LTO-6 warns parents: No minors behind the wheel

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office Region VI (LTO-6) has issued a warning to parents and guardians after a viral photo showed five 17-year-old senior high school students from La Paz National High School riding a single motorcycle on August 5.

In a statement, Regional Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II reminded the public that Philippine law requires all drivers to meet the minimum age and licensing requirements.

“Allowing minors to drive not only violates traffic regulations but also exposes families to fines, criminal liability—and, most importantly, grave safety hazards,” he said.

Under existing laws and jurisprudence, allowing unlicensed minors to operate motor vehicles is classified as child endangerment, which is punishable by up to eight years in prison.

LTO-6’s Intelligence and Investigation Unit immediately coordinated with school officials at La Paz National High School.

Unit officer Tyson Niño Tupas met with Principal Dr. Salvador M. Besares and Assistant Principal Noel Tubungbanwa, who have scheduled dialogues with the five students and their parents to determine corrective actions.

Preliminary school findings identified one student, “Mark,” as the driver of his uncle’s motorcycle, which is legally restricted to two passengers.

He reportedly agreed to give classmates a ride to a nearby eatery.

The viral photo shows only one helmet in use, with one student seated on the luggage rack.

Assistant Regional Director Jeck D. Conlu emphasized that LTO-6 is stepping up law enforcement efforts in coordination with the police.

“Through checkpoints, community engagements, and school-based seminars, we’re ensuring only licensed drivers take to the roads,” he said.

“We urge parents to lead by example and insist their children comply with licensing requirements before riding or driving.”

By law, a student driver’s permit may be issued at age 16.

A non-professional driver’s license may be granted at age 17 with parental consent.

Violations can lead to fines, suspension of vehicle registration, and possible criminal charges for negligence or child endangerment.