MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has began its crackdown on delinquent car and motorcycle dealers.

Per the agency, it will levy “stern consequences” to those who will fail to release license plates and Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) on time.

“We already have an initial list of the agents and their dealerships that were recommended for sanctions, including fines and suspension of accreditation,” LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Attorney Vigor Mendoza II said.

Per the head of the country’s land transport bureau, the agency’s move to punish errant agents and car and motorcycle dealers was fully backed by President Ferdinand Marcos Junior when the Head of State ordered LTO and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to address backlog on license plates and other documents on time.

In a memorandum issued to the DOTr, the Palace emphasized that all vehicle dealers must comply with the LTO’s prescribed processing timelines for the release of motor vehicles plates.

According to LTO, the said memorandum stressed the imposition of “the necessary penalties, such as termination of dealership, on dealers who fail to comply.”

Based on the data held by LTO, eight agents from various motorcycle and car dealerships were already identified. The penalties against them are already submitted for resolution by the agency.

Those who will be found guilty will face penalties that range from P20,000-P500,000 and one month-six months suspension of accreditation.

“Let this serve as a strong message to all agents and dealerships to do their part, their obligation to their clients. Kasama sa trabaho ninyo ay tiyakin na sumusunod kayo sa regulasyon ng LTO patungkol sa release ng plaka at OR/CR on time (Let this serve as a strong message to all agents and dealerships to do their part, their obligation to their clients. Your job includes making sure you comply with the LTO regulation regarding license plate release and OR/CR ​​on time),” Mendoza noted.

Owners of newly bought motor vehicles who still do not have their license plates and OR/CRs can report errant agents and dealerships to LTO. complaints can be directed to the agency’s social media accounts or to 0929-292-0865.

Based on LTO’s guidelines, all LTO offices must release the license plates and OR/CR to the motor vehicle dealerships within five days after all the documentary requirements are submitted.

On that note, motor vehicle dealerships have six days to release them to their respective clients, for a maximum total of 11 days.

On the part of the motorcycles, all newly bought motorcycles are the priority in the distribution of license plates so they are expected to be readily available.

Photos from Land Transportation Office - Philippines Facebook page

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