LTO warns motorists against plate tampering

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) warned motorists against tampering with or covering their vehicle license plates to evade the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP). The agency said show cause orders would be issued to about 50 motorists caught violating the policy.

LTO Chief Vigor Mendoza II said violators will face both administrative and criminal charges, in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to crack down on irresponsible drivers to uphold road safety.

“We have already caught a significant number of violators in coordination with the MMDA, and we expect to catch even more if people continue disrespecting the law,” Mendoza said. “Thousands of driver’s licenses were suspended and show cause orders were issued during Holy Week alone for reckless driving and other violations. We will not hesitate to act, no matter how many are involved in this illegal scheme to avoid NCAP.”

Last June 2, MMDA Special Operations Group head Gabriel Go submitted evidence to LTO against around 50 motorists who were caught covering their license plates. He said this was in response to complaints and social media posts by some individuals promoting ways to evade NCAP penalties.

LTO Executive Director Greg Pua said the agency would act swiftly on the MMDA’s complaint and is intensifying its crackdown on similar violations. He cited Republic Act 11235 – Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act – which penalizes plate tampering. “This is critical because some motorists are openly bragging on social media about how they avoid NCAP,” Pua added.