Consequences Await Agents, Dealers Who Fail to Release License Plates on Time, Says LTO
MANILA, Philippines — Agents and dealers of cars and motorcycles may face consequences if they fail to release license plates and Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) on time, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
LTO chief Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II mentioned that measures are being processed to address erring motor vehicle agents and dealerships that do not adhere to the agency’s guidelines on releasing the necessary documents.
“We already have an initial list of the agents and their dealerships that were recommended for sanctions, including fines and suspension of accreditation,” Mendoza stated in a release on Sunday.
The agency’s action is also in response to an order from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr, instructing the Department of Transportation to tackle the issue. In a memorandum to the DOTr, Malacañang emphasized that all vehicle dealers must comply with LTO’s prescribed processing timelines for the release of motor vehicle plates.
Penalties, such as termination of dealership, will be imposed on dealers who do not conform to the guidelines, as indicated in the memorandum.
According to LTO’s guidelines, all agency offices must release the license plates and OR/CR to motor vehicle dealerships within five days after receiving all the necessary documents. Motor vehicle dealerships, in turn, have six days to provide these documents to their clients.
Mendoza mentioned that the LTO has identified 28 agents who have failed to comply and has already prepared a resolution for their penalties, which range from a fine of P20,000 to P500,000 and a suspension of accreditation lasting from one to six months.
Owners of new motor vehicles are encouraged to report erring LTO agents and motorcycle dealerships through the agency’s social media accounts or through AksyON THE SPOT at 0929 292 0865.
