License plates shortage could happen in July, LTO says

It seems like driver’s licenses aren’t the only ones to face a shortage as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said in an ANC interview that car license plates could face supply problems by July.

The LTO wants motorists to use a improvised plate amid the projected shortage

The government agency pointed out that the shortage could happen if the Department of Transportation (DOTr) fails to procure license plates. License plates of two-wheelers are also affected by this issue, expecting a shortage a month earlier in June.

In the meantime, LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade is suggesting motorists to make their own improvised plates as vehicles aren’t allowed to use roads without a plate. As opposed to temporary plates that are given by car dealers upon purchase of a brand new vehicle, improvised plates look to aid existing vehicles amid the projected shortage.

The LTO chief explained that the motorists who can use improvised plates are those that either have lost or have their plates stolen. They can also use this type of plate if the readings on their current ones are already illegible.

The LTO held a press conference regarding the license plate issue

Note that motorists must request for an authorization to use an improvised plate from an LTO office.

Now, the agency said that motorists with an improvised plate could still be pulled over by traffic enforcers. When this happens, motorists are required to show the authorization for the improvised plate, as well as the OR/CR of their motor vehicle.

The shortage in license plates could coincide with the ongoing supply shortage of plastic cards for driver’s licenses. In a report by the LTO, the agency only has 147,522 plastic cards remaining, which is expected to run out before the end of March 2023.

Similar to the case of license plates, the LTO is waiting for the process of procurement of plastic cards. An official receipt (OR) is instead given to driver’s license holders while the issue hasn’t been resolved.

Don’t miss the latest in the transport sector at Philkotse.com.