Nearly 4,000 motor vehicle dealers in the country have been ordered to explain why they failed to release licence plates and registration documents on time.

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued 3,940 Show Cause Orders (SCO) across the country, targeting motorcycle dealers who did not provide plates and paperwork within the mandated 11-day period.

LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza said the move is intended to prevent stockpiling of licence plates at dealerships.

“This should serve as a lesson to all motor dealers,” Mendoza said in Filipino. “Their obligation doesn’t end with selling vehicles. They must provide the necessary services to their clients, especially plates and registration documents.”

Dealers face fines of up to P1 million pesos for severe violations.

The crackdown comes as the LTO considers implementing a “No Plate, No Travel” policy.

LTO recently cleared a backlog of licence plates for four-wheeled vehicles and is now focusing on motorcycle plates.

Some dealers claim customers ignore messages to collect their plates.

In response, LTO has ordered local officials to assist with distribution, including door-to-door delivery in some areas.

Motor vehicle owners are encouraged to report dealers who fail to provide documentation on time through the LTO’s social media accounts or dedicated hotline.

The national government had announced it wants to resolve all motorcycle plate backlogs by June 2025, following a directive from President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.

Photos posted here are courtesy of LTO MIMAROPA FB Page.