The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued a stern reminder to all motorists on Sunday about the importance of updating the agency on any sale or change of ownership of their vehicles.
This step is crucial to prevent potential legal complications, especially in the event of serious traffic accidents or criminal activities.
LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II emphasized that the name appearing in the registration data of any motor vehicle is always presumed to be the owner and driver. Consequently, any investigations or liabilities will be directed towards this individual.
“It is really important to keep the data of your motor vehicles updated in the LTO, especially in case of change of ownership. Because whatever happens is not good, you will still be investigated and chased because your name is entered in the LTO database,” Mendoza stated.
Past incidents have shown that failure to update ownership records can lead to significant legal troubles. Mendoza highlighted cases where former vehicle owners received show-cause orders or police investigations due to their vehicles being involved in criminal activities post-sale.
One notable incident occurred in Makati City, where a fatal road rage case led to a foreigner being presumed the driver of a Mercedes Benz based on outdated LTO data.
The police even visited his registered address in Las Piñas City, only to discover that the actual driver was another individual who was later arrested in Pasig City.
A similar situation unfolded in Quezon City, where a motorcycle used in the getaway of a gunman involved in the killing of an LTO official was still registered to its previous owner.
The original owner, who had already sold the motorcycle, was included in the investigation due to the failure to update the ownership status.
Updating vehicle ownership records is not just a bureaucratic task, but a critical step in ensuring individuals are not held accountable for incidents involving a vehicle they no longer own.
