LTO policies on license plates still suspended

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II —Arnel Tacson/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has clarified that the implementation of two memorandums on the use of vehicle plates remains suspended “until further notice.”

LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II recently issued a memorandum deferring the implementation of two memorandum circulars (MC) released in July “in the best interest of the service and to give motor vehicle and motorcycle dealers ample time to have the plates distributed to their respective owners.”

READ: LTO allows improvised car plates until year-end

The LTO made the clarification amid questions from motorists about the implementation of MC VDM-2024-2721, which sets guidelines on the use of improvised plates for motor vehicles and motorcycles, and MC VDM-2024-2722, which requires license plates and RFID stickers for those participating in the motorcycle taxi pilot study.

The memorandums, which were supposed to take effect on Aug. 1, prohibited the use of improvised and temporary plates after an initial investigation revealed that registered vehicle owners were not claiming their license plates from dealerships.

Speedy release

In order to assist them, Mendoza instructed all motor vehicle dealers to speed up the release of all license plates still under their possession.

LTO regional and district offices also launched a program that facilitates door-to-door and free delivery of license plates.

Mendoza had earlier stressed that the use of proper license plates would help prevent crimes since some vehicles with fake plates had been used in illegal activities.

“There is no more backlog in the supply of license plates for four-wheeled vehicles, so there is no reason for these vehicle owners not to claim and install them on their vehicles,” the LTO chief said.