Driver Ticketed by MMDA Enforcer Over Missing ‘Not For Hire’ Sticker
MMDA – A traffic enforcer from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority went viral after issuing a ticket to the driver of a private Toyota Tamaraw pickup truck for not having a “Not For Hire” sticker.
The incident, which happened on July 4, 2025, quickly sparked reactions online, with many questioning why a private vehicle was stopped in the first place. In a video shared on social media, the enforcer told the driver, “You have a violation because there’s no ‘Not For Hire’ sign,” even though the vehicle was being used for personal purposes and showed no signs of being used commercially.
The situation raised concerns about the current priorities of traffic enforcement. With the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) now in place to address more serious violations, some believe that on-ground enforcers may now be focusing on minor or unclear violations, such as missing stickers, instead of addressing more pressing issues like traffic congestion and road safety.
Legal experts also weighed in, pointing out that stopping a vehicle without a clear reason could violate the 1987 Constitution, which protects citizens against unreasonable searches and seizures. Others cited the Supreme Court ruling in MMDA v. Garin (2005), which clarified that the MMDA does not have legislative powers and can only enforce existing laws. Therefore, if there is no national law or official regulation requiring private vehicles to display a “Not For Hire” sticker, enforcing such a rule could be considered an overreach.
Many online users also noted that if a vehicle’s registration clearly indicates it is privately owned, it should not be flagged solely based on appearance. The incident has since sparked wider calls for clearer traffic rules, better information for both drivers and enforcers, and a focus on genuine road safety issues rather than technicalities. For now, the discussion continues, highlighting the importance of fairness and clarity in traffic enforcement.