The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is set to launch a renewed, intensified nationwide campaign targeting motor vehicles with expired registrations and those deemed unsafe for operation. This initiative, says LTO, aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive to enhance road safety and is supported by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon.

LTO Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II announced that the crackdown will address a significant increase in violations related to expired registrations and licenses, based on the agency’s data.

“The LTO is finalizing its campaign plan and coordinating with relevant agencies for the aggressive implementation against motor vehicles with expired registration and those considered unsafe and unfit on the roads,” said Mendoza.

A memorandum detailing the guidelines for this intensified enforcement, dated June 16, has already been issued. Mendoza also indicated that the aggressive operations are planned to commence by August this year.

“This should serve as a notice to motorists to comply with their obligation to keep their motor vehicle registration updated, otherwise, it would necessitate a more stringent process before renewal,” Mendoza warned.

He emphasized the crucial role of roadworthiness inspections conducted by accredited Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs) in informing owners about their vehicles’ safety status.

Under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01 and Republic Act 4136, motor vehicles with expired registrations will be impounded until they are properly registered after undergoing a roadworthiness inspection, along with a PHP 10,000 fine. Similarly, unsafe and unfit motor vehicles can also be impounded until all necessary safety requirements are met.

The memorandum specifically defines “unsafe and unfit” vehicles as those with “clearly defective parts such as broken windshields, exposed or hanging parts, bald tires, excessive emissions, or major visible structural damage.”

The LTO chief also highlighted past fatal road crashes attributed to defective vehicle parts and accessories, underscoring the necessity of strict enforcement against unsafe vehicles. The LTO also mentioned that the Marcos administration is actively working to reduce road crashes in the country by at least 35% by 2028, as part of the Philippine Road Safety Action Plan.

Globally, road accidents claim approximately 1.3 million lives every year, with 20 to 50 million individuals sustaining injuries or disabilities, according to World Health Organization (WHO) data. In the Philippines, UN data indicates an average of 32 daily fatalities from road crashes.

Emphasizing that road safety is a matter of life and death, Mendoza stated that LTO is actively implementing preventive measures and interventions for all road users. He highlighted the current campaign against unsafe vehicles as a key component of this initiative, urging delinquent motorists to take responsibility, given that the well-being of themselves and their families is on the line.