LTO flags SUV driver over unauthorized blinker, bike lane abuse

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a show cause order against the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) who was flagged for using an unauthorized blinker and allegedly attempting to pass through a designated bike lane to beat traffic.

The incident came to light after Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Special Operations Task Group head Gabriel Go reposted a video originally shared on the Visor Community page. The video showed the SUV equipped with a blue-colored blinker and driving along what appeared to be a bike lane.

In his caption, Go cited Presidential Decree No. 96 and noted that the law “strictly prohibits the use of sirens, blinkers, and similar flashing devices on private vehicles, allowing them only for specific government/ emergency vehicles like the AFP,PNP, NBI, Fire Department's, and ambulance”.

Following the post, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lalinao directed the issuance of a show cause order, requiring the driver to submit a verified explanation as to why he should not face administrative charges.

Possible violations cited include reckless driving, operating a motor vehicle with defective, improper, or unauthorized accessories, disregarding traffic signs by using a bike lane, and improper operation of a motor vehicle.

According to the LTO, the driver’s actions not only caused irritation among fellow motorists but also posed serious safety risks.

The registered owner of the vehicle has been ordered to appear before the LTO’s Intelligence and Investigation Division for a hearing scheduled on 23 January at 4 p.m.

The agency added that the vehicle involved is currently under alarm status, while the driver’s license has been suspended for 90 days. Should the respondents fail to attend the hearing or submit an explanation, the case will be resolved based on available evidence.

“Ang mga paglabag sa batas trapiko ay hindi lamang nagdudulot ng kaguluhan kundi nagbabanta rin sa kaligtasan ng lahat ng gumagamit ng kalsada. Ang bike lane ay inilaan para sa mga bisikleta at hindi dapat abusuhin ng mga ibang uri ng sasakyan,” the LTO chief said.

“Bukod pa rito, ang mga hindi awtorisadong kagamitan tulad ng sobrang liwanag ng mga ilaw ay maaaring magdulot ng abala sa paningin ng ibang mga driver at maging sanhi ng malubhang aksidente,” he added.

Lalinao urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and respect the rights and safety of all road users.

“Hinihikayat ko ang lahat ng mga motorista na sundin ang mga regulasyon sa trapiko at igalang ang mga karapatan at kaligtasan ng ibang mga gumagamit ng kalsada. Ang LTO ay patuloy na magpapatupad ng mga batas na ito nang walang kinikilingan para tiyakin ang ligtas at maayos na daloy ng trapiko sa buong Metro Manila,” he said.