Traffic stops are getting more serious—and for good reason.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is turning up the heat on motorists who think they can slip under the radar. With beefed-up roadside inspections now in full swing, vehicles that aren’t roadworthy—or even properly registered—are no longer getting a free pass.
According to the agency, this move is part of its commitment to “promote integrity, accountability, and proper management of public affairs and public property,” as outlined in its official memorandum on June 16.
Registration