Tips to Avoid Being Flagged as Colorum During Undas

Government agencies are increasing efforts to identify and flag suspected colorum vehicles during the holiday season, including All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day (Undas).

Lawyer Ariel Inton, founder of Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection (LCSP), explained that a vehicle is considered colorum if it is a private unit used for hire without a franchise or with an expired one, or if it is operating outside authorized routes.

Inton noted that even vans advertised for hire on Facebook are considered colorum if they lack a valid franchise. However, lending a vehicle for a family outing without payment does not constitute colorum.

Despite this, law enforcers may still suspect a vehicle is colorum if it appears to be used for public transport. Inton advised drivers to carry identification cards to prove familial relationships and provide an authorization letter detailing the trip.

He also recommended keeping official receipts, certificates of registration, and other supporting documents for inspection. Inton emphasized that picking up passengers in areas with high for-hire activity could lead to suspicion.

Inton urged drivers to remain calm and respectful when interacting with enforcers. He also expressed concerns that some colorum operators may have informants and pay officials to continue their illegal operations.