NAGA CITY, April 1 (PIA) --- Land Transportation Office (LTO) Bicol Regional Director Noreen San Luis-Lutey cautions motorists who will hit the roads for the Lenten break this week to seriously heed the LTOs warning that they will not spare anyone from their strict implementation of the “No Registration, No Travel” policy, not even in the spirit of the holy season. Lutey, in an interview this morning stated that motorists, especially those who will be driving 4-wheeled vehicles going to the various provinces in the region, should ensure that their vehicles are supported with pertinent documents. This is to spare them from delays and other undeserving circumstances like flagging them on the road or the risk of being apprehended. “We are doing this not to cause discomfort to our travelers but to ensure their safety while on the road. Pursuant to the directives issued by our Central office, we will strictly implement the stipulated provisions and will issue corresponding penalties and sanctions to erring vehicle owners,” Lutey added. No Registration, No Travel” policy is based on Memorandum Circular No. AVT-2015-1927 issued by the LTO on March 20. Clearly inscribed on its pages were the words: ”Starting 01 April 2015, no four (4)-wheeled motor vehicle can be used, driven or operated on the roads without being duly registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pursuant to R.A. 4136, Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 and other applicable rules and regulations.” Lutey further stated that car buyers should also be vigilant in checking their documents. Some car dealers are saying that registration papers are being forwarded to the LTO office yet in most circumstances, there is no truth to this claim. Normally, Lutey added, it will only take seven (7) working days for the Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR) and plate number to be released. A hefty P10,000.00 fine will be charged to the owner of an unregistered vehicle who will be caught using it on the road and another P1,000.00 charged for the erring driver. Yet Lutey said that the penalty also depends on the surrounding circumstances. “If the driver can present a Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt of the vehicle to prove that it has been registered, he or she will only be charge with P5,000.00 as penalty for his failure to attach license plates. If we want a hassle-free travel, all we have to do is follow the law,” Lutey started. Also in line with OPLAN Semana Santa, LTO personnel, as part of their routine during the road’s peak season, also visit terminals and check the worthiness of public vehicles that will ply longer routes. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)
