LTO bars enforcers from removing vehicle license plates

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has prohibited the confiscation of license plates during apprehensions by law enforcers.

LTO chief Jay Art Tugade said that traffic enforcers are not allowed to confiscate license plates even if they cannot impound the apprehended motor vehicle.

“Therefore, to avoid further confusion, all LTO law enforcement personnel and its deputized agents shall be prohibited from confiscating motor vehicle license plates in lieu of the physical impoundment of the apprehended motor vehicle,” according to a memorandum Tugade signed on April 27 but released to the media only yesterday.

Tugade said the LTO has received complaints over the confiscation of license plates when some motorists are apprehended for traffic violations.

He said a 2014 joint administrative order does not stipulate the confiscation of license plates during apprehensions.

The order’s provisions state that only the driver’s license, student permit or motor vehicle may be flagged if the law enforcer cannot administer the penalty on the motorist.

Tugade said the LTO’s central command center can immediately relay information about flagged motor vehicles to law enforcers on the field.