Manila, Philippines - The Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a stern warning on Monday to motorists, particularly those misusing the exclusive EDSA bus lane, that they could face suspension of their driver's licenses for evading traffic enforcers and disobeying traffic laws. This announcement comes amid increasing reports of motorists, especially motorcycle riders, fleeing to avoid apprehension for violations.
According to Philippines News Agency, the LTO has the authority to suspend or revoke the driver's licenses of those blatantly violating traffic regulations. Mendoza emphasized that having a driver's license is a privilege accompanied by the responsibility to respect traffic laws and those who enforce them. Mendoza, along with Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) acting chair Don Artes, oversaw the implementation of higher fines for illegal use of the EDSA bus lane. Artes stated that violators will be reported to the LTO, and those who attempt to escape traffic enforcers will face severe penalties.
Under MMDA Regulation No. 23-002, the penalties for illegal use of the EDSA bus lane have been increased. A first offense results in a PHP5,000 fine, a second offense leads to a PHP10,000 fine, a one-month suspension of the driver's license, and mandatory participation in a road safety seminar. A third offense carries a PHP20,000 fine and a one-year license suspension, while a fourth offense results in a PHP30,000 fine and a recommendation for license revocation. These fines apply to both public and private vehicles unauthorized to use the bus lane.
During operations on Monday morning, 333 vehicles, including four-wheelers and motorcycles, were apprehended in various locations along EDSA, marking an increase from the total apprehensions recorded from November 1 to 10. The MMDA's Traffic Ticket Management Division has logged 11,027 violations of the Bus/Public Utility Jeepney Ordinance or MMDA Reg. 18-007 from January to the end of October this year, highlighting the ongoing challenge of maintaining order on EDSA.