LTO Lifts Ban on Improvised & Temporary Plates, Pending Policy Review

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has officially lifted the ban on improvised and temporary license plates, following a directive from newly appointed LTO Chairman Markus Lacanilao.

Lacanilao announced the recall of two policies previously issued by former LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II, including the P5,000 fine for motorists using improvised plates. The ban was initially set to take effect on November 1.

According to Lacanilao, the suspension aims to give the agency time to review the policy, noting that vehicle owners should not be penalized for the delayed release of official plates.

“Maybe the problem lies with the car dealers or the LTO,” he said, emphasizing fairness to motorists awaiting their official registration.

However, Lacanilao clarified that vehicles without proper LTO authorization could still be flagged for inspection.

The agency also halted the implementation of another directive requiring car dealers to release both license plates and the Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) on the same day new vehicles are handed over to buyers.

Both suspended directives were among the key policies introduced under Mendoza’s leadership, who now heads the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB).