LTO suspends 3K errant drivers for 90 days

STIFF SANCTIONS Motorists with multiple violations dating back to 2006 or 2009 up to 2019 face the suspension or loss of their driving privileges. —GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended for 90 days the licenses of around 3,000 drivers in Metro Manila who have committed multiple traffic violations over a period ranging from 10 to 13 years.

On top of the 90-day suspension, the errant drivers will also be asked to explain why their licenses should not be permanently revoked.

At the same time, more than 9,000 others are under investigation and may face the same sanctions.

The punitive measures are in line with a campaign against motorists with numerous traffic violations—some numbering over 100—as the LTO prepares to transition to a point system for drivers. This will complement a law increasing the validity of licenses for up to 10 years upon renewal, LTO deputy director Bob Valera told the Inquirer.

Three or more violations

Valera said that since last year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had transmitted the names of over 12,000 drivers whose licenses should be suspended or revoked for committing three or more violations yearly since 2006 or 2009, up to last year. Under Republic Act 4136, drivers can accumulate only up to three violations a year before their licenses are suspended.

LTO intelligence division chief Martha Fortadez said around 80 to 90 percent of the over 12,000 license holders were bus drivers plying Edsa every day. Among their most common violations were swerving out of the yellow lane intended for buses, reckless driving, disregarding traffic signs, and obstructing the road.

Since the list submitted by the MMDA showed only the names of the errant drivers, the LTO still had to match them with their driving license numbers. As a result, only 3,000 of the more than 12,000 names have been processed so far by the transport agency.

LTO to conduct hearings

Fortadez said that drivers issued the 90-day suspension and show-cause orders would be required to attend a hearing where they would be asked to explain why they should not be stripped of their license permanently. Those caught defying the suspension order, she warned, would face an additional penalty—a yearlong suspension of their driving privileges.

In the meantime, Valera said the LTO was priming its new Dermalag IT system for the full rollout of the new merit/demerit system for driving license holders under Republic Act 10930. Under the system, points are deducted from a driver according to the severity of the traffic violation committed. Fortadez added that they  were hoping to forge a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority which had offered to conduct a 15-day driving skills seminar for repeat offenders.