Reckless driver in viral video permanently loses license

LUIS Miguel Lopez (also known as Miko Lopez), the driver who bragged he does all the illegal driving practices in a video post that went viral, now cannot legally drive on any public road in the Philippines.

This is because the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has revoked the driver’s license of Lopez and has “perpetually” barred him from getting one again, according to a statement released to journalists by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

The agency noted the LTO issued the memorandum revoking Lopez’s license on June 6.

Lopez is charged with multiple violations that include speeding, reckless driving, failure to wear or use a seatbelt, and driving a motor vehicle without a steering wheel (the violation falls under Unauthorized Motor Vehicle Modification).

Lopez is also required to pay penalties ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 for the traffic rules violations.

Quoting the LTO, the DOTr said Lopez, who had failed to appear before the LTO despite a May 29 subpoena issued against him, “disregarded the opportunity to present his side and did not make any clear effort to coordinate with the agency.”

Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade lauded the LTO’s decision. He said it “serves as a stern warning” to motorists, who should comply with traffic laws and regulations.

“Driving on public roads is a privilege. Owning a license is a privilege. When we use those roads, we partake in the shared responsibility of road safety. What Mr. Lopez did was an utter disregard for the safety of motorists and pedestrians. He poses a danger to the public and, therefore, has no place on our public roads,” Tugade said.

The DOTr said Lopez’s violations surfaced following his social media posts which showed him flouting traffic rules.

Besides a video of him driving a car from the front passenger seat, Lopez also posted a picture on Facebook which showed him driving a vehicle at over 120kph without a steering wheel, instead merely holding a quick-release adaptor. Another photo showed him speeding at over 220kph.