LTO raids three shops for illegal right-hand-drive vehicle rebuilding

Authorities in Davao City raided three auto surplus shops for allegedly illegally importing and rebuilding right-hand-drive vehicles on May 21.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO), backed by local police, found employees conducting backyard rebuilding of right-hand vehicles during the raid.

JP Malik Trucks and Equipment Corp., Mahar Motor Surplus Corp., and Umar Japan OPC were impounded with a total of 45 right-hand drive vehicles.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts by the LTO to combat illegal activities related to right-hand-drive vehicles following a similar raid last month in Quezon City.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II stated that investigations are underway and charges will be filed under Republic Act 8506, which penalizes such actions with imprisonment and fines up to P50,000.

The law prohibits the importation, registration, use, or operation of vehicles with right-hand steering wheels on any public road in the Philippines.