No-Contact Apprehension Policy Yields Thousands of Violations
Since May 26, the No-Contact Apprehension Policy has caught over 5,400 violators across Metro Manila, local authorities confirmed on June 2. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) revealed these figures amid ongoing efforts to enforce stricter traffic laws.
The No-Contact Apprehension Policy targets motorists who break traffic rules without the need for direct police intervention. However, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) recently issued a stern warning to drivers who tamper with or cover their license plates. The agency cautioned that offenders risk facing up to two years in prison.
Steep Penalties for Covering License Plates
The MMDA reported that the highest number of violations happened on the first day, with 1,112 recorded offenses. The figures gradually dropped to 489 on May 31 and 565 on June 1. In total, 5,436 violations were documented from May 26 to June 1.
On June 2, Gabriel Go, head of the MMDA Special Operations Group, submitted evidence against 50 motorists caught hiding their license plates to the LTO. Authorities are pursuing legal action against these drivers, emphasizing the seriousness of the offense.
LTO Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II highlighted the existing laws, including Republic Act 11235, which carries criminal and administrative penalties for such violations. “We have already intensified the campaign against these errant motorists and this includes social media monitoring,” Mendoza stated.
Social Media Monitoring and Legal Actions
The LTO’s social media monitoring team recently issued a show-cause order to a motorcycle owner whose license plate was concealed with packaging tape. This case underscores the agency’s increased vigilance in identifying violators using digital platforms.
LTO Executive Director Greg Pua explained that, besides a P5,000 fine, offenders can face imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to two years under RA 11235 for tampering with or covering license plates. He urged motorists to comply with traffic regulations and encouraged the public to report similar violations promptly.
“Aside from urging motorists to just follow the traffic regulations, Pua also asked netizens to immediately report cases of covering license plates to the LTO,” sources noted.
The combined efforts of the MMDA and LTO signal a strong commitment to improving road safety and ensuring motorists adhere to the law.
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