LTO suspends driver’s license of vlogger who posted traffic violations online

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has imposed a 90-day preventive suspension on the driver’s license of a male vlogger after a viral video showed him allegedly violating several traffic rules, such as not wearing a seatbelt and using his mobile phone while driving.

The LTO also issued a show cause order (SCO) against the social media personality, whose sports utility vehicle was also placed under an LTO alarm.

In a statement, the LTO said the viral video showed the vlogger driving the vehicle, supposedly with a fake license plate. The motorist also did not have his seatbelt on and even used his mobile phone while driving.

“Ang mga paglabag na ito ay itinuturing na distracted driving at nagsapanganib sa ibang motorista,” it said.

(These violations fall under distracted driving and pose a danger to other motorists.)

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao ordered the vlogger to appear before a hearing of the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at its office along East Avenue in Quezon City.

The vlogger is required to submit a verified comment or explanation why he should not be held liable for offenses like failure to attach authorized motor vehicle license plate, mandatory use of seatbelt, distracted driving, reckless driving, and improper person to operate a vehicle.

Aside from the preventive suspension of his driver’s license, the vlogger is also required to bring his vehicle to the LTO’s Motor Vehicle Inspection Facility to undergo a complete roadworthiness inspection.

Lacanilao warned that the vlogger’s failure to appear before the LTO or submit his comment would be considered a waiver of his right to defend himself and that the LTO will continue with its resolution of the case based on its documents and evidence. — JMA, GMA Integrated News