‘Not for Hire’ not needed

Drivers of pickups carrying loads don’t need to worry about applying a ‘Not for Hire’ decal on their vehicles. The MMDA has released a resolution on the matter regarding a viral video over the issue.In the viral video that spread across social media platforms earlier this month, a driver captures his apprehension by an MMDA traffic enforcer in which he is flagged down solely for carrying load without any “Not for Hire” markings.In the video, the MMDA enforcer asserted that private utility vehicles were legally required to display these markings, along with details like total passenger capacity, gross, and net weight. The video went viral online with many debating over the legality of the apprehension.The driver himself protested the apprehension and appeared before MMDA’s Traffic Adjudication Office to dispute it.In response, the MMDA released Resolution No. 18613, which puts on record the agency’s findings in the driver’s favor, acknowledging that the MMDA’s Apprehending Officer (AO) acted beyond his authority.**media[27333]**In the resolution, the MMDA stated the following:“There is a directive from the Office of the Chairman that only a specific unit could apprehend and cite drivers committing administrative violations. Unfortunately, the concerned Apprehending Officer belong to such unit (sic). As much as we recognize the Apprehending Officer’s zealousness in implementing traffic rules and regulations, his authority is limited.“As the Apprehending Officer did not have the authority to flag down the driver without any initial violation and to issue citations for administrative violations, this Office is inclined to reconsider the issued citations.“Premises considered, the citations ‘No Not For Hire Sign, No Capacity Markings, and Failure to Carry/Show/Surrender Driver’s License under UOVR No. M24-0226788-3’ are hereby reconsidered.In summary, the lack of any “Not for Hire” markings may only be cited if such a violation is spotted while the vehicle is apprehended for another offense.The MMDA also notes that private vehicles used for personal means and transportation need not display the markings. Vehicles used for public transport, or hire, however, must obtain the necessary permits and franchise from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).