The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued nearly 4,000 show cause orders (SCOs) to motor vehicle dealers nationwide for failing to release license plates and Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) within the mandated 11-day period.
In a statement, the agency said it has released a total of 3,940 SCOs to motor vehicle dealers as part of LTO’s broader efforts to prevent the stockpiling of license plates at motor vehicle dealerships across the country.
LTO Chief Vigor D. Mendoza II said most dealers who received SCOs have already submitted their comments and explanations, which are now under investigation.
"Maging aral sana ito sa sa lahat ng car dealers na hindi nagtatapos sa pagbebenta ng mga sasakyan at motorsiklo ang kanilang obligasyon, dapat ay ibigay nila ang mga nararapat na serbisyo sa kanilang kliyente lalo na ang mga plaka at OR/CR dahil napakahalaga nito alinsunod sa mga batas at regulasyon ng ating bansa (This should serve as a lesson to all car dealers that their obligations do not end with the sale of vehicles and motorcycles. They must provide the necessary services to their clients, especially the timely release of plates and OR/CR, as required by our laws and regulations)," Mendoza stated.
Per the agency, penalties for dealers failing to release license plates and LTO documents on time can reach up to P1 million, depending on the severity of the violation.
Mendoza had earlier warned vehicle dealers about the importance of timely releases, particularly as the LTO plans to implement the "No Plate, No Travel" policy following the resolution of the backlog for four-wheel vehicle license plates.
The LTO said it is now concentrating on clearing the backlog for motorcycle plates by June next year, following a directive from President Marcos.
The agency discovered during its investigations that numerous license plates were still being held by vehicle dealers.
With this, the LTO chief ordered local LTO officials to assist in distributing the plates.
The agency noted that some LTO offices have even launched door-to-door delivery programs to ensure plates reach their rightful owners.
Vehicle owners were also urged by the LTO to report any agents or dealerships that fail to release license plates and OR/CRs on time.
Complaints can be submitted through the LTO's social media channels or directly to the AksyON THE SPOT hotline at 0929-292-0865, the agency said.