LGUs told: Synchronize road violation records with DOTr

ROAD VIOLATIONS -- The Dept. of Transportation-Land Transportation Office in Cordillera is urging local government units to synchronize their record on transportation and road regulation violations with the department to educate drivers on the importance of following road rules and laws. Here, DOTr LTO-CAR regional director Francis Rae Almora says even minor violations will be reflected in the system and will be basis for penalty or denial of renewal of driver’s license. (PNA photo courtesy of Romeo Gonzales)

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The Dept. of Transportation in the Cordillera Administrative Region urged local government units to synchronize their record on transportation and road regulation violations with the department to help educate the drivers on the importance of following road rules and laws. 
    “Kapag naka synchronize kasi ang apprehension report nila sa LTO (Land Transportation Office), makikita nila ang violation nila kapag nag renew sila ng lisensiya at baka kailanganin na mag-undergo sila ng seminar bago makakuha ng lisensiya (if records are synchronized with the LTO, they will see their violations when they renew their license which may require a seminar before they can renew their driver’s license),” said Francis Rae Almora, officer-in-charge of DOTr-CAR and regional director of the LTO-CAR, in an interview on Wednesday. 
    Almora underscored the importance of compliance with road rules and laws as drivers and motor vehicle owners are not just penalized with fines for violations but will be required to undergo a seminar if the person reaches demerit points that bar him outright license renewal. 
    He said road crashes and rages happen as some drivers ignore road rules and laws. 
    “This is more of information education for the public. If they know that their violation is being recorded hopefully, they will be very cautious and will not violate,” he said. 
    Almora said the LTO has limited personnel to implement traffic laws and regulations but LGUs and police assigned in the localities have more personnel allowing them to check on violations and be recorded with the LTO. 
    The DOTr-LTO issued new guidelines before a driver can be issued a license that is valid for 10 years. 
     “If they don’t have violations, they get (license with) 10 years validity. If a violation is recorded even if they are committed and apprehended by the local enforcers, then it forms part of the records, giving them a lesson to not repeat a violation,” he added. -- PNA