LTO: Crossing double solid lines ‘universal’ violation

Transport blogger James Deakin accompanied his son to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday following a subpoena for a traffic violation on the Skyway last month.

The 19-year-old driver was issued a show-cause order for an incident on 18 December 2025. LTO officials explained that the teenager was cited for crossing a double solid lane, which they described as a “clear, universal, and strict traffic rule” that prohibits lane changes at any time.

Deakin had previously used his social media platform to question the severity of the “reckless driving” citation for a lane violation, noting his son is a new driver unfamiliar with Skyway exits.

He also sought clarification on why the 15-day settlement period includes weekends and holidays.

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacalinao clarified that the violation is purely administrative and does not constitute criminal charges for reckless imprudence.

“It will not be a permanent record,” Lacalinao said.

Regarding the timeline for settlement, the LTO chief emphasized that traffic adjudication rules specify 15 calendar days, not working days. He noted that because the apprehension occurred near Christmas, the driver was responsible for considering holiday office closures when fulfilling his obligation.

Following the hearing, Deakin posted on social media that the LTO staff was “professional and fair” and provided his son with proper due process. He noted that the agency offered them the choice to keep the hearing private from the press.

“Whatever the resolution, I’m grateful my son got to see due process work and the value it has in society,” Deakin said. “That was the whole point from day one.”