The sight of ‘converted’ vehicles is likely familiar to many drivers, particularly those from the 90s and 2000s, when right-hand-drive (RHD) imports from Japan frequently appeared on our roads, often through Subic and Port Irene.

In 2025, however, these vehicles—originally designed for the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM)—are experiencing a significant comeback. Their popularity is surging because they not only boast attractive designs but also come equipped with high-end features, usually exclusive to top-tier models from local car brands, yet are available at roughly a quarter of the price.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had to put a stop to this because it’s illegal.

Just recently, over 65 imported RHD motor vehicles were confiscated during a joint operation conducted by the LTO and the NBI in Talisay City, Cebu. LTO says that this operation aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s directive for aggressive enforcement against road safety compromises.

The operation was initiated based on confirmed intelligence reports concerning the illegal activities of the auto shop. During the raid, a Peruvian national was also taken into custody after being identified as the operator of the raided shop in Talisay City.

The LTO has been conducting intensified operations nationwide against the importation, assembly, and sale of right-hand drive vehicles. This follows a similar discovery in Quezon City last month, which subsequently led to raids on three autoshops in Davao, yielding over 40 RHD vehicles.

“These stores appear to be all connected,” said Mendoza. “That is why Ambassador Lacanilao was here with us as part of the thorough investigation into this illegal activity because there were reports that this is run by at least one foreigner.”

Initial investigations suggest that the RHD vehicles were imported and then assembled within the country before being offered for sale. Mendoza had previously ordered an investigation into an LTO office in Mindanao, reportedly accused of facilitating the registration of illegally assembled RHD motor vehicles.

“We will hold all those involved accountable based on the directive of our DOTr Secretary. For now, our investigation is deep to identify all the people behind this,” added Mendoza.

The LTO reiterated that under Republic Act 8506, also known as “An Act Banning the Registration and Operation of Vehicles With Right-Hand Steering Wheel in any Private or Public Street, Road or Highway,” the mere presence of right-hand drive vehicles in the country is deemed illegal, as their importation is prohibited in the first place.

The law explicitly states that “It shall be unlawful for any person to import, cause the importation of, register, cause the registration of, use, or operate any vehicle with its steering wheel right-hand side thereof in any highway, street or road, whether private or public or of the national or local government.”