Highway patrol warns against use of fancy license plates

MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine National Police’s Highway Patrol Group reminded owners of private vehicles on Saturday to refrain from using commemoratives plates to skirt the number coding vehicle reduction system in Metro Manila and avoid being accosted for traffic violations.

Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, the-HPG chief, said replacing the vehicle’s front license plate with a commemorative plate was a violation of Republic Act 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines.

“As a general rule, a commemorative plate should be placed side by side or on top of the original plate number,” Espina told reporters in an interview.

“Commemorative and special plates are not meant to excuse anyone from traffic rules, specially the number coding system being implemented in the metropolis,” he added.

Reports from HPG units revealed that a number of individuals had been complaining about the alleged abuses of owners of private vehicles sporting commemorative plates.

Among the subject of complaints were vehicles using “NBI@75” plates which were issued by the National Bureau of Investigation ahead of its 75th anniversary in November.

While the use of such special plates was authorized, Espina said motorists should not abuse the privilege given to them and always respect traffic regulations.

Last year, the HPG launched a nationwide crackdown on vehicles using unauthorized commemorative plates after President Aquino himself expressed disgust in his inaugural speech over abusive motorists using sirens.

Espina said he already directed all HPG units to intensify their operations against the illegal use of commemorative plates even as he encouraged the public to report violations of this policy.