By Margaux Ortiz
Inquirer News Service

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has seen the light -- the unauthorized variety, that is -- and is not amused.

Worse, it will be apprehending and slapping a 500-peso fine on car owners who have installed prohibited lighting devices on their vehicles in violation of rules set by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).



Traffic Operations Center Director Angelito Vergel de Dios said an LTO memorandum circular dated March 23, 1999, banned "dazzling headlights, broken taillights, broken taillight lens, and unauthorized rear/side/spot white or neon lights of any colors" on vehicles that use Metro Manila's roads.

"Despite the order," Vergel de Dios noted, "vehicles sporting additional lighting devices are being tolerated." He explained that these distract pedestrians and other motorists and could lead to accidents.

Upon apprehension, unauthorized lighting devices on vehicles will be immediately confiscated and the motorist fined.

If a motorist refuses to have a device confiscated, his or her vehicle will be impounded and the illegal accessory removed. The vehicle will be released afterwards.

The MMDA official said they would propose to National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force chief Angelo Reyes the strict implementation of the ban on unauthorized blinkers and sirens.

Vergel de Dios said the emergency devices were often used by unscrupulous and abusive enforcers and officials.

He added that cars with illegal sirens and blinkers could be used as getaway vehicles by criminals.

bye-bye altezza lights!!