There is a reason vehicles have a specified passenger capacity indicated in the Certificate of Registration (CR). This figure reflects the manufacturer’s design and the maximum number of passengers the vehicle can safely carry. Exceeding this limit, especially in a manner already deemed unsafe, may be considered reckless driving, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Such was the case involving the driver of a government-owned vehicle bearing red license plate SNC 1293. Based on a report submitted to the LTO, the vehicle was observed carrying six passengers on its pickup bed, which was well beyond the usual two- to three-passenger capacity of the model. Moreover, the pickup bed is designed solely for cargo, not passengers, and is not equipped with seats or handrails, making the practice extremely dangerous, especially when traveling on public roads.

The designated driver at the time of the incident, along with his superior, has been summoned to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) at the agency’s head office along East Avenue in Quezon City. They are required to submit a sworn explanation as to why the driver should not be penalized under existing laws, including reckless driving, which may result in the revocation of the driver’s license.

The vehicle was also automatically placed under alarm by the LTO, while the driver’s license of the person operating it at the time of the incident was suspended for 90 days pending investigation.

Meanwhile, LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao reiterated his reminder to government personnel to serve as role models of discipline and respect for the law, particularly on public roads.