LTO issues show-cause orders to 3,940 car dealers

MANILA, Philippines — For failure to release license plates, official receipts and certifications of registration within the 11-day prescribed period, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued show-cause orders to 3,940 motor vehicle dealers.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II said the issuance of the show-cause orders is part of efforts to prevent the stockpiling of license plates in various motor vehicle dealerships.

Car dealers will face a fine of up to P1 million if found guilty of failing to release license plates and other LTO documents, according to Mendoza.

He said most of those who were issued show-cause orders have submitted explanations and are now subject of investigation.

“This should serve as a warning to all car dealers that their responsibility does not end in the sale of vehicles or motorcycles. They should give the needed documents to their clients, especially the license plates,” Mendoza said.

He has ordered car dealers to release the license plates on time.

The LTO is eyeing to implement the “no plate, no travel” policy once the backlog on license plates for four-wheel vehicles is addressed.

By June next year, Mendoza said the LTO would focus on the backlog of motorcycle plates, as ordered by President Marcos.

Temporary vehicle license plates may be used until Dec. 31, the LTO said. The ban on temporary license plates was supposed to start yesterday.