LTO reminds motorists: unauthorized use of commemorative license plates faces apprehension, penalty

EDSA

Motorists who are still using any form of unauthorized commemorative license plates are facing fines and other penalties when apprehended.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • What are the penalties for using unauthorized commemorative license plates?

    The LTO said that the user of the vehicle that has an unauthorized commemorative license plate is facing a P5,000-fine on the motor vehicle owner and confiscation of the plate.
  • Why did the LTO issue the statement against unauthorized commemorative license plates?

    The statement was issued after a Facebook page named “Philippine National Police Academy – Justice, Integrity, Service” posted a public advisory with a photo of a motor vehicle bearing a commemorative license plate bearing the letters “PNPA.”
  • The Land Transportation Office (LTO) made the announcement after a Facebook group page called “Philippine National Police Academy – Justice, Integrity, Service” posted a public advisory with a photo of a motor vehicle bearing a commemorative license plate bearing the letters “PNPA.”

    LTO statement

    LTO Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo Tugade encouraged the public to remove such unlawful license plates, saying that the aforementioned commemorative plates should no longer be displayed in any motor vehicle.

    “The current administration of the LTO has not recommended commemorative license plates to be issued to motor vehicle owners, thus its use is therefore prohibited. If vehicle owners are caught by law enforcers still using commemorative plates whose effectivity dates have already expired, they will be apprehended and fined,” the LTO chief was quoted as saying.

    The agency noted that under DOTC Joint Administrative Circular No. 2014-01, owners using a motor vehicle with an unauthorized license plate are facing a P5,000-fine on the motor vehicle owner and confiscation of the plate.

    Further, Tugade reiterated that the commemorative license plates should not be used to intimidate traffic enforcers and stop them from making apprehensions for traffic violations.

    Atty. Jose Arturo Tugade

    Commemorative license plates are those whose use is limited to the observance or commemoration of events that bear national significance, and with a validity of only one year as approved by the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

    The LTO said in a statement that the administrators of the Facebook page warned the public of the presence of “unscrupulous people that are neither directly connected to nor a graduate of PNPA using commemorative plates, badges, emblems and stickers that are violative of traffic and other laws, something which we cannot tolerate.”

    Photos from Ruben D. Manahan IV, Land Transportation Office-Philippines Facebook page, JayArt Tugade's communications team

    Also read:

    LTO reminds public to travel safe during holidays

    P500k-fine awaits LTO employees who will not accept PhilID

    LTO collars more fixers

    Read All

    Featured Articles

    Recommended Articles For You

    Read All

    Featured Cars

    • Upcoming

    Car Articles From Zigwheels

    • News
    • Article Feature
    • Advisory Stories
    • Road Test
    • New Isuzu PH chief says current D-Max to stay for a while
      New Isuzu PH chief says current D-Max to stay for a while
      Paulo Papa . Apr 25, 2025
    • GAC Honda GT, Dongfeng Honda GT showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025
      GAC Honda GT, Dongfeng Honda GT showcased at Auto Shanghai 2025
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 25, 2025
    • ‘BMW Demo Fest’ lets PH buyers shop for cars at trimmed-down prices
      ‘BMW Demo Fest’ lets PH buyers shop for cars at trimmed-down prices
      Ruben Manahan IV . Apr 24, 2025
    • Mazda unveils EZ-60 at Auto Shanghai 2025
      Mazda unveils EZ-60 at Auto Shanghai 2025
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
    • Omoda, Jaecoo showcase latest NEV models at Auto Shanghai 2025
      Omoda, Jaecoo showcase latest NEV models at Auto Shanghai 2025
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
    • Mazda BT-50: old vs. new
      Mazda BT-50: old vs. new
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
    • Check out the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's 2 trims
      Check out the Suzuki Dzire Hybrid's 2 trims
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 24, 2025
    • Here’s what inside the BYD eMAX 7
      Here’s what inside the BYD eMAX 7
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 23, 2025
    • BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
      BYD Shark 6 DMO vs. Changan Nevo Hunter REEV
      Paulo Papa . Apr 23, 2025
    • Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week
      Here’s what to expect on the road this Holy Week
      Paulo Papa . Apr 16, 2025
    • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
    • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
    • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Number coding 2025: what you need to know
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
      Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
    • Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
      Ensure your vehicle is Summer road trip-ready by following these tips
      Paulo Papa . Mar 06, 2025
    • First drive: Changan Lumin
      First drive: Changan Lumin
      Cesar Miguel . Apr 22, 2025
    • JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
      JAC JS4: from daily drives to ‘vacay’ vibes
      Paulo Papa . Apr 22, 2025
    • First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
      First drive: Jetour X70 Lightning i-DM
      Paulo Papa . Apr 03, 2025
    • Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
      Changan CS15: no-fuss daily driver
      Cesar Miguel . Mar 27, 2025
    • First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
      First drive: Mercedes-Benz EQE 350+ AMG Line
      Paulo Papa . Mar 21, 2025