There are instances where vehicle owners may need temporary or improvised plates before receiving their official license plates from the Land Transportation Office (LTO). In July 2023, the LTO announced the shortage of vehicle license plates, eventually releasing a temporary solution.
According to the LTO, temporary plates are issued by dealerships to vehicle owners awaiting the official physical plate number of their newly registered vehicles. These plates provide a temporary identification solution during the waiting period.
Temporary vs. Improvised: Understanding the Difference
While both terms deal with using non-permanent plates, there’s a key distinction:
- Temporary Plates: These are issued by authorized dealers while your official LTO plates are being manufactured. They are typically made of metal or similar rigid material and follow specific design standards the LTO sets.
- Improvised Plates: These are temporary solutions you create yourself, typically using cardboard, paper, or other readily available materials, while waiting for official or temporary plates.
Improvised plates cannot be used without prior authorization from the LTO. This authorization comes as a permit issued by your nearest LTO District or Extension Office.
Allocation of Plate Numbers: Conduction Sticker or MV File Number
In cases where assigned plate numbers are absent, the LTO specifies the use of either the Conduction Sticker number or the MV File Number, depending on the type of vehicle. This allocation guarantees registration requirements compliance while awaiting official plate issuance.
Vehicle owners utilizing temporary plates must comply with LTO regulations to maintain validity. This includes adhering to prescribed formats, visibility standards, and display locations outlined in Memorandum Circular JMT-2023-2400.
What the LTO Requires for Temporary/Improvised Plates
Visibility is important for temporary plates to fulfill their intended purpose effectively. Motorists must guarantee that temporary plates are prominently displayed on both the front and rear of the vehicle, allowing for easy identification by law enforcement authorities and other motorists.
Under the memorandum circular, specific font colors are allocated for different types of vehicles to enhance visibility and compliance.
Private vehicles must display their license plate numbers in black font, ensuring clear and legible identification on the road. The familiar tradition continues for government vehicles, which will retain the red font for their license plates, maintaining their distinct visibility. Yellow font is reserved for Public Utility Vehicles and other vehicles for hire, providing clarity for passengers and pedestrians alike.
Hybrid and electric vehicles have green numbers and letters on vehicle plates, signaling their eco-friendly credentials. Diplomatic license plates will feature blue font, distinguishing them as vehicles associated with diplomatic missions and foreign embassies.
The memorandum circular also introduces changes to motorcycle temporary plates, emphasizing larger plate sizes and adherence to assigned plate numbers. The MV File number must be used without an assigned plate number, accompanied by the indication “Temporary Plate” on the plate.
In the event of lost or damaged license plates, vehicle owners can rest assured as the LTO provides a seamless process for replacement. The traditional process remains in place, with the added step of obtaining proper LTO authorization for improvised plates while awaiting the replacement plate.