The Register Your Vehicle ASAP: No Registration, No Travel Policy

You should include vehicle registration in your list of New Year’s resolutions if you haven’t already done so. This is because the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strictly implement the ‘No Registration, No Travel’ policy in 2024.

According to the latest LTO data released in November 2023, 65% of motor vehicles (some 24.7 million of 38.3 million) in the Philippines are still unregistered. As a result, only 35% (or around 13.3 million) are registered.

LTO chief Vigor Mendoza estimates that 20.15 million of these delinquent motor vehicles are motorcycles, 40 million of them are four-wheelers, and about 490,000 are trucks and buses. A motor vehicle that has not renewed its registration for over a year is included in the report.

What is the No Registration, No Travel Policy?

No Registration, No Travel is in accordance with R.A. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code[3]. It details the mandatory registration of all motor vehicles before they may operate on any public highway.

A vehicle registration renewal must also be done by the due date specified for each vehicle classification under this law. If not, it will become invalid, delinquent, and unusable.

Why is LTO’s No Registration, No Travel Policy Important?

In order to reduce the number of delinquent vehicles, the No Registration, No Travel policy was implemented. This initiative aims to curb the threat that unregistered vehicles pose to road safety and thus improve the country’s overall road safety. Vehicle tracing and monitoring in the Philippines will become easier if all owners register their vehicles on time and regularly.

Apart from endangering road safety, the large number of delinquent vehicles also results in revenue losses of up to 15.5 billion from motorcycles, 18 billion from four-wheel vehicles, and 3.25 billion from trucks and buses.

Additionally, motor vehicle owners who follow the rules and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy and registered benefit from the strict implementation of the No Registration, No Travel policy.

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What are the Penalties for Not Following the No Registration, No Travel Policy? 

The LTO imposes strict penalties, ranging from a fine of 5,000 dollars for those who have registered their cars without attaching their plates to a fine of 10,000 dollars for those who have not registered their vehicles.

 Youe vehicle must be registered within three years or you will be fined 10,000 and other penalties if you are cited on the road. You will also have your car impounded.

How to Register or Renew Your Motor Vehicle Registration

Are you in the market for a new car? Vehicle registration is usually handled by car dealers without any additional fees or convenience charges. Within one week, they must complete the registration process and provide you with your OR/CR and license plate.

The first-time vehicle registration is usually valid for three years, after which you must re-register your vehicle.

Prepare your documents (original sales invoice, original LTO copy of TPL insurance, payment reference number, etc.)

Get an assessment and fee computation by submitting all your documents. Your Motor Vehicle Inspection Report must be submitted after your vehicle has been inspected. Registration fees can be paid afterward.

Last but not least, wait at the releasing counter to receive your Certificate of Registration, plates, stickers, and other relevant documents.

 FAQs

1. Is the No Registration, No Travel Policy update already in effect?

Yes. The LTO eased the policy in December 2023, but it has been strictly implemented nationwide since January 2024.

It means that offenders will no longer be let off with a warning, but will face the penalties.

2. What types of vehicles are covered by the No Registration, No Travel Policy?

The law applies to all private cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and motor wheel attachments. Furthermore, it includes government and public utility vehicles such as automobiles, trucks, taxicabs, and motorcycles.

3. Is it okay to travel without my OR/CR?

The No Registration, No Travel policy requires all motor vehicles on public roads to be registered, so you must always carry your Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) with you.

You should never drive your vehicle without its OR/CR. You will be automatically fined 10,000 if you are stopped after committing a violation or getting into an accident.