Mabalacat city: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has taken decisive action by suspending the driver of a sports utility vehicle (SUV) for utilizing an unauthorized temporary license plate.

According to Philippines News Agency, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao revealed that a show cause order has been issued to both the registered owner and the driver of a Toyota Fortuner. The vehicle was seen traveling along McArthur Highway in Barangay Dau, Mabalacat City, Pampanga, with a plate marked 'K9-Unit Explosive Detection.'

Lacanilao emphasized the importance of adhering to proper vehicle identification, stating that unauthorized plates could potentially be used for fraudulent or illicit activities. He asserted that the LTO would not tolerate such violations.

The vehicle in question was found to be unregistered, with its last registration recorded on March 7, 2022. Consequently, the owner and driver have been summoned to appear before the LTO Intelligence and Investigation Division to address administrative charges concerning the use of unauthorized number plates, failure to register the vehicle, and reckless driving.

In addition to these charges, the driver must justify why their driver's license should not face further suspension or revocation on the grounds of being unfit to operate a motor vehicle.

Pending the investigation and subsequent hearing, the driver has been placed under a 90-day preventive suspension. The SUV has also been flagged to restrict any transactions with the LTO, including registration and resolution of any violations.

Lacanilao reiterated the significance of compliance with LTO regulations regarding vehicle identification, warning that violators would be held accountable under the law. He urged the public to report any suspicious vehicles or traffic violations to the LTO's official channels to aid in ensuring road safety and order.