LTO upholds one-year driving ban for German tourist

By Gerome Dalipe IV

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has enforced a one-year ban on a German tourist’s driving privileges in the Philippines following traffic violations in Cabatuan, Iloilo.

LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, affirmed the decision of LTO Region 6 Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II to disqualify the foreign national from driving or securing a Philippine driver’s license for one year.

Lacanilao upheld the regional office ruling after denying the tourist’s appeal for lack of merit.

In his decision, Lacanilao said there was “no basis to disturb” the regional office’s findings, adding that the violations were clearly established and unrebutted.

The case stemmed from a July 3 stop in Cabatuan, where traffic enforcers flagged down the tourist for failing to wear a seat belt.

Authorities later determined the tourist had also been driving beyond the period allowed for foreign license holders.

Under Republic Act No. 4136, foreign tourists may use a valid foreign driver’s license in the Philippines for up to 90 days from arrival, after which they must secure a Philippine license to continue driving.

Records showed the German national entered the Philippines on Feb. 25, meaning the 90-day period had expired before the July apprehension, according to the LTO.

The tourist later filed a complaint accusing an enforcer of unlawfully confiscating his Alien Certificate of Registration.

A review by the LTO-6 Intelligence and Investigation Unit found no abuse of authority.

Body camera footage showed the driver without a seat belt and indicated he voluntarily surrendered his Alien Certificate of Registration after failing to present a passport or a valid Philippine driver’s license, the LTO said.

Lacanilao said driving is a regulated privilege, not a right, and requires compliance with Philippine law.

He said the tourist offered “no factual refutation” of the violations and relied on legal arguments that did not overcome what the LTO described as clear noncompliance.

“This resolution upholds both road safety and due process,” Geduspan said.

“Drivers must comply with mandatory seat belt laws and secure the proper license for their entire stay,” he said.

In addition to the one-year driving ban, the LTO ordered the German national to pay fines for violating the Seat Belt Use Act (Republic Act No. 8750) and the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (Republic Act No. 4136).

The LTO said the case reflects its enforcement push against unsafe driving and licensing violations, including those involving foreign motorists, as part of broader road safety efforts.