LTO to Suspend Dealerships for Delayed Release of License Plates and Registration Documents

MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced potential fines and suspension measures against 28 motorcycle and car dealerships for failing to release license plates and Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) within prescribed timelines.

According to Philippines News Agency, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, the agency has begun the process of sanctioning dealers that do not comply with the mandated guidelines. These measures could involve fines ranging from PHP20,000 to PHP500,000 and suspension of accreditation for up to six months. Mendoza emphasized the responsibility of the dealers to adhere to the regulations, stating in a news release on Sunday that an initial list of dealers recommended for sanctions has already been compiled.

Dealers are required to provide license plates and OR/CR to their clients within six days of receiving them from the LTO, which should issue these items within five days of receiving all necessary documents, setting a total compliance window of 11 days. The memorandum from the Department of Transportation to the LTO underscores the importance of meeting these deadlines and includes provisions for severe penalties, including the potential termination of dealership for non-compliance.

Mendoza urged all vehicle owners experiencing delays to report directly to the LTO. Complaints can be made via the LTO’s social media channels or through their hotline at 0929-2920865. He also reassured that the backlog of license plates for four-wheel vehicles is expected to be cleared by June 2025, with the production rate reaching one million plates per month. Priority will be given to new motorcycles in the distribution of license plates to prevent further backlog issues.