In 2019, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) started to adopt the Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID), an advanced system that uses unique tags in the form of RFID stickers to keep transportation under control. These tags help the agency monitor and manage personal cars and public transportation systems, despite their ever-increasing number on Philippine roads.
As a traffic tracking and management support system, the RFID technology has replaced human work, making it a more efficient and effective system for the LTO. It helps the agency make their service area broader and wider without wasting human and monetary resources. In this guide, we will discuss everything about the LTO RFID systems and stickers, as well as all the information every driver should know about it, including the RFID Sticker Penalty.
Table of Contents
What is RFID?
RFID refers to the Radio Frequency Identification System. It is a technological system designed to help the LTO carry out their mandate in a broader and more efficient way without wasting human resources. This system uses radio waves in tags attached to vehicles in the form of stickers in order to give it a unique ID. It works much like barcodes and QR codes, but on a wider scale. These tags are generally “read” by wall-mounted RFID readers, though there are also handheld PDA type devices used by enforcers like those from the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
What are RFID Stickers?
RFID stickers are stickers designed using the RFID technology. It comes with unique ID codes detectable using radio waves. These stickers are installed in cars in a bid to make them easily identifiable and traceable from longer distances using wall-mounted or handheld RFID readers. With the help of this advanced RFID technology, both the LTO and the MMDA have become more efficient in carrying out their mandate to monitor and manage vehicles and traffic on Philippine roads.
What is the LTO RFID Sticker for?
The LTO RFID was designed to serve the following purposes:
- As a means to help government organizations identify and monitor vehicles.
- As a means to “tag” the said vehicles with a unique I.D. which can be read from a sticker.
- It conveys information from stickers, much like barcodes and even plain old QR codes,
- It makes information readable from longer distances using a wall-mounted RFID reader or handheld PDA type devices
- As a simple and handy system for traffic enforcement agents like MMDA and the PNP.
What Kind of Information is Recorded in an LTO License Plate RFID Chip?
The LTO RFID sticker features a QR Code which contains relevant details on the registered motor vehicle as well as the owner. It comes with a chip, too, which is embedded with the following information:
- A car owner’s address
- The registered owner’s name
- Plate number
- Car color
- Engine number
- Chassis number
- DAID
- Validity
- MV File number
- Serial numbers of 1st and 2nd plate
- CID
What are the Benefits of Using RFID Stickers?
Using RFID stickers makes the following benefits available, both to the government agencies and the car owners:
- Replacing and reducing human manual work with RFID technology’s support system and equipment for better efficiency and quality.
- It gives every vehicle its own identity;
- It allows city authorities to monitor both personal cars and public transportation in a broader and more efficient method.
- RFID technology automatically collects traffic charges on the freeway or highway.
- With frequencies of 900 Mhz and 2.45 GHz, RFID tags are mounted directly on the vehicle while the card reader is mounted at the station.
- When a car passes through the reader, it can be identified and immediately charged with the fee.
- It helps solve traffic jams at mega metropolitans,
- It helps to avoid loss of toll costs
- It minimizes the human resources needed.
- Warehouse management and distribution have become more accessible
- RFID can be attached to locomotives, train carriages, or RFID used to maintain aircraft and identify luggage and goods.
- Postal companies can use them to monitor items shipped internationally between international postal centers.
- RFID can be used to observe the delivery time of items with RFID tags, which helps manage and solve problems quickly and economically.
- RFID tags can be used in identifying and in vehicle management in parking lots.
- RFID is being used in smart parking lots to control vehicles.
- Combined with magnetic ring detectors, RFID helps the smart parking lot operate effectively.
- By giving a precise identity for each transportation via the use of RFID, car thieves can be tracked down when police use the camera system to look for the lost car.
- In New York, professionals use the RFID system to study the daily flow of vehicles on the street and understand more about drivers behaviors.
- With the help of the RFID, professionals can design more advanced traffic infrastructure to solve the traffic jam problems in big cities.
- In the Philippines, it helps the LTO effectively eliminate colorum vehicles
- It helps catch public transport vehicles operating out of their jurisdiction.
- With the RFID technology, concerned authorities can now monitor traffic to a wider and varied degree; from the general flow of cars down to the identity of a single-vehicle.
