The Land Transportation Office (LTO) began releasing today the first batch of motorcycle plates based on Republic Act 11235, otherwise known as the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.
Some 70,000 sets of rear metal plates were released by the LTO-National Capital Region West Regional Office to select member companies of the Motorcycle Dealers Association of the Philippines. Only the rear plates are up for distribution, along with their corresponding RFID stickers.
The riding community considers this development a major step toward the full implementation of the highly controversial ‘doble-plaka’ law, although authorities insist that there will be no apprehensions yet for violators.
Atty. Clarence V. Guinto, regional director of LTO-NCR West, led the ceremonial launching and distribution of the newly designed plates. Under the implementing rules and regulations for RA 11235, which was approved by the LTO, motorcycle owners will be required to use a number sticker measuring 135mm by 85mm for the motorbike’s front section, while the rear plate will measure 235mm by 135mm. The LTO modified the size of the plates and changed the front plate from metal to decal after the motorcycle community cited the potential dangers the material poses.
RA 11235 imposes hefty penalties with a jail term for riders who are caught using a motorcycle with missing, tampered, or damaged license plates. The same harsh punishment awaits those who fail to report to the LTO and the local police the sale of a motorcycle within the prescribed period.
NOTE: This story originally appeared on TopBikes.ph. Minor edits have been made.
