LTO-6 starts crackdown against expired commemorative plates

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — The Land Transportation Office-Region 6 has started the crackdown on the use of commemorative plates on February 6.

Marlon Velez, chief of the LTO Law Enforcement Division, said LTO-6 director Gerard Camiña already sent a memorandum directing the strict enforcement of the guidelines on the proper usage of commemorative plates.

Part of the crackdown will include the enforcement on the use of vanity license plates and protocol plates.

Authorization of commemorative plates will no longer be granted upon implementation of the vanity plates program, said Velez. “Our operation is to ensure that commemorative plates are not expired and are properly displayed,” he said, adding that the LTO usually allows commemorative plates a “lifespan” of one year.

Based on LTO records, there are only three valid commemorative plates nationwide: the FBIAAA, Mason and QCPD.

The quite “popular” 75 years of NBI commemorative plate has expired on November 22 last year. Even if it is still valid, drivers of vehicles bearing commemorative plates will still be intercepted if not properly placed, said Velez.

For correct placement, commemorative plates should not superimpose the regular vehicle license plates. It could be placed on the right or left side or above or under the regular license plates, and at the front but not on the rear part of the vehicle, he said.

Velez said the LTO would confiscate the driver’s license of violating drivers, who would also be meted with a penalty of P2,078. The crackdown will be done continuously in Western Visayas, he added. - THE FREEMAN