Legal basis and controlling display rules
- The circular grounds compliance on R.A. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), specifically Section 18.
- Section 18 of R.A. 4136 requires every motor vehicle to display one license plate in front and one license plate in the rear in conspicuous places.
- Section 18 of R.A. 4136 further requires license plates to be kept clean and cared for and firmly affixed so they are entirely visible and always legible.
- The circular incorporates Memorandum Circular No. 84MC-DIR-002 (January 3, 1984) on validating sticker and tag placement.
Policy intent and enforcement focus
- The circular targets improperly displayed or unreadable license plates that make identification difficult or futile.
- The circular prioritizes monitoring and apprehension of vehicles used in crimes as an urgent law enforcement matter.
- The circular elevates concern due to carjacking as an immediate matter for law enforcement agencies.
- The circular directs law enforcement to enforce correct plate and sticker display for easier identification by the public and law enforcement.
Covered conduct and required placements
- The circular covers any motor vehicle operating with improperly displayed or otherwise unreadable license plates.
- The circular covers validating stickers that are improperly attached and affixed to the license plates, impairing identification.
- The circular requires windshield-validating stickers to be placed on the upper right corner of the windshield.
- The circular requires removal of all other old stickers found on the windshield to avoid obstruction of the driver’s view.
- The circular requires year tag stickers to be placed on the bottom right rectangular slot specifically designed in the plate for that purpose.
- The circular requires removal of all other old stickers found on the space provided to avoid confusion and to ensure vehicles remain easily recognizable, entirely visible, and always legible for the public and law enforcement officers.
Who must enforce and what must be done
- All Law Enforcement Officers and Deputized Agents of the LTO are directed to immediately apprehend motor vehicles found violating the plate and validating sticker requirements.
- Apprehension must be conducted in accordance with the adopted rules of Apprehension referenced by the circular.
- The circular imposes the stated penalty on the owner of the motor vehicle for violation.
Penalty for violations
- The penalty for violation is PHP 300.00 (Three Hundred Pesos).
- The penalty is imposed under Section 20 of Department Order No. 93-693, dated November 19, 1992.
- The PHP 300.00 penalty applies to the owner of the motor vehicle when the violation occurs.
Publication and internal posting
- A copy of LTO Memorandum Circular No. 681-2006 must be immediately posted on all District and Extension Offices for public information and guidance.
Supersession and revocation
- All orders, memoranda, circulars, and issuances inconsistent with the circular are superseded and revoked.