LTO gets tougher on motorists who put pedestrians at risk
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has formalized stricter action against motorists who endanger pedestrians, including the possible revocation of their driver’s licenses following an investigation.
LTO Chief, Markus Lacanilao, issued Memorandum No. MVL-2026-229, which sets guidelines for investigating and resolving cases where a motor vehicle puts pedestrians at risk of death, injury, or serious harm.
Sa mga sunod-sunod na insidenteng kinasasangkutan ng mga pedestrian, mas kailangan nating maging malinaw at mahigpit sa pagtugon sa mga ganitong kaso. Hindi lang ito tungkol sa pagresolba ng isang insidente, kundi sa pagtiyak na napoprotektahan natin ang buhay at kaligtasan ng mga pedestrian.
(With the series of incidents involving pedestrians, we need to be clearer and stricter in dealing with these cases. This is not just about resolving an incident, but ensuring that we protect the lives and safety of pedestrians.)
The memorandum covers incidents at designated pedestrian crossings and lanes. It applies to pedestrians using these areas, including children, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and people using mobility devices.
It also covers people getting on or off vehicles, those using non-motorized conveyances such as strollers and carts, and authorized personnel working on or along pedestrian lanes.
When there is sufficient reason to believe that a motorist endangered a pedestrian, the concerned LTO investigating office or unit must document and investigate the incident under existing administrative procedures.
If the investigation establishes sufficient grounds, the motorist may be declared an “Improper Person to Operate a Motor Vehicle” under Section 27(a) of Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. This can serve as the basis for the suspension or revocation of the driver’s license, subject to existing rules and due process.
The LTO said investigators must consider the circumstances of each case, including the actions or behavior of the pedestrian. This means a license is not automatically revoked simply because an incident occurs at a pedestrian lane. The agency must still investigate the case and determine the appropriate action based on its findings.
The memorandum follows the LTO’s earlier announcement of a “One Strike Policy” for motorists involved in pedestrian lane-related incidents.
Lacanilao added that the policy is intended to ensure that pedestrian safety is protected while establishing a clear process for holding motorists accountable.
The agency is again reminding motorists to slow down, exercise caution, and give way to pedestrians, particularly in areas with designated crossings and heavy pedestrian activity.
