28 vehicle dealers in dock for late LTO plates, papers

Inquirer files

MANILA, Philippines — At least 28 motor vehicle dealerships are already facing penalties ranging from P20,000 to P500,000 plus suspension of accreditation for one to six months, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) announced over the weekend.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said penalties against the dealerships have been already submitted for resolution after they failed to release registration papers and license plates within 11 days.

“We already have an initial list of the agents and their dealerships that were recommended for sanctions, including fines and suspension of accreditation,” Mendoza said.

READ: LTO hastens release of registration papers, license plates

“Let this serve as a strong message to all agents and dealerships to do their part, their obligation to their clients. Part of your responsibility is to ensure that you are abiding by the regulations set by the LTO, especially on the timely release of license plates and [LTO official receipt/certificate of registration, or OR/CR],” Mendoza said.

Medoza, in a memorandum issued on March 25, ordered all LTO offices to release the vehicle plates and OR/CR to the motor vehicle dealerships within five days after all the documentary requirements were submitted.

But LTO regional offices complained that the plates and registration papers were not being picked up by dealers, resulting in numerous complaints from vehicle owners.

Mendoza said the penalties against the 28 dealerships should serve as a warning to dealerships that continue to defy the LTO’s guidelines.

Report late releases

The LTO chief urged owners of newly bought motor vehicles to immediately report errant agents and car and motorcycle dealerships that would fail to release their license plates and OR/CR on time.

Mendoza said all the complaints could be sent to the LTO’s social media accounts, or its AksyON THE SPOT complaint hotline at 0929-2920865.

When the Marcos administration started in July 2022, Mendoza said the LTO had a 12.5 million backlog in license plates—9.1 million for motorcycles and 3.4 million for four-wheel vehicles.