The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has fully reinstated the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) as of May 26. Many motorists have raised questions about how the system works and what it means for daily driving across Metro Manila.
While we wait for the official guidelines on NCAP, we’ve gathered a list of frequently asked questions about the policy.
- How does NCAP work?
- Which roads are covered by NCAP?
- Is there a dry run of the NCAP?
- How do I know if I have a violation?
- How to check for NCAP violations online?
- What do I do when I receive a NOV?
- What happens if I don’t pay the fine?
- What if another driver were using my vehicle?
- What if the vehicle was already sold?
- What happens on roads with no clear signs and markings?
- Are emergency vehicles exempt from NCAP?
- What happens if I give way to an emergency vehicle on an NCAP-covered road?
- Who can I contact regarding NCAP violations?
How does NCAP work?
Under NCAP, CCTV cameras combined with artificial intelligence (AI) monitor designated roads throughout Metro Manila to capture traffic violations.
Each potential infraction undergoes a manual review by MMDA personnel before a Notice of Violation (NOV) is issued. This ensures the accuracy and legitimacy of violations before fines and penalties are handed out.
Which roads are covered by NCAP?
Here’s the list of major roads where NCAP CCTV monitoring is active:
- C1 – Recto
- C2 – Mendoza, Pres. Quirino Ave.
- C3 – Araneta Ave.
- C4 – EDSA
- C5 – C.P. Garcia, Katipunan Ave., Tandang Sora
- R1 – Roxas Blvd.
- R2 – Taft Ave.
- R3 – South Superhighway
- R4 – Shaw Boulevard
- R5 – Ortigas Ave.
- R6 – Magsaysay Blvd., Aurora Blvd.
- R7 – Quezon Ave., Commonwealth Ave.
- R8 – A. Bonifacio
- R9 – Rizal Ave.
- R10 – Del Pan, Marcos Highway, McArthur Highway
Is there a dry run of the NCAP?
No, there was no dry run or trial period. The NCAP has been fully active since May 26, meaning the policy has been in effect from the start.
MMDA emphasized that regardless of what policy is in place, all motorists should follow road rules and regulations.
How do I know if I have a violation?
If your vehicle is caught violating traffic rules, you will receive a Notice of Violation (NOV) by postal mail after manual verification. Typically, these notices reach recipients within five to seven days. You can also check it online at mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph.
Remember, NOVs are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle in violation of NCAP rules.
Here’s a list of the most common violations and penalties: MMDA NCAP: List of top traffic violations and penalties.
How to check for NCAP violations online?
You can check for NCAP violations at mayhulika.mmda.gov.ph on smartphones, tablets, and computers. You will be asked to enter your plate number or conduction number along with your MV File Number. Previous verification methods are no longer active since the policy’s suspension in 2022.
The MMDA is working on a mobile app that will allow drivers to review their violations straight from their smartphones. The agency is also planning to provide SMS alerts for real-time updates [Update: MMDA now sends SMS and e-mail notifications for NCAP violations].
Always use official MMDA channels to verify any information, and beware of scam texts or fake links.
What do I do when I receive a NOV?
If you get a NOV, you have two options:
- Appeal the Notice: File an appeal online at https://bit.ly/3J62YhH or visit the MMDA Traffic Adjudication Division at the MMDA Head Office (Julia Vargas Ave. at Molave St., Barangay Ugong, Pasig City; office hours are Monday to Friday, 7 AM–4 PM).
- Pay the Fine: Settle the fine within 10 working days using the online payment portal at Landbank Link.BizPortal, Maya, GCash, Grab Pay, and Bayad App; or in person at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City, and Robinson’s Galleria Payment Center. MMDA has stated that there are no penalties or interest for late payments.
You can read more about how to do either option here: How to appeal and pay fines under MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP).
What happens if I don’t pay the fine?
If you do not pay the fine within 10 working days from the receipt of the notice, your vehicle’s license plate number will be added to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) alarm list. This may prevent you from renewing your vehicle registration until the fine is cleared.
What if another driver were using my vehicle?
If a violation is recorded while someone else was driving your vehicle, you will be the one to receive the NOV. Remember, the notices are sent to the registered owner of the vehicle. To clear this, you must submit an affidavit (one from the owner and one from the driver, along with the driver’s license) confirming that you were not at the wheel.
The MMDA has not yet clarified the exact requirements for this affidavit, so keep an eye out for further instructions.
What if the vehicle was already sold?
If you receive an NOV for a vehicle you have sold, and the ownership transfer has not yet been completed, you will need to visit the MMDA Head Office. You would need to submit the notarized Deed of Sale of Vehicle and the new owner’s address.
According to the MMDA, NOVs will be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle, regardless of who is driving it. Unpaid fines may result in your vehicle’s registration being delayed.
What happens on roads with no clear signs and markings?
According to the MMDA, no violations will be issued on covered roads with no markings and road signage. However, it is on a case-to-case basis.
One example the MMDA cited was in Commonwealth Avenue, where signage and road markings were either covered or removed during its repair.
The agency emphasized that no violations will be issued if it stems from their own oversight.
Road repair and signage are under the purview of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Are emergency vehicles exempt from NCAP?
Emergency vehicles are not automatically exempt. They will still undergo manual validation to confirm that they were responding to an actual emergency. When no emergency is present, all vehicles must follow the regular traffic rules.
What happens if I give way to an emergency vehicle on an NCAP-covered road?
If you give way or yield to an emergency vehicle causes you to commit a traffic violation, you will not be penalized.
Who can I contact regarding NCAP violations?
For matters related to NCAP, you may contact the MMDA Redemption Office at +632 8898 4200 loc. 4004/1164/1165. You can also contact the No Contact Apprehension Policy Office at +632 8898-4200 loc. 1084 or through email to ncap2@mmda.gov.ph.
All motorists, including emergency responders, are advised to follow traffic regulations. To avoid fines, always follow road signs, drive responsibly, and stay updated on traffic policies.
Featured image: MMDA Facebook
