The Department of Transportation on Tuesday, February 2, warned motorists they would be slapped with fines when caught passing through radiofrequency identification (RFID) lanes without load for the 3rd time.

Transportation Undersecretary for finance Garry de Guzman said this 3-strike policy was ordered by Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade after toll operators reported “abusive” motorists who passed through RFID lanes for over 50 times.

“Marami pa rin ang nag-aabuso. Pumapasok sila na walang load. Mayroong 50 times, 200 times. (There are still a lot of those who abuse it. They enter the lanes without load. Some of them 50 times, some are over 200 times),” said De Guzman.

This could happen when toll operators do not lower the barriers during rush hour, to allow continuous traffic flow at RFID lanes.

De Guzman said that first time offenders will only be reminded to reload their RFID wallets. They will warned if done for a second time.

The transportation official did not say how much the fine will be, but this could fall under disregard for traffic signs which has a corresponding penalty of P1,000.

Tollways still have cash lanes as the government extended the transition period anew. – Rappler.com