DOTr: Automatic 90-Day suspension for kamote drivers caught on video

Following a series of traffic incidents that made headlines across the country, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has officially declared war not only against kamote content creators but also against drivers who blatantly disregard traffic laws.

According to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, he has already given instructions to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), headed by Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, to automatically impose a 90-day suspension on the driver’s licenses of those caught on video (or photos) violating traffic rules, without due process.

That means anyone whose traffic violations are captured on video or in photographs by concerned citizens will essentially have no right to appeal the LTO’s resulting sanctions.

_{DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon}

“I have given instruction to the LTO and I’m asking our citizens: may makita kami na post sa social media na nag-aabusadong driver, automatic suspendido yan lisensya [ng] 90-days,” said Sec. Dizon.

(I have given instructions to the LTO and I’m asking our citizens: if we see a post on social media of an abusive driver, their license will be automatically suspended for 90 days.)

Dizon added that videos of reckless drivers/riders posted on social media or other platforms should be enough evidence, hence, no hearing or due process will be given.

“Walang imbe-imbestigasyon, walang hearing-hearing, ‘pag may nakita kami na may video, na may pruweba na uma-abuso kayo sa kalye, suspendido kayo,” added Sec. Dizon.

(No investigation, no hearings, if we see a video, if there’s proof that you are being reckless on the road, you are suspended.)

Public as CCTVs

It’s no secret that law enforcers, particularly the LTO, are a little shorthanded when it comes to the number of enforcers. So, for Sec. Dizon, the public plays a big role in helping the agency rid the streets of unruly riders, as well as drivers.

That said, Secretary Dizon has called upon the media and the public to provide video and photographic evidence of traffic violations, assuring immediate action and license suspensions upon verification. He asserted that the LTO will enforce regulations without fear or favor, regardless of the violator’s status, including social media personalities. He made it clear that driving privileges will be suspended for those found in violation, restricting their ability to operate any vehicle.