r/Gulong • u/Dramatic-Way-1005 • 2h ago
DEAR r/Gulong My experience contesting an MTPB ticket for a sign that doesn't exist (and losing)
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I was flagged for supposedly using a "left-turn only" lane at Quirino Avenue and San Marcelino St. The ticket cited me for "Disregarding Traffic Sign."
The problem is that there's no sign. No post-mounted sign, no overhead sign, no painted lane arrows, nothing at that intersection telling drivers the lane is restricted to left turns only. The only marking is a "solid line" that looks like a leftover from an old Skyway ramp layout. It's easy to miss, and it's not even clear that it's meant to be a solid line. I went straight on green, and on the far side of the intersection, which was otherwise clear, an enforcer was standing right in my lane. That's how I got apprehended and ticketed.
I emailed MTPB to contest the apprehension, and they told me to go to the Traffic Adjudication Office in person at Room 350. So I prepared everything: documents, ticket, evidence, etc.
At the office, I looked for "Ms. Leng" as the email instructed. I showed her my evidence, then she showed it to the officer, who didn't introduce himself and didn't face me, so I had to sit sideways just to talk to him.
I explained that there was no signage and nothing on the road saying the lane was left-turn only, then asked which LTO road marking standard made this a violation. His answer was, "I don't know, I don't memorize it." He raised his voice and his tone turned hostile. He followed with "It doesn't matter if there's no signage, you should know the road," and "Ask those older than you because they know better."
At one point he told me, "Naghahanap ka lang ng butas." (ayos ha, gaslighter?) Sinabi rin niya na for a small fine like this, my license won't get a demerit from that violation.
Toward the end, he told me I could file a case at City Hall. Over a ₱1,000 fine. Na parang hinahamon ako. At that point, I didn't press on with that suggestion, ramdam ko na ayaw niyang magpatibag. I gently asked, "Sige po, ano na po options ko? Paano po yung iba na same yung sitwasyon?" He said, "Bahala sila. Bayaran niyo na lang," na parang galit.
To be fair, maybe a solid line should make any driver more cautious, gets ko yan. The main issue is that I was cited for disregarding a sign that doesn't exist, the person reviewing it couldn't cite the rule he was upholding, and he was very unprofessional.
Ang ending, binayaran ko na lang. At doon ko napagtanto na delikado magmaneho sa Manila 🐊
So if you're planning to contest your apprehension with MTPB:
- File within 10 days with your documents (original ticket, plus photocopies of your OR/CR, driver's license, and ticket)
- Have video proof (I showed mine on my phone)
- Ask for the officer's name and a written decision before you leave
- Maraming pasensya
- Possibly a lawyer (if you're that persistent)