DOTC strict on ‘no registration, no travel’ policy

The Department of Transportation and  Communication (DOTC) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) have warned motorists that the government would strictly implement the “No Registration, No Travel Policy” for all motor vehicles starting April 1.

The policy requires that all four-wheeled motor vehicles must be registered, or at least be within the 7-day registration period, starting next month. “It has always been prohibited by law to use motor vehicles which have not been registered with the LTO. The only exception is the first 7 days, during which registration should be processed by the vehicle owner,” Transportation Sectetary Joseph Emilio Abaya said.

The DOTC and the LTO earlier postponed the implementation of the order due to the shortage of license plates for new vehicles.

“We held back from implementing this rule before, because the lack of license plates was our responsibility. But now that we have been able to issue new license plates within 7 days from start of registration, we have no more reason not to implement the law,” he said.

Abaya warned motorists that they would be slapped with hefty fines if they travel without a license plate or registration since the LTO is now able to issue license plates to new vehicles within seven days.

A memorandum issued by the LTO has said that “no four-wheeled motor vehicle can be used, driven or operated on the roads without being duly registered with the Land Transportation Office pursuant to Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 and other applicable rules and regulations.”

Under Joint Administrative Order 2014-01, the owner of an unregistered motor vehicle will be fined P10,000 while the driver will be fined P1,000.

It said that vehicles without a license plate would be apprehended and the driver would be required to present the certificate of registration and official receipt of the vehicle.

If the driver was able to present a certificate of registration or official receipt, he would be fined P5, 000 for his failure to attach the license plates.

Drivers without license plates but who have already registered their vehicles, however, can present a certificate of stock reported, sales invoice dated within seven days prior to the violation and a certificate of insurance cover dated on or after date of the sales invoice.

Enforcers, in this case, will not arrest the driver or impose a fine. JN