The Land Transportation Office (LTO) distributed today the first batch of new and enlarged motorcycle plates, in accordance with the Republic Act 11235, or the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Law.
The LTO-National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) West Regional Office turned over some 90,000 sets of rear metal plates to selected dealers from the Motorcycle Dealers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (MDAP) and registered owners.
LTO-NCR West regional director Atty. Clarence Guinto, assistant director Roque Verzosa III and OPD-NRU chief Hanzly Lim led the ceremonial launching and distribution of the new license plates at LTO NCR West in Araneta Ave., Quezon City.
Only the rear metal plates were distributed, alongside the corresponding RFID stickers.
Under Republic Act 11235, riders are required to use bigger decal number plates measuring 135 mm by 85 mm on front, and 235 mm by 135 mm on the back of motorcycles. Each plate will be color coded top and bottom, depending on region where the motorcycle is registered. The number plates, both front and back, must also be readable from a distance of 15 feet.
The new law also imposes penalties, jail time, or both, for riders who fail to register a motorcycle after purchase; with missing, tampered or damaged plates; are caught using stolen plates or fail to report lost or stolen plates to the Joint PNP/LTO Operations Center within 24 hours.
Meanwhile, the LTO clarified that the distribution of new plates will be for LTO-NCR West only and schedule for other regions will follow. There won’t be apprehensions yet for violators, until further notice.
“Ang distribusyon ng mga motorcycle plates, ngayong araw, ay sisimulan sa LTO-NCR West lamang. Mangyaring mag-antay ng karagdagang anunsyo para sa ibang mga rehiyon. Kaugnay nito, ipagpapaliban hanggang sa susunod na abiso ang implementasyon ng mga probisyon na may kaugnayan sa plaka na nakapaloob sa RA 11235 o Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act,” said the LTO announcement posted on its official Facebook page.
The distribution of the new plates marks a significant development in the implementation of the highly debated new law, which motorcycle rider groups commonly refer to as the ‘Doble Plaka’ Law.