Title
Implementing Rules for Vanity License Plates
Law
Lto
Decision Date
Apr 26, 2004
The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on the Issuance of "Vanity License Plate" in the Philippines establishes guidelines for vehicle owners to personalize their motor vehicle plates, with restrictions and penalties for improper use.

Use and Objective of Vanity License Plates

  • Vanity plates available for personalization and prestige for vehicle owners.
  • Especially applicable to vintage and high-end luxury vehicles.
  • Concept based on similar systems in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

Definitions

  • Vanity License Plate (VLP): Optional plates with preferred inscriptions.
  • MV: Motor vehicle as per RA 4136.
  • LTO License Plate (LLP): Standard plates per BP 43 & 74.
  • Commemorative License Plate (CLP): Special plates issued for limited periods commemorating events.
  • Existing MV: Currently registered vehicles.
  • New MV: Newly assembled or imported unregistered vehicles.
  • Motor Vehicle Plate Title: Ownership title issued with VLP.
  • VLP Validation Sticker (VLPS): Security sticker inside the windshield.
  • Computerized Issuance Verification System (CIVS): Online system listing available and issued plate combinations.
  • VLP On-line Auction System (VOAS): Internet system for auctioning limited edition plates compliant with RA 8792.

Program Coverage

  • Eligible Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, vintage/collector's cars, AUVs, sports pickups in four-wheel category.
  • Applies to both existing and new vehicles in these classes.
  • Subject to required procedures and documentation.

Exclusions

  • Public Utility Vehicles, cargo trucks, service vehicles (e.g., limousines, ambulances), government vehicles, diplomatic/OEV plates excluded.
  • Vehicles with more than four wheels also excluded.

Execution Strategy

  • Applications accepted at authorized LTO offices nationwide and main office.
  • Single vanity plate issued and installed at rear plate slot alongside regular plate.
  • Plates issued for life unless revoked for violations.
  • Vanity plates non-transferable to unauthorized vehicles; illegal transfer penalized.
  • Owner may transfer vanity plate to another registered vehicle following rules and fees.
  • Lost or damaged plates replaceable upon payment of reissue fee.
  • Commemorative plates phased out; existing ones allowed to expire without extension.
  • Alphanumeric combinations subject to study by Special Committee and reported in catalog.
  • Fee structure to be established after public hearings.
  • Computerized verification system enables updated availability and issuance tracking.
  • Vanity plates used in conjunction with regular plates for all official vehicle identification.

Implementation Categories and Requirements

  • Three categories: Limited Edition, Premium, Select.
  • Prerequisites: Valid OR/CR, completed application form, required fees.
  • Each category has distinct full-color graphic backgrounds influencing pricing.
  • Motor Vehicle Plate Title issued with VLP as certificate of ownership.
  • VLP validation stickers link vanity plate to regular plate for security and official use; renewal fees apply annually.
  • Applicants refer to VLP Catalog or computerized system for available character combinations.

Issuance Rules by Category

  • Limited Edition: Public auction (manual or electronic), predetermined combinations, only all numeric or all alpha (no alphanumeric), 4-6 characters.
  • Premium: Fixed price, six characters with 3 alpha and 3 numeric, alpha A-Z, numeric 001-999.
  • Select: Fixed price, 3-6 alphanumeric or alpha combinations like names or slogans, non-conflicting with limited or premium categories.

Restrictions and Considerations

  • No duplication with regular plate formats (e.g., AAA-999) or reserved government plates.
  • Character combos must be unique and not offensive or discriminatory.
  • One vanity plate per vehicle only.
  • Fees collected for annual renewal, transfers, and inheritance.
  • Violations subject to penalties under LTO regulations.

Specifications of Vanity Plates

  • Single full-color graphic plate with security features.
  • Pair of matching validation stickers with security markers and vehicle data.
  • Use of special font adopted from the European Union to differentiate from regular plates.
  • Size equal to standard LTO plates with updated design.

Installation Requirements

  • Vanity plate installed on rear license plate spot.
  • VLP stickers installed inside vehicle windshield: one near rear-view mirror, one upper right rear windshield.
  • Stickers are permanent and tamper-resistant.
  • Installation guidelines provided with plates.

Public Awareness

  • Accompanying programs planned to disseminate information and promote compliance.

Penal Provisions

  • Unauthorized transfer, tampering, improper installation, and illegal applications subject to fines and penalties under existing LTO orders.
  • Fake or bogus plates subject to falsification laws and LTO sanctions.

Financial and Administrative Procedures

  • Sale/reservations via authorized LTO offices and online.
  • Limited Edition plates auction floor price Php 50,000; total supply is 105 plates.
  • Premium plates priced at Php 15,000.
  • Select plates priced at Php 10,000.
  • LTO to submit annual income and expenditure reports to DOF and DBM.
  • Proceeds treated as revolving fund to cover operational expenses.
  • Excess proceeds to be turned over to National Treasury as general funds.
  • Compliance with standard government accounting and auditing rules required.

Implementation and Oversight

  • LTO authorized to develop systems, conduct public bidding, and implement rules enforcing PMO No. 65.

Effectivity

  • IRR effective fifteen days after publication in two newspapers and filing with UP Law Center.

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