METRO
LTO exposes fake-plate sticker modus
He said motorists who have authorization but use improvised plates purchased online, regardless of who made them, will have the plates confiscated.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has uncovered a new modus in which sellers place stickers over the required “LTO Improvised Plate” marking to make unauthorized replica plates appear legitimate.
LTO chief Markus Lacanilao said the agency will crack down on vehicles using unauthorized improvised or replica license plates starting on 1 September.
The agency requires authorized improvised plates to bear the words “LTO Improvised Plate” underneath. Lacanilao said some sellers are now covering the marking with stickers to make the plates look legitimate.
“I will not allow that,” Lacanilao said in a radio interview, urging those involved to stop engaging in the illegal activity.
“Starting 1 September, I will apprehend all of them. If you do not have authorization, your vehicle will be impounded,” Lacanilao said.
Authorization needed
He said motorists who have authorization but use improvised plates purchased online, regardless of who made them, will have the plates confiscated.
Lacanilao reiterated that using fake or improvised plates without authorization, including those used because of damaged plates, will result in the vehicle being impounded.
He noted, however, that if motorists have authorization but use prohibited replica or fake plates, only the plate will be confiscated.
The LTO advised vehicle owners who lose their license plates to file an affidavit of loss and apply for a replacement at an LTO office.
The agency said it will issue authorization for the use of an improvised plate while the replacement is being processed.