Crackdown on vehicle modifications a reminder for enforcers — LTO

The campaign of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to apprehend motorists using unauthorized light-emitting diode (LED) lights and other modifications was a "reminder" for enforcers to enforce the law, the chief of the agency said on Tuesday.

"It was a reiteration, so probably they were not apprehending (violators before) so they started to apprehend (violators) already," LTO Chief Roberto Cabrera III told GMA News Online at the sidelines of a meeting with motorist groups in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Cabrera was referring to the memorandum issued to all LTO offices on January 18, 2016, reiterating the drive against unauthorized wang-wangs or sirens, LED lights, and other modifications.

This is also pursuant to the joint administrative order (JAO) of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and the LTO, stressing that violators can be penalized under the law.

The memorandum was met with mixed reactions from several motoring groups.

The motorcycle riders group Arangkada said the memorandum must clarify certain aspects of the order. Arangkada is an umbrella group for some 380 clubs in the country with a total membership which is said to reach 40,000.

"We just want clarification kasi nagkakaroon ng problema. Noong nagkaroon ng memo si Asec (Cabrera), gineralize niya 'yung LED light - doon nagkaroon ng problema," Arangkada National Chairman Rod Cruz said.

For its part, the Automobile Association Philippines (AAP) supports the memorandum, citing the government's renewed drive versus the use of unauthorized motor vehicle modifications such as sirens and blinkers.

"It is clearly stated in Section 34, Article IV of RA (Republic Act) 4136 the provisions on the modifications and who could use them. PD (Presidential Decree) 96 - issued by former President Ferdinand Marcos - on the other hand, has given the authorities the power to confiscate such modifications," AAP President Gus Lagman said in an emailed statement.

AAP Vice President Johnny Angeles, who is also the chairman of AAP's Road Safety Committee, also said that installing unauthorized blinkers, sirens, or similar modifications is a blatant violation of the law.

"The certificate of registration of the motor vehicle on which the unauthorized gadget or device herein mentioned is installed, mounted or used shall be canceled or revoked," Angeles said, citing PD 96.

Cabrera added that LTO will be the main enforcing agency of the drive against these unauthorized modifications.

"Para lang ho maging synchronized ho, uniform 'yung panghuhuli natin," he said.
Violators may face a fine of P5,000. The vehicle will also be impounded by the LTO, and the unauthorized accessories shall be confiscated. — BAP/JST, GMA News