Definitions and Key Concepts
- Commemorative plate: a special license plate issued for specific occasions or purposes.
- Regular plate: the standard license plate required by law for motor vehicles.
Placement and Installation of Commemorative Plates
- Commemorative plates shall be superimposed over the regular license plates.
- The regular front plate of the motor vehicle must be maintained in its designated space.
- Removal of the regular plate for the purpose of displaying only the commemorative plate constitutes a violation.
Legal Limitations on the Use of Commemorative Plates
- Based on Section 3(c) of Memorandum Order No. 405, s. 1996:
- Commemorative plates shall never replace regular plates.
- The regular plates must still be displayed in their proper location even when commemorative plates are in use.
Mandatory Display Requirements Under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code
- Section 18 of Republic Act No. 4136 mandates that every motor vehicle display one number plate each at the front and rear.
- Number plates must be kept clean, firmly affixed, fully visible, and legible at all times.
Legal Prohibitions and Compliance
- Superimposition of commemorative plates over regular plates violates the cited provisions.
- The existing Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-013 remains effective concerning plate placement and installation.
Enforcement and Guidance
- The memorandum clarifies that the LTO proposal conflicting with existing laws cannot be approved.
- The directive serves as official guidance to maintain compliance with established laws on vehicle plate display.
- Issued and adopted by the Secretary of Transportation and Communications on July 20, 2009.