeal website

Motorists who would like to contest their traffic violation appeal should first visit the dedicated website through this link: https://bit.ly/3J62YhH.

Prepare your documents

Once you've accessed the dedicated website, you're required to fill out details or upload supporting documents/pictures which will consist of the following:

• Your personal information (Name, Address, Number, Date of Birth, etc.)
• Driver's license number
• Your car's plate number, LTO MV File Number. and Motor Number (found on the LTO certificate of registration)
• Deed of sale (if you're not yet the registered owner indicated in the OR/CR)
• Authorization Letter (in case the complainant will authorize someone to process the appeal)
• UOVR (your MMDA traffic violation ticket)
• A brief explanation of what happened
• Supporting evidence (letter, certification, videos, etc)

The MMDA says protests can be filed from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Mondays to Fridays. For those who will file beyond 5:00 PM, the complaint will be entertained on the next working day.

Once you've filed your complaint, the MMDA 's Traffic Adjudication Division (MMDA-TAD), which is in charge of hearing complaints filed by contesting motorists, will contact you regarding the pre-processing of the contest within three working days. This is where TAD will assess the basis and/or merit of the complaint, as well as the supporting attachments you've given on the website.

Afterward, the complaint will then be subject to a face-to-face hearing to come up with a resolution. The schedule will be based on the availability of the concerned parties, which consists of the complainant, enforcer, and hearing officer.

Once the face-to-face hearing is done, the complainant can choose whether to have the verdict of the resolution sent via email or visit the agency's headquarters.

But what if I'm not satisfied with the verdict?

The MMDA says in case of an unfavorable resolution, complainants can still file a motion for reconsideration.

Does this cover violations from the No-Contact Apprehension Policy?

According to MMDA Chairman Carlo Dimayuga III, the online filing of contests is limited to physical traffic violations for now, since the NCAP's validity is still awaiting final decision by the Supreme Court. Thus, motorists who will file apprehension appeals from MMDA's NCAP will not be covered and entertained in the online platform in the meantime.

With this information, it's clear that MMDA's online filing platform is not exactly 100% digital, especially when it comes to physical hearings and the deliberation of verdicts. But still, it's a more convenient step for those who may have been victims of wrongful apprehension. Just make sure you have good reasons to file a complaint, as the agency warned that uploading inappropriate documents or attachments can disqualify you from using the electronic platform. And worse, put you in more trouble with the law.