The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has impounded 39 vehicles in a recent enforcement operation, 30 of which are luxury models. The week-long sweep was part of the agency’s ongoing campaign to crack down on the use of unregistered vehicles and ensure that all motorists comply with licensing regulations.
LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said the latest operation was prompted by persistent violations involving cars running with expired or missing registration documents, as well as motorists driving without valid licenses. The official emphasized that the compliance sweep was not targeted at luxury vehicles specifically, but aimed at establishing consistent application of the law across all vehicle classes. May it be a standard sedan or a high-end sports car, every vehicle is subject to the same rules and regulations, he noted.
Among the impounded units were several well-known luxury models, including Ford Mustangs, Porsche 911s, Porsche Cayennes, BMWs, Range Rovers, and a Jaguar. The presence of so many luxury vehicles in the list of violators has generated public attention, but LTO maintains that this only reflects the nature of the violations detected during its operation.
Following the impoundment, all vehicles will undergo verification in coordination with the Bureau of Customs (BOC). This assessment will confirm the validity of the vehicles’ registration statuses and ensure that all units were brought into the country through legal means. Owners will be allowed to reclaim their vehicles once they present updated and complete documents, including official receipt and certificate or registration (OR/CR), along with a valid driver’s license. Vehicles that fail verification or those whose owners cannot present the required documents may be subject to forfeiture or auction in accordance with established procedures.
Lacanilao acknowledged that enforcement can be quite challenging, especially when high-end cars are involved, as some officers may feel hesitant to flag down expensive units. He reiterated that the LTO will continue supporting its personnel to perform duties without fear or favor. The agency is expected to release further updates once verification progresses. For now, it said the operation serves as a reminder that vehicle value does not equate to exemption from the law, and that road safety begins with proper registration and licensing.
