The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Saturday issued a reminder to motorists to properly attach their license plates to their vehicles, following reports that some owners deliberately refuse to do so even after receiving them.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Vigor D. Mendoza II emphasized that vehicle ownership comes with responsibilities, including the proper installation of license plates once they are released.

“In coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), through their Highway Patrol Group (HPG), and in our own operations, we have discovered that some vehicle owners are deliberately ignoring this responsibility,” Mendoza said in Filipino.

“License plates are not souvenirs. They must be attached to motorcycles and vehicles as soon as they are released by car dealers and the LTO. There is a penalty for failing to comply with this requirement under the law,” he added.

Under Republic Act 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code of the Philippines, vehicle owners who fail to properly attach their license plates face a fine of P5,000.

While Mendoza acknowledged past issues with license plate availability dating back to 2014, he stressed that the backlog for four-wheel vehicles has already been addressed. The remaining backlog for motorcycle plates is expected to be cleared by July this year.

“We have a database of all released plates, and if it is proven that you have neglected or intentionally refused to install them, you will be fined P5,000,” Mendoza warned.