LTO apprehends 7K colorum, 4.5K seatbelt law violators in Calabarzon

MANILA – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has apprehended over 7,000 unregistered motor vehicles and 4,500 drivers in the Calabarzon region in September for various violations including on Republic Act 870 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999, as part of its efforts to ensure safer roads.

In a statement on Friday, the LTO said the owners of 7,407 unregistered motor vehicles – mostly motorcycles at 4,007 apprehensions, followed by 1,908 tricycles and 820 privately-owned vans – were penalized and warned of stiffer sanctions if they again fail to renew their vehicle registration.

LTO-Calabarzon director Elmer Decena said in terms of unregistered vehicles, the Cabuyao District Office was the top performer with 410 apprehensions, followed by Calamba District Office with 295, and San Pablo with 239.

"And based on the instruction of [LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II], we are now preparing appropriate criminal charges against the owners and drivers of the apprehended colorum vehicles," he said.

The LTO also apprehended 54 drivers during the regionwide anti-colorum drive.

On the other hand, 4,502 motorists were penalized for not wearing seatbelts.

The Cabuyao District Office also emerged as the top performer on Seatbelt Law operations with 766 apprehensions, followed by the Calamba District Office with 474, and San Pablo with 293.

The intensified anti-colorum and Seatbelt Law operations are in line with Mendoza's order to all LTO regional directors to conduct aggressive operations against colorum vehicles, unregistered motor vehicles, and other land transportation-related laws. (PNA)