Effective immediately and pursuant to the governments policy of "no plates, no travel", hereunder are the guidelines in the apprehension of motorist/drivers for violations relative to motor vehicle number plates, tags and stickers.

1. As provided under R.A. No. 4136

a. "Sec. 18. Use of Number Plates. At all times, every motor vehicle shall display in conspicuous places, one in front and one in the rear thereof, the said number plates

The number plates shall be kept clean and cared for, and shall be firmly affixed to the motor vehicle in such as will make it entirely visible and always visible."

This provision is implemented by Section 16 of Department Order No. 93-693 which enumerates the following violations:

1.a.1. Number plates not firmly attached and visible

1.a.2. Dirty and uncared for plates.

1.a.3. Inconspicuously displayed front and rear plates.

2. As provided under the Public Service Act and implemented by Dept. Order No. 93-693, it shall be unlawful where appearing in the license plates are different from those which appear in the body of the alpha-numeric Public Utility Vehicles.

3. As provided under Batas Pambansa Blg. 43

Sec. 1. "Number plates Preparation and Issuance of

". . ."

Provided further that the identification numbers and letters of any motor vehicle number plate shall be permanently assigned to such vehicle during its lifetime. . .

"The transfer of MV plates whether temporary or regular, validating tags and/or stickers from one MV to another without permit from the Bureau of Land Transportation (now Land Transportation Office) except security number plates authorized vehicles shall be punishable with a fine of not less than Five Thousand pesos (P5,000)." The amount of fine is more increased to P7,500 and/or imprisonment of six (6) months at the discretion of the court."

Department Order No. 63-693, particularly Sec. 21 thereof implements above quoted provision of law by penalizing illegal transfer of plates, tags or stickers from one vehicle to another.

4. Under Sec. 31, R.A. 4136

Sec. 31. Imitation and False Representation.

No person shall make or use or attempt to make or use a drivers license, badge certificate, number plate, tag, or permit in imitation or similitude of those issued under this Act, or intended to be used as or for as legal license, badge certificate, plate, tag or permit, or with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of the same to another. No person shall falsely or fraudulently represent as valid and in force any driver's license, badge certificate, plate, tag or permit issued under this Act which is delinquent or which has been revoked or suspended.

Dept. Order 93-693 enumerates the violations relative to Sec. 31 of RA 4136.

Sec. 20. Using tampered or marked plates

Sec. 27. Using unauthorized improvised plates

Sec. 52. Using fake number plates/tags or stickers

5. Under Sec. 5a of R.A. No. 4136

Sec. 5a. All motor vehicles and other motor vehicles must be registered.

No motor vehicle shall be used or operated on or upon any public highway of the Philippines unless the same is properly registered for the current year in accordance with the provisions of this Act.

Sec. 5a of RA 4136 is supplemented by Dept. Order 93-693, under Sec. 11 of 93-693 operating a motor vehicle which is unregistered/with invalid or delinquent registration is penalized.

6. Violations in connection with the use of commemorative stickers.

Under Adm. Order No. BGC-AO-99003, issued on 28 July 1999, the following are the prohibited acts under the subject Administrative Order, to wit:

6.a Improper display of motor vehicle permanent plates by the owner to accommodate a better display of commemorative/other plate.

6.b. Display/use of expired commemorative plates/other plates.

6.c. Violation of rules and regulations on placement of commemorative plates.

6.d. Illegal transfer of commemorative plate without prior authority.

6.e. Illegal use of unauthorized commemorative plates without prior authority.

For the purpose of more effective and meaningful traffic law enforcement, all enforcement officers and those concerned are directed to cause the apprehension of motorist/drivers whose motor vehicles commit the above-mentioned violations.

For strict compliance.

Adopted: 22 April 2004


(SGD.) ANNELI R. LONTOC
Assistant Secretary