Motorists warned: Keep vehicles roadworthy or face fines

CEBU, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has urged motorists to keep their vehicles in good condition at all times as the agency is set to intensify a nationwide crackdown on motor vehicles with expired registrations, licenses, and safety defects.

LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza, said the campaign is driven in part by past fatal road crashes caused by defective vehicle parts and accessories.

Citing data from the United Nations, the LTO noted that an average of 32 people die each day from road crashes in the Philippines.

“Road safety is a matter of life and death. We are taking proactive steps to keep all road users safe,” said Mendoza.

“Part of that effort is our campaign against these types of vehicles. We appeal to owners of delinquent vehicles to do the right thing—dahil kaligtasan ninyo at ng inyong mga mahal sa buhay ang nakataya dito,” he added.

Under the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan, the Marcos administration aims to reduce road crashes by at least 35% by 2028.

In support of this target, the LTO is finalizing a campaign plan in coordination with relevant agencies to step up enforcement against unregistered and unsafe vehicles, as well as expired driver’s licenses.

A memorandum issued by Mendoza details enforcement guidelines against unsafe and delinquent vehicles.

Under the directive, vehicles with expired registrations will be impounded until they are registered and have passed a roadworthiness inspection. This is in accordance with Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 and Republic Act No. 4136. Violators will face a ?10,000 fine.

“This should serve as notice to all vehicle owners to keep their registrations up to date,” Mendoza emphasized. “Otherwise, they will face a more stringent process during renewal.”

The LTO also stressed the importance of roadworthiness inspections conducted at accredited private motor vehicle inspection centers, which help determine whether vehicles are still safe to use.

Vehicles may also be impounded if found unsafe or unfit for the road, citing issues such as broken windshields, exposed or hanging parts, bald tires, excessive emissions, or visible structural damage. — (FREEMAN)