ILOILO City — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has reminded motorists to properly attach their license plates, warning that non-compliance will result in a P5,000 fine.
LTO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II underscored the responsibility of vehicle owners to immediately install their license plates upon release.
“License plates are not souvenir items. They must be affixed to motorcycles and vehicles as soon as they are released by car dealers or the LTO. Failure to do so carries a penalty under the law,” Mendoza said.
The reminder follows reports of vehicle owners deliberately avoiding the attachment of plates despite already receiving them. Mendoza emphasized that this neglect violates Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines.
“In coordination with the PNP, through the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and during our operations, we have observed that some motorists are intentionally disregarding this obligation,” Mendoza added.
While acknowledging past challenges with plate availability dating back to 2014, Mendoza assured the public that the backlog for four-wheel vehicle plates has been resolved.
He also stated that the backlog for motorcycle plates is expected to be cleared by July 2025.
“We have a database of all released plates, and those proven to have neglected or intentionally avoided attaching them will be fined P5,000,” Mendoza warned.
LTO Region 6, under the leadership of Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II and Assistant Regional Director Jeck Conu, reiterated the agency’s commitment to ensuring compliance.
Director Geduspan highlighted ongoing efforts to improve plate distribution and enforce accountability.
“We are focused on systematic plate distribution and compliance verification to streamline processes and ensure that all motorists fulfill their legal obligations,” he said.
The LTO encouraged motorists to act promptly to avoid penalties and contribute to safer and more accountable road use./PN
