LTO suspends rule on transfer of vehicle ownership

MANILA, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has suspended its policy imposing a fine of P20,000 on motorists who fail to process the transfer of registration of second-hand vehicles within 20 days from sale.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza said Administrative Order (AO) No. 2024-046 is suspended until further notice “in the best interest of service.”

The AO, which also covers the donation or transfer of motor vehicles, was signed on Aug. 30.

It listed the guidelines on the transfer of ownership of motor vehicles with existing registration.

The AO was supposed to be implemented after 15 days from publication on Sept. 15, but was only publicized recently.

Mendoza said the suspension of the AO would allow more time for information dissemination about the transfer of car ownership for both buyers and sellers.

The suspension will also allow the agency to clarify certain provisions for better implementation as well as to lengthen the compliance period, Mendoza said.

The LTO said the guidelines on transfer of car ownership was issued to “prevent the increase in unregistered, unrecorded, double or multiple sales of motor vehicles.”

It cited Republic Act 11235 or the Motorcycle Prevention Act, which requires owners of motorcycles to register their vehicles with the LTO within five days from sale.

Under the anti-carnapping law, the sale or replacement of a motor vehicle should be registered with the LTO within 20 days from acquisition.