Own a motorcycle? If yes, a few changes might soon be coming to its license plates.
President Rodrigo Duterte has signed Republic Act No. 11235, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act, into law.
Under this law, the Philippine Land Transportation Office (LTO) will require motorbikes to come equipped with larger license plates on both the front and the rear of the vehicle, visible from at least 15 meters away. Motorcycle license plates will also be color-coded according to region.
“The readable number plates must be displayed in both the front and back sides of a motorcycle and shall be made of suitable and durable material as determined by the LTO,” the law reads.
Riding without a license plate or a plate that conforms to the law’s regulations will result in a fine of no less than P50,000 and no more than P100,000. On top of that, the motorcycle will be seized by the apprehending authorities and surrendered to the Philippine National Police.
The Philippine Senate voted unanimously to approve this bill, authored by Senator Richard Gordon. There were zero negative votes and no abstention.
You can check out the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act in its entirety here.
Various riders groups have expressed their displeasure over the requirement of front-mounted license plates, saying the said plates would compromise their safety as these may fly off in the event of a collision or while riding at high speeds. The proponents of the bill say that this is for the overall safety of the motoring public, riders or not.
Are you in favor of this law?
