Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. AVT-2014-1838)
The main directive is to prohibit LTO officers, law enforcers, adjudicators, other personnel, and deputized agents from apprehending drivers or owners of new motor vehicles and motorcycles solely for not having license plates as long as they present documents proving their vehicles have been registered with the LTO.
The persons directed are all LTO officers, law enforcers, adjudicators, other personnel, and deputized agents.
Drivers or owners must present documents proving that their motor vehicles or motorcycles have already been registered with the LTO.
The memorandum specifically protects drivers or owners who can present registration documents. It implies that those without plates who cannot present proof of registration may be subject to apprehension.
The policy is that new motor vehicles and motorcycles can be allowed to travel without plates as long as they have been registered and the owners can present official registration documents.
The memorandum was adopted on March 17, 2014, and was filed on March 31, 2014.
Its purpose is to provide guidance to LTO officers and enforcers to avoid unjust apprehensions of new vehicle owners who have complied with registration requirements but have not yet received their license plates.
Atty. Emiliano T. Bantog, Jr., OIC, Office of the Assistant Secretary, OIC, Executive Director signed the memorandum.
No, it only provides an exception for new motor vehicles that have been registered but have not yet received their license plates. After such period, vehicles must display license plates as required by law.
The principle of fair administrative enforcement and protecting the rights of vehicle owners who comply with registration requirements support this directive, ensuring no undue penalties or apprehensions occur solely due to delay in plate issuance.