DOTr Suspends License of Driver Who Let His Child Drive
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has suspended the license of a driver who let his child take the wheel.
The driver allowed a child sitting on his lap to take control of the steering wheel while inside a mall’s parking lot in Parañaque City. The incident happened last Tuesday, August 12, and was caught on video.
According to authorities, the driver’s license has been suspended for 90 days as a penalty for the violation. A show cause order from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) confirmed that the act took place inside the mall’s parking area.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon reminded the public that letting a child drive is strictly prohibited under the law. He emphasized that no one, especially a young child without even a student permit, should be allowed to operate a vehicle.
Dizon added that ignoring this rule does not only risk suspension but could even lead to possible jail time.
The DOTr stressed that this decision was meant to serve as a warning to other drivers who might take road safety lightly. Allowing children to handle vehicles, even in what may seem like a harmless situation such as a parking lot, still poses serious dangers. Cars are not toys, and a small mistake could easily put lives at risk.
“Hindi mo pwedeng pagmanehuhin ‘yung bata mong anak na walang student permit, tapos musmos pa. Kabilin-bilinan ng Pangulo, sumunod na lang tayo sa batas, dahil baka hindi lang license suspension ang abutin mo, pwedeng makulong ka pa,” Dizon said.
The agency emphasized that safety on the road should always come first, whether on highways, side streets, or even in parking spaces. Authorities urged parents and drivers to set good examples and follow the rules to ensure everyone’s safety.
As of this writing, the driver involved will face the 90-day suspension, but officials noted that further violations of this nature could result in heavier penalties, including imprisonment.
In another post, a jeepney driver w/ live chicken on hood stopped by DOTr
The social media users expressed their reactions to the post:
