LTO considers lifetime license revocation for pedestrian lane violations
Motorists who fail to yield to pedestrians could face much harsher penalties, including the possible perpetual revocation of their driver’s licenses, under a proposed “One Strike Policy” being prepared by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, said the agency is drafting a memorandum targeting motorists who disregard pedestrian lanes and put people crossing the road at risk.
Lacanilao said he personally witnessed an incident where a child was properly crossing a pedestrian lane but was nearly hit by a motorist.
Dami namamatay [habang] tumatawid ng maayos sa pedestrian [lane]. Personal ako nakakita bata. Grabe binusinahan, tumatawid ng tama yung bata.
(Many people die [while] crossing the pedestrian [lane] properly. I personally saw a child being honked at, and the child was crossing correctly.)
Under Section 42(c) of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, motorists must yield the right of way to pedestrians crossing within a crosswalk.
Lacanilao said the proposed memorandum would impose harsher penalties on motorists who get involved in pedestrian lane-related incidents.
Once signed, motorists found violating the policy could be declared an Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle. This could lead to the perpetual revocation of their driver’s license, depending on the circumstances and the proceedings against the driver.
The LTO continues to remind motorists that driving is a privilege and that road safety should remain a primary consideration behind the wheel.