- RFIDs can be used to detect the presence of cars for the purpose of opening gates, determining toll fee costs, and monitoring of general traffic flow.
- RFID stickers can also be used in traffic violation detection.
These are just some of the benefits of implementing an RFID system, but do note that as of writing, not all these benefits can be reaped yet by the Philippine government. Some benefits will only be available once the government implements it on all motor vehicles and as of this time, the Philippines clearly hasn’t reached that level yet.
Some Concerns Regarding the LTO RFID Stickers
Aside from the benefits, there are some concerns and risks related to the LTO’s use of RFID stickers. These concerns include:
- Violation of privacy since an RFID reader can be bought by just anyone from multiple sources like Alibaba or Lazada.
- An RFID reader can also be used by just about anyone who can understand a user’s manual.
- The RFID reader can be used without the knowledge of a car’s owner.
- Anyone can eavesdrop on your private information like your name and address with a single push of a button.
- It can compromise security as the RFID stickers in conjunction with RFID readers connected to the LTO’s servers may be infiltrated with denial-of-service type attacks.
- An RFID system would require an RFID database to store all of that data, another point of weakness that might be exploited by hackers.
- Building a database of ALL the existing cars in the Philippines is a massive undertaking that requires an equally massive pool of talent to establish and maintain.
- A massive database would cost a lot of money which will only cause more corruption.
- There’s also the case of the government actually gaining control over you through the RFID.
How to Install an LTO RFID Sticker?
Car owners who own either two-wheeled or four-wheeled motor vehicles usually receive an RFID sticker as a third plate, along with their newly issued license plates for the front and back part of the car.
Installing the RFID sticker on your car windshield involves a number of steps. Applying them on motorcycles involves a similar procedure, enumerated as follows:
Step 1: Clean the surface of the headlamp where the sticker will be applied, using a clean cloth.
Step 2: Open the sticker package.
Step 3: Once the sticker package is opened, check for the solid vertical bar in the middle. That is the RFID antenna which will be applied over the side of the sticker with the QR Code.
Step 4: Hold the sticker upside down to position the QR Code at the upper left corner. Fold the sticker along the dotted line to position the paper liner in the middle.
Step 5: Gently apply pressure on the paper liner to push the RFID antenna outward, folding the liner midway.
Step 6: Line up the RFID overlay with the QR Code side and bring the two parts together, squeezing out bubbles by gently rubbing outward from the center to the edges.
Step 7: Once the two sides have been joined, remove the backing paper. The sticker is now ready to be installed on the headlamp.
Step 8: Hold the tag carefully when applying and avoid touching the adhesive portion of the sticker.
Step 9: When one end of the sticker is already in place, carefully apply the rest of the sticker across the headlamp.
Step 10: Apply pressure on the sticker to clear the bubbles by rubbing on the sticker outwards.
Where to Install an LTO RFID Sticker?
Here are some things to remember regarding the placement of the LTO RFID sticker:
- Regardless if it’s a four-wheel or a two-wheel drive the proper position for the RFID sticker is behind the rear-view mirror where it won’t obstruct the view and where it can easily be located by the RFID scanner.
- The sticker must be installed in a horizontal position at the front left part of the motorcycle, preferably the headlamp.
- There should be a 3-cm gap around the sticker, taking care not to let it touch metallic surfaces or wires.
- Avoid installing it up-side-down.
- Note that the adhesive side is the one facing out.
- The RFID sticker is not installed on the exterior of your car’s windshield.
- When the entire sticker has been applied, avoid getting the motorcycle wet for at least 24 hours, to ensure that the adhesive will permanently hold.
What Kinds of Penalties are Associated with the LTO RFID Stickers?
According to the DOTr-LTO, penalties may apply in the following cases:
- Any drivers who attempt to enter RFID lanes of expressway with no RFID sticker will not be allowed to enter and imposed an LTO RFID sticker penalty from January 11, 2021.
- If a motor vehicle without an RFID sticker drives through the RFID-marked lanes, the violation of disregarding traffic signs (DTS violation) will be applied.
- RFID stickers must be always visible on the motor vehicle, to make it easier for authorities to scan and verify ownership records.
- Failure to install the sticker according to the LTO’s guidelines will entail a penalty of P5,000.00.
