No Contact Apprehension Policy Is Back: What We Know So Far

(SPOT.ph) We’re sure you’ve heard the news: the Supreme Court has partially lifted the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP)—but only for the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). What does this actually mean for motorists?

Basically, MMDA can once again enforce NCAP on major roads under its control like EDSA, C5, Katipunan, Marcos Highway, Roxas Boulevard, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, West Avenue, E. Rodriguez Avenue, and Gil Puyat Avenue, among others. 

Yup, major roads only.

This is because the TRO still applies to local government units (LGUs), meaning city-run NCAP systems in Quezon City, Manila, Valenzuela, Muntinlupa, and Parañaque remain suspended. So while LGUs can’t issue NCAP fines for now, the MMDA will on national roads that pass through these same cities. Implementation will start next week on May 26. 

“The TRO here is only lifted with respect to the MMDA but it still remains with respect to the LGU ordinances… It can only be implemented by the MMDA in major thoroughfares kasi ‘yung MMDA resolution only refers to major thoroughfares, especially C5 and EDSA,” Supreme Court Spokesperson Atty. Camille Ting clarified in a press briefing on May 20.

The MMDA justified the NCAP's return by pointing to the upcoming EDSA rehabilitation starting June 13, saying that minimizing on-the-road confrontations will “more effectively address traffic congestion on Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares.”

Roads covered by no contact apprehension policy

Below are the major thoroughfares under the NCAP:

• C1 – Recto
• C2 – Mendoza, Pres. Quirino Avenue
• C3 – Araneta Ave.
• C4 – EDSA
• C5 – C.P. Garcia, Katipunan Avenue, Tandang Sora
• R1 – Roxas Boulevard.
• R2 – Taft Avenue
• R3 – South Superhighway
• R4 – Shaw Boulevard
• R5 – Ortigas Avenue
• R6 – Magsaysay Boulevard, Aurora Boulevard
• R7 – Quezon Avenue, Commonwealth Avenue
• R8 – A. Bonifacio
• R9 – Rizal Avenue
• R10 – Del Pan, Marcos Highway, McArthur Highway

According to MMDA Chairman Don Artes, enforcement will follow the same procedures as before. So if you commit a violation—like beating the red light or driving in the bus lane—expect a notice of violation (NOV) to be sent to the registered owner of the vehicle starting May 26. No traffic enforcer needs to flag you down in person.

“Wala naman pong pagbabago. Dati naman na po naming ini-implement 'yan. Na-TRO lang po,” Artes told GMA Integrated News. “Basically, 'yung mga violations po instead na physically na i-apprehend ng ating enforcers ay CCTV cameras na po ang huhuli. Then ipapadala na lang po namin 'yung notice of violation sa registered address nila.”

NCAP was suspended across Metro Manila in 2022 after a series of petitions were filed before the Supreme Court, citing concerns over due process, privacy violations, and the absence of a clear legal basis for its implementation under existing law.

 “As the implementation of NCAP resumes, we hope to instill road discipline among motorists,” the MMDA said in a statement.

Also read: What's Happening With the MMDA's Single Ticketing System?