The Land Transportation Office (LTO) seized 284 colorum vehicles in July as part of its intensified enforcement drive, while denying reports that motorists face penalties for failing to claim their license plates.

LTO Chief, Asst. Sec. Vigor D. Mendoza II said the twin efforts are in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure road safety and strengthen regulatory compliance nationwide.

“Hindi safe sakyan ang mga colorum na mga sasakyan na ito dahil bukod sa issue ng road worthiness dahil marami sa mga ito ay mga expired na rehistro, wala rin itong mga insurance na isa sa mga requirements sa mga public utility vehicles (These colorum vehicles are unsafe to ride not only because many are no longer roadworthy due to expired registration but also because they lack insurance, which is mandatory for public utility vehicles),” Mendoza said, adding that operating a colorum vehicle is a criminal offense punishable by fines and imprisonment.

Of the total impounded units, 79 were tricycles, 51 were motorcycles used as motorcycle taxis, 60 were UV Express vans, 56 were trucks, 16 were sedans illegally operating as public transport, 11 were jeepneys, and four were buses.

Mendoza noted that intensified operations have resulted in improved compliance among operators, while emphasizing that colorum activities hurt legitimate businesses and endanger commuters.

He said legal transport providers lose up to 30 percent of daily income due to illegal competition, while passengers of colorum vehicles are left vulnerable during accidents due to the absence of insurance coverage.

To ensure accountability, Mendoza reiterated that only a court order can authorize the release of vehicles impounded during anti-colorum operations, as stated in a previous memorandum.

On the issue of license plates, Mendoza clarified that there is no policy or directive penalizing motorists who have yet to claim their plates or continue using improvised ones.

He said the agency is focused on completing the nationwide plate distribution within the 90-day deadline set by the President, following the official elimination of the plate backlog on June 30.

Motorists may retrieve their plates through the LTOTracker online portal, which offers delivery services, or by visiting the nearest LTO office.

Mendoza also directed the implementation of intensified information campaigns to encourage more vehicle owners, particularly motorcycle riders, to claim their plates and comply with registration requirements.