Vehicles without physical license plates will not automatically be impounded as long as motorists can present valid registration documents and comply with existing regulations, the Land Transportation Office in Central Visayas (LTO 7) said.
LTO 7 Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan clarified that many motorists remain without physical plates due to production backlogs and delays in processing involving the agency and authorized dealers.
Dinglasan said the absence of a physical license plate alone is not enough reason for authorities to impound a vehicle, particularly if the owner has valid registration documents and the vehicle is properly registered.
He, however, urged vehicle owners to claim their available plates as the agency continues its campaign to distribute unclaimed license plates across the region.
To address the backlog, LTO 7 has implemented several measures, including plate distribution drives, the Plate Tracker system, Friendly Flag Down operations, and other initiatives aimed at helping motorists verify and claim their plates.
Dinglasan encouraged motorists to coordinate with the nearest LTO office and bring the necessary registration documents to facilitate the release of their plates.
The regional director earlier reported that LTO 7 had distributed around 50,000 motorcycle and motor vehicle license plates during his first three months in office.
The intensified distribution campaign, which began in April, has helped reduce the number of unclaimed plates in Central Visayas, he said.
Despite the progress, Dinglasan said the region still has an estimated backlog of around 200,000 to 250,000 unclaimed license plates.
He said the agency expects the backlog to further decline in the coming months with more motorists claiming their plates.
“Kami na ang lumalapit sa kanila kasi ang iba tinatamad nang pumunta sa opisina sa LTO. Pero kung tutulungan nila kami ug sila mismo ang muadto sa LTO, mas mapaspas ang pag-resolve sa backlog,” Dinglasan said.
He added that LTO 7’s outreach efforts are intended to make plate distribution more accessible while ensuring motorists comply with registration requirements.
Photo by Kaiser Jan Fuentes
Comments