How to Replace Damaged or Lost RFID Sticker?
Motorists with damaged or lost RFID stickers may file for an RFID sticker replacement request at any LTO branch. You will need to present an Affidavit of Loss/Dilapidation and pay the replacement fee. Do note that in case you incorrectly installed your sticker, the LTO advises not to detach them in the meantime, as the labels have anti-tampering features that render them useless when removed.
How Much is the Replacement Fee for LTO RFID Stickers?
Upon filling out the RFID Sticker Replacement form, you will need to pay the P200.00 as a replacement fee.
Video: How to Install LTO RFID Stickers in Motorcycles
Learn more about how to install new LTO RFID stickers along with the new plate numbers for motorcycles by watching this video from dadeng TV:
Important Reminders
For your reference, here are some important reminders regarding RFID stickers:
- The use of RFID stickers, according to the joint statement released by the Department of Transportation and the LTO (DOTr-LTO) on November 22, 2019, abides by the Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act.
- You cannot install an RFID sticker if you already got a tint on.
- The LTO RFID sticker installation can also not be done over the tint.
- To prevent the accidental line-up on the RFID lane, the DOTr has mandated the concerned agencies to set up signboards and assign traffic marshalls to aid motorists and drivers who need stickers installation or activation.
- You will have to go to either the specific Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) stickering lane to get it added or to the LTO office to secure a replacement.
LTO RFID Sticker: FAQs
For more information, here are some common questions and answers regarding the LTO RFID Stickers:
1. Is an LTO RFID sticker required?
Yes. The RFID sticker is mandated by the DOTr-LTO. Not only does it serve as a digital ID to quickly access vehicle information, but it also aids in controlling traffic, enforcing the law, and preventing crime. If you haven’t got an RFID Sticker on your car after January 11, 2021, you will be imposed penalties for running on an RFID-only lane.
2. How do you install LTO RFID stickers?
To install the LTO RFID stickers, you will need to ensure that it is placed in the correct position which happens to be located behind your rear-view mirror, where it won’t obstruct your view. Note that there are other guidelines for installing RFID stickers including avoiding installing over the car tint and making sure it isn’t installed upside down or outside on top of the windshield.
3. How much is an RFID tag in the Philippines?
If the RFID tag is secured from the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), then it’s free of charge. All you need to do is identify yourself and give your vehicle’s plate number to open an account. The installation lanes just require an initial top up amounting to P500.00. For brand new vehicles being registered at the LTO, the RFID sticker is usually issued upon registration, along with the number plates and other documents.
4. What do I do if my RFID sticker is damaged?
The sticker is damaged when removed, so it’s impossible to steal and reuse it. However, you can replace a damaged sticker by visiting the LTO office, filling out an RFID Sticker Replacement form, and paying the replacement fee which costs P200.00.
5. Can RFID stickers be duplicated?
Every RFID tag or card comes encoded with a unique ID number that cannot be duplicated. That said, in cases of loss or damage, you will need to go to the LTO to apply for a replacement
6. Are Autosweep and Easytrip the same?
No. Autosweep and Easytrip may be similar, as they are both RFID systems that provide contactless and cashless payments in major tollways in the Philippines. However, Autosweep is for tollways managed by the San Miguel Corporation (SMC), while Easytrip is reserved for those under the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC).
7. Can I use Autosweep RFID in NLEX?
Yes. Effective January 15, 2023, Easytrip sticker users may already enroll their Easytrip stickers to Autosweep. This means that they can now use Easytrip at SMC Tollways such as SLEX, Skyway, Star, TPLEX, and NAIAX. However, note that only the new Easytrip stickers with Neology tags can be scanned/read by the Autosweep system, so you need to make sure to update your sticker first.
Summary
The use of the LTO Radio Frequency Identification System (RFID), an advanced system that uses unique tags in the form of an RFID sticker, is mandated by the government for a reason. Mostly, it is a modern system used to help keep the land transportation system, together with all the private and public vehicles, under control while conserving manpower resources and expanding service areas. The LTO RFID systems and stickers may not seem all that important, but as a car owner, you need to learn about them, especially because incorrect placement or lack of one may result in violations and RFID Sticker penalties.
