In a concerted effort to accelerate the distribution of motor vehicle (MV) and motorcycle (MC) license plates, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 1 has initiated a multi-phase campaign. This aggressive approach comes as a direct result of directives from Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon and LTO Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II, emphasizing the importance of prompt plate issuance for road safety and vehicle traceability.

LTO Regional Director Glorioso Daniel Martinez and Assistant Regional Director Engr. Eric Suriben was working closely with local government units (LGUs) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) across Region 1. This collaboration is deemed crucial for the efficient distribution of plates, in preparation for the effective enforcement of traffic laws, particularly the ‘No plate, No travel’ policy, within the next few months.

Four-Phase Approach for Safer Roads

According to LTO Region 1, its comprehensive strategy will be divided into four vital phases.

The first phase centers on joint and collaborative action involving LGUs, the PNP, and other law enforcement agencies. Martinez emphasizes their critical role, stressing the need for active involvement to ensure all vehicles on public roads are easily identifiable through properly attached license plates.

As part of this initial phase, Martinez, accompanied by LTO Rosales District Office Chief Mariano Delos Santos Jr., held consultative meetings on June 4, 2025. These meetings involved Mayor William Cezar of Rosales, Pangasinan, and Mayor Maria Theresa Rodriguez-Peralta of Balungao, Pangasinan, along with their respective municipal officials.

The discussions focused on devising collaborative strategies for swift plate distribution and enforcement of traffic regulations. Martinez also engaged with Barangay officials to further bolster effective policy implementation.

In July, LTO Region 1 will transition into the second phase, focusing on an intensive Information Education Campaign (IEC) coupled with persuasive enforcement of plate-related violations. LTO Region 1 personnel will actively participate in these activities within their respective areas of responsibility.

Following a stringent IEC, August will mark the third phase with LTO Region 1 Law Enforcement Officers conducting preventive enforcement. These officers will be strategically deployed across the region to deter ongoing plate-related violations and to inform motorists about the seriousness of such offenses.

The final phase will involve the strict implementation of the “No Plate, No Travel Policy” in the whole of Region 1. This includes the apprehension and imposition of fines and penalties against drivers and vehicle owners who fail to attach their LTO-issued plates, even when available.

LTO Region 1 reminds motorists to comply with traffic laws as it is committed to rigorously implementing all traffic laws, rules, and regulations, aiming to ensure safer roads for everyone in the region.

While there is no backlog on motor vehicle license plates, the LTO in March announced that the license plate backlog on motorcycles will be addressed this year.’

“Land Transportation Office Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II assured the public that the problem with the license plate backlog that hounded millions of its clients since 2014 will be addressed this year,” said the agency.

LTO continues to face a significant challenge in fulfilling its motorcycle license plate obligations, with an estimated 9 million backlog as of August 2024.