The new policy of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to allow the first-time registration of motor vehicles at the LTO Dumaguete District Office will be a big boost to traffic law enforcement in the city, the Provincial Highway Patrol Team (PHPT) said.

Prior to the policy, owners usually had their new vehicles registered outside the province, like in Cebu or other areas.

PHPT-Negros Oriental chief Police Executive Master Sergeant Aurelio Bodo told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that the new policy will also strengthen the PHPT’s campaign against unregistered vehicles operating on public roads without proper documentation.

“Under existing regulations, motorcycles, cars, and other motor vehicles are not allowed on the roads unless they are duly registered,” he said.

Bodo said many motorcycle buyers face long delays in receiving registration documents from dealers, forcing some owners to operate their vehicles without the necessary paperwork.

As a result, many motorists are apprehended during PHPT roadside operations, he added.

Meanwhile, the new policy will make it easier for individuals purchasing motor vehicles as they no longer have to travel outside the province to have their vehicles registered.

Bodo said the policy would make it easier for authorities to trace vehicle owners involved in accidents and criminal incidents.

Bodo welcomed the move announced by Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, who also serves as LTO chief, during the inauguration and blessing of the LTO Dumaguete District Office.

Lacanilao said the office would soon be authorized to process first-time registrations of newly purchased motor vehicles in Negros Oriental. (PNA)