Motorcycle Owners Urged to Claim Plates Amid Suspension of November 1 Deadline
Metro Manila, Philippines – October 13, 2025 — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has officially announced the temporary suspension of Memorandum VDM2025-4674, which set the November 01, 2025 deadline for motorcycle owners to stop using improvised plates or face fines.
(October 13, 2025 – Facebook Live Video Conference from the Official Facebook of LTO Central Office)
During a press conference held at the LTO Central Office, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao emphasized that the public should not be penalized for delays in plate issuance.
(LTO Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao)
“The public is not to blame if they don’t have their plates yet. Penalizing them would unfairly affect small businesses and vendors, potentially discouraging them from working,” said Assec. Lacanilao.
He added that it is important to determine whether the delays are due to issues with the dealers or within the LTO itself.
IMPROVISED PLATES STILL REQUIRE AUTHORIZATION
Despite the suspension of the November 1 deadline, Assistant Secretary Lacanilao clarified that this does not exempt violators from being apprehended. Motorcycles using improvised plates must still secure official authorization from the LTO for the temporary plate to be considered valid.
The public is advised to request an Authorization to Use Improvised Plates from their nearest LTO District or Extension Office to avoid penalties during inspections.
In line with this, the LTO National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) will intensify law enforcement operations to ensure compliance.
(NCR Regional Director Roque “Rox” I. Verzosa III)
“We are intensifying our enforcement efforts and will conduct random inspections of vehicles using improvised plates to verify if they have proper authorization,” said LTO-NCR Regional Director Roque I. Verzosa III.
PALIT PLAKA PROGRAM TO CONTINUE
Director Verzosa confirmed that the Palit Plaka Program will continue despite the temporary suspension.
“The LTO-NCR remains committed to expediting the release of official plates to the public. We will also continue our Saturday operations in selected District and Extension Offices,” he said.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM A NEW MOTORCYCLE PLATE?
Motorcycle owners with MV File Numbers starting with “13” or “1801” may claim their plates if they fall under any of the following categories:
1. Motorcycles already assigned or issued a 7-character plate
2. Motorcycles with a 6-character green plate
3. Motorcycles still using their MV File Number as a temporary plate and registered in 2017 or earlier
The Regional Digital Media Public Assistance Office (R-DMPAO), under Assistant Regional Director Atty. Dennis P. Barion, continues to post advisories and updates on the Palit Plaka Program through social media.
“We listen to public feedback. LTO-NCR is utilizing social media to expand services and disseminate information effectively,” Atty. Barion noted.
WHAT ABOUT MOTORCYCLES REGISTERED IN 2018 AND LATER?
Mr. Pablito Pandi, Chief of the LTO-NCR Plate Section, addressed public concerns regarding plates for motorcycles registered in 2018 and later.
“Most of these plates have already been distributed to their respective dealers. Owners can use the Online Plate Inquiry Tool on the LTO-NCR website or visit the LTO office where they registered to check availability,” he explained.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR MOTORCYCLE PLATE STATUS
RD Verzosa reminded the public that checking plate status is now easier through online portals:
🔍 Plate Inquiry Links:
1. New MV/MC Plate Inquiry
🔗 https://www.ltoncr.com/newplateinquiry
2. Backlog Motorcycle Plates Inquiry
🔗 https://www.ltoncr.com/plateinquiryusingmvfile
“This online system minimizes waiting times and improves the client experience,” RD Verzosa added.
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For Further Updates:
Follow the official Facebook page of LTO-NCR or visit
https://www.facebook.com/LTONCROFFICIAL/
