The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has repeatedly reminded UV Express operators to follow the legal seating limits set under the DOTr’s “Anti-Sardinas” policy. This policy exists to help keep passengers safe and to stop overloading, especially in busy areas.
As for the legal seating capacity for UV Express units, the answer depends on the type of van. AUVs can carry 9 passengers including the driver, regular vans can carry 10, and extended vans can carry up to 12 people or the maximum allowed by the manufacturer. These limits must always follow the vehicle’s official specifications. Falling short here can lead to fines, suspension, or even franchise cancellation.
What the Law Says
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) “anti-sardinas” policy — as enforced by LTFRB — bans overloading of UV Express vans. Under this rule, each UV Express unit must stay within the number of passengers allowed for its vehicle type. If operators exceed those limits — whether seats are full or passengers are standing or seated where they shouldn’t — they may face fines or even suspension or cancellation of their Certificate of Public Convenience.
According to the LTFRB Memorandum Circular No. 20225-023, the legal seating capacity of UV Express are as follows:
- AUVs (Mitsubishi Adventure, Isuzu Crosswind/Highlander)
- 9 passengers including the driver
- Regular Vans (Toyota Hi-Ace, Nissan Urvan Shuttle, Hyundai Grace)
- 10 passengers including the driver
- Extended Vans (Nissan Urvan, Toyota Hi-Ace Commuter)
- 12 passengers including the driver, or more but never beyond the manufacturer’s maximum capacity
Why the LTFRB Enforces These Limits
Overloading passengers and having them packed like sardines can cause:
- Heat exhaustion
- Higher risk of injury during sudden stops
- Difficulty exiting during emergencies
- Vehicle instability and handling problems
The LTFRB’s “Anti-Sardinas” campaign focuses on preventing these situations by keeping every UV Express unit within safe capacity.
Penalties for Violating Seating Capacity Rules
The LTFRB warns that operators who overload their UV Express units may face:
- Overloading / Exceeding passenger capacity
- First offense: ₱5,000 fine (operator)
- Second offense: ₱10,000 fine plus impoundment of the unit for 30 days
- Third offense (or repeat): ₱15,000 fine plus cancellation of the vehicle’s Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) / franchise
- Operating beyond approved capacity or ignoring capacity markings counts as overloading. The same fine schedule applies when caught.
- The “anti-sardinas” policy underlines that all PUV operators—including UV Express—must comply strictly with passenger limits set by the vehicle type and manufacturer. Violations trigger the penalties above.
What it Means for Drivers and Operators
For drivers and operators, this means:
- Even one overloading offense already carries a fine — ignorance or “just this once” arguments don’t hold up.
- Repeating the violation risks impoundment or outright cancellation of the franchise — which could mean losing the license to operate.
- For operators, staying within legal limits can help:
- Avoid penalties
- Improve passenger comfort
- Reduce wear and tear on vehicles
- Build trust with regular riders
- To stay compliant and avoid penalties:
- Follow the exact seating capacity for your UV Express unit type
- Never go beyond the manufacturer’s maximum capacity
- Keep a visible capacity label inside the vehicle
- Remind passengers politely when the vehicle is full