Here’s What You Need To Know About MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy

Metro Manila — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) resumed enforcement of its No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) on May 26, targeting traffic violations on major roads across Metro Manila. The policy allows authorities to apprehend drivers remotely using CCTV and handheld cameras, which removes the need for physical interaction during traffic stops.

What is NCAP And Where Does It Apply?

NCAP uses cameras installed on major roads to record violations. When a violation occurs, cameras capture the incident, and MMDA personnel manually review the footage. The vehicle’s registration details are then verified with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). 

Once the violation is confirmed, a Notice of Violation is generated and mailed via PhilPost to the registered owner’s address, typically within seven days of the incident. Vehicle owners have 10 working days to contest the notice after receipt.

Image from Changing Transport Organization 

NCAP operates 24/7 and covers these key routes:

• C1: Recto
• C2: Mendoza, Pres. Quirino Avenue
• C3: Araneta Avenue
• C4: EDSA
• C5: Katipunan Avenue, Tandang Sora
• Expressways and major roads: Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Shaw Boulevard, Ortigas Avenue, Magsaysay Boulevard, Quezon Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Marcos Highway, and others

Violations monitored include:

• Overspeeding
• Ignoring traffic signs
• Driving during coding hours
• Entering bus lanes

Enforcement Pause in Areas with Signage Issues

Enforcement will be temporarily paused in areas where lane markings or traffic signs are missing or unclear. Commonwealth Avenue is among the affected locations, where recent road rehabilitation removed motorcycle lane markings. MMDA Traffic Enforcement Group Director Atty. Victor Nuñez said that the department is collaborating with the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to address these issues before full enforcement resumes in these zones.

“We are fair in dealing with that. If there is a mistake, no traffic signage, or missing markings, motorists can file a protest through our online traffic adjudication. They don’t need to go to the MMDA. But rest assured, where there are problems, we will not implement enforcement,” Nuñez said in an interview.

Motorists who believe they were wrongfully apprehended due to unclear or missing signs may file protests online through MMDA’s traffic adjudication system, eliminating the need for physical visits to MMDA offices. In-person appeals remain an option during office hours, Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

You can find the original social media post here:

https://www.facebook.com/MMDAPH/posts/1001737425456653?ref=embed_post

Payment and Consequences

Fines can be settled online through Landbank’s Link.BizPortal or in person at the MMDA Redemption Office in Pasig City. Failure to pay fines results in the vehicle’s license plate being flagged in the LTO’s alarm list, potentially affecting license renewal and registration.

NCAP’s Purpose and Impact

The MMDA emphasizes that NCAP is intended to improve road safety and traffic discipline, not to generate revenue. Since reimplementation, the policy has apprehended 479 violators as of Monday noon. The agency believes that the policy’s presence encourages drivers to exercise caution and follow traffic rules.

References

Cruz, J. (n.d.). No contact apprehension policy: How it works, how to pay fines, file an appeal. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/philippines/metro-manila/no-contact-apprehension-policy-how-it-works-pay-fines-appeal/

The Daily Tribune. (n.d.). To be fair: MMDA won’t enforce NCAP in areas with signage issues. The Daily Tribune. https://tribune.net.ph/2025/05/25/to-be-fair-mmda-wont-enforce-ncap-in-areas-with-signage-issues

Dizon, D. (n.d.). No contact apprehension restarts; 22 major roads under MMDA covered. ABS CBN. https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2025/5/25/tv-patrol-ilang-motorista-at-grupo-tutol-pa-rin-sa-pagpapatupad-ng-ncap-1928

Sarao, Z. (n.d.). MMDA’s No Contact Apprehension Policy nets 479 violators, so far. Inquirer. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2063626/fwd-how-mmdas-ncap-work