In the past, luxury vehicles were often ignored by authorities, frequently getting a “free pass” when committing traffic violations. Many enforcers hesitated to act, knowing that the person behind the wheel was likely a powerful politician, perhaps an influential business figure, or someone with deep connections.

This mindset has long allowed powerful figures to feel entitled, as if the law didn’t apply to them. But that era appears to be ending, with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) now tightening enforcement for everyone, including those behind the wheel of high-end vehicles.

Over the weekend, the LTO reported the impoundment of at least 30 luxury vehicles as part of its intensified campaign against traffic violators. According to LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao, many of these high-end cars were found unregistered, and several of their drivers didn’t even have a valid driver’s license.

“Ang karamihan po ng mga violation, kung magtataka kayo ang mahal mahal ng sasakyan, walang rehistro. Pangalawa, walang driver’s license ang karamihan,” said Lacanilao.

(Most of the violations, and maybe you’re wondering, involve very expensive vehicles that aren’t even registered. Second, many of the drivers don’t have a driver’s license.)

Lacanilao also explained that LTO enforcers can immediately determine whether a vehicle is registered, and once a motorist is flagged down, they verify the documents and proceed with standard checks. In numerous cases, drivers were unable to produce any license at all. He added that they were taken aback by the sheer number of high-end vehicles operating without registration and, in some instances, without licensed drivers behind the wheel.