LTO tells pick-up truck driver to explain viral ‘full stop’ on expressway

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order (SCO) against the driver of a black pick-up truck that suddenly stopped in the middle of an expressway, endangering other motorists on the road.

In a statement, the LTO cited a viral video that was shared on a Facebook group and showed the vehicle suddenly stopping along the fast lane of the STAR Tollway near the Tanauan City exit on January 30.

The vehicle’s sudden movement also prompted other vehicles behind it to halt as well, which the LTO said may have ended up in a collision.

Investigation showed that the vehicle in question was attempting to enter the Tanauan City exit prior to the incident.

The SCO compelled the pick-up truck’s registered owner and the driver to present themselves at the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) on February 26 at 2 p.m.

They are required to submit a verified explanation to justify why the driver should not be charged with reckless driving and why the driver’s license should not be suspended for being an improper person to operate a motor vehicle.

In the meantime, the driver’s license will be placed under preventive suspension for 90 days. The driver should surrender this to the LTO on the date of the hearing.

The pick-up truck was also placed under an LTO alarm to prevent any transactions involving the vehicle.

Should the respondents fail to appear and submit their explanation, the LTO will decide on the complaint based on the available evidence.

The LTO said the respondents may also acquire the services of a lawyer during the investigation. — JMA, GMA Integrated News