House panel OKs bigger plates for motorcycle, scooters

LTO Law Enforcement Services Director Francis Ray Almora shows the prototype of a proposed bigger licensed plate for motorcycles during the hearing of the House transportation committee. NOY MORCOSO / INQUIRER.net file photo

The House of Representatives has approved at the committee level a substitute bill that seeks to penalize the use of motorcycles in crimes by way of using bigger plate numbers and identification marks.

The House committees on transportation and public order and safety approved on Wednesday a proposed measure mandating the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to issue bigger and more readable plate numbers for motorcycles and scooters.

The said plate numbers should be readable at a distance of 12 meters away from the motorcycle, but members of the committee have tasked the LTO to determine the specific size of the plates.

Riders whose motorcycles would not have bigger plates would be apprehended and their motorcycles impounded by LTO enforcement officers and other deputized law enforcement officers.

The owner could only claim the motorcycle upon presentation of proof of ownership, payment of assessed fines, and compliance with bigger plate numbers.

If the said motorcycle was used in a crime constituting a grave felony under the Revised Penal Code, or if used to escape a crime, “the rider and passenger/s would also be penalized.”

A driver whose motorcycle would not have bigger plate numbers would face a P5,000 fine for the first offense, P10,000 for the second offense, and P15,000 and revocation of driver’s license for the third offense.

Maximum penalty would be imposed against riders or passengers who used motorcycles while committing or escaping a crime.

The bill would then be submitted before the plenary to be debated upon. /jpv

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