By Alexandria San Juan The Land Transportation Office has clarified that it was not arbitrarily and subjectively apprehending owners of modified cars, maintaining that illegally modified vehicles are not allowed on the road. (MANILA BULLETIN) LTO Law Enforcement Service Director Francis Almora explained that the agency's crackdown against illegally modified cars was supported by law. Almora said that illegal modification of all types of vehicles is cited under Republic Act 4136 and a number of administrative orders released by the Department of Transportation. Based on the Department Order 2010-32 issued by then Department of Transportation and Communications, a motor vehicle is classified as modified if it has "any physical change or alternation in the existing motor vehicle design such as body configuration, engine displacement and others." Under another section of the order with subject "Harmonization of Motor Vehicle Classifications of LTO and LTFRB," it stated that the "modification of the brake system, steering wheel assembly, air conditioning system, suspension and interior and exterior trimmings shall not be construed as a change in vehicle type classification." The order also stated that modifications involving safety and environment shall not be allowed, including axle modification, chassis modification, extended chassis/body, additional sidings of dump trucks, extended overhang, change of rim size, modification of handlebar and muffler, and reconfiguration of body dimension and design. The transportation agency explained that tampering with the engine performance, drivetrain, suspension, wheels, and brakes of a vehicle, which are outside the approved parameters or its basic components, may affect its performance, and may compromise safety. While enhancements to features and performance such as interior and exterior trimmings are allowed as long as the existing design of the vehicle is not compromised. Meanwhile, in an interview, LTO Chief Edgar Galvante said that the 2010 order was aligned with the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN-ECE), which is the standard followed by other ASEAN countries. However, he explained that modification or any physical change in the existing motor vehicle design would be allowed only if the owner could provide a Certificate of Road Safety from the manufacturer proving that the modification will not compromise safety. The same is also subject to inspection by the LTO for possible reclassification. Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) slammed accusations against LTO that it was only apprehending modified vehicles. "The Law Enforcement Unit of the LTO is out there on the road every day, apprehending all types of violators," the statement released Wednesday read.