Starting November 1, 2025, motorists using provisional, improvised, or temporary plates will be apprehended as part of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7’s intensified enforcement of license plate regulations.
The move is anchored on LTO Memorandum Circular No. VDM-2025-4674, issued on September 25, which prohibits the continued use of non-official plates.
LTO-7 Regional Director Glenn Galario said the measure comes as the agency has cleared its backlog in license plate production and is now actively distributing all remaining plates nationwide.
Galario clarified that, with the impending deadline, the use of improvised plates will only be allowed provided that the owner possesses an authorization to use an improvised plate. This authorization must be signed by the concerned LTO office that processed the duplicate plate request.
The improvised plate must contain the vehicle’s assigned plate number with the words “Improvised Plate” clearly printed below it.
The use of an improvised plate is applicable only to those who have requested a replacement plate due to loss, dilapidation, or similar situations that rendered the original plate unreadable or unidentifiable.
Galario said that using an “Improvised Plate” without proper authorization shall be fined.
Also covered by the apprehension are vehicles with unreadable plates, or those with plates improperly mounted such as slanted placements or wrong locations. Motorcycle plates must be mounted at the rear, while motor vehicle plates must be installed at both the front and rear.
Motorists are urged to claim their official plates at the nearest LTO office before the deadline to avoid long queues and possible penalties.
‘We ask for your cooperation and understanding. Every motor vehicle is required to have its official plate not only by law but also to ensure proper vehicle identification, public safety, and the general welfare,’ he said.
The implementation supports the administration of President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr., which seeks to ensure all vehicles on public roads have proper plates.
Under the leadership of DOTr Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez and LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza, LTO 7 has been distributing unclaimed plates across the region since last year.
Violators will face a P5,000 fine under Joint Administrative Order (JAO) 2014-001, along with other applicable laws and regulations.
The LTO also reminded motorists that vehicles bearing provisional, improvised, or temporary plates will not be accepted for registration renewal after the deadline.
A separate memorandum issued on August 27, 2024 had earlier informed the public of the guidelines for the use of improvised and temporary plates, giving motorists ample time to secure their official plates.