THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) has warned motorists against fake, improvised vehicle plates as it announced the implementation of intensified, nationwide enforcement of the law against unauthorized plates starting Sept. 1.
LTO chief Marcus Lacanilao said on Tuesday that the agency issued a memorandum prohibiting the manufacture and use of improvised plates that copy the design of government-issued plates, including those being sold online. “We have not authorized anyone to make improvised plates that imitate LTO-issued plates or government-issued plates,” Lacanilao said during a media briefing. He said some sellers on social media platforms offer plates that closely replicate official LTO plates, even reproducing features such as QR (quick response) codes. The top LTO official warned that motorists caught using such plates without proper authorization will face enforcement action. He clarified that motorists who have valid LTO authorization to use an improvised plate, such as those whose original plates have been lost, may use an improvised plate as long as it is clearly marked “LTO Lost Plate” or “LTO Improvised Plate.” The improvised plate may be made of plastic, he said, but motorists are prohibited from reproducing the actual design of an LTO-issued plate.Lacanilao also called on motorists not to buy unauthorized plates from online sellers. He said the LTO is coordinating with the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group, and Criminal Investigation and Detection Group to identify and apprehend individuals involved in the illegal manufacture and sale of fake plates and conduction stickers. The LTO head said it has also found motorists using old authorizations to justify the use of improvised plates.He cited a recent case in which 1 of 5 vehicles apprehended by the LTO was still using an authorization issued in 2022. Lacanilao also said the LTO is prepared to discipline its own personnel who violate traffic rules and agency policies. He cited recent cases involving LTO personnel, including an agency patrol vehicle allegedly bearing an unauthorized six-wheeler classification plate and another employee who was caught counterflowing without an emergency. Both personnel were suspended from work, he said.
