The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on 8 August clarified that there is no official order imposing penalties on motor vehicle owners who are still using improvised plates while waiting for the release of their official license plates.

The clarification came in response to circulating reports that such penalties were to be enforced.

“There is no such order from both the Department of Transportation and the LTO Central Office,” the agency said.

In line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s directive, the LTO is expediting the release of all license plates within three months. The agency has instructed its personnel to use all available strategies and partnerships to ensure the swift and efficient distribution of unclaimed plates.

The LTO is urging vehicle owners to claim their plates as soon as possible. Plates may be secured through the LTO Tracker online platform, which also provides courier service, or by visiting LTO offices.

“We encourages all motor vehicles owners with unclaimed original and replacement plates to secure them in the soonest possible time either through our online platform LTO Tracker which also provide courier service, or through our offices across the country,” the agency said.

Regional and district offices have also been directed to ramp up information campaigns on plate distribution to reach more vehicle owners, especially motorcycle riders. The goal is to ensure the public is fully aware of how and where to claim their license plates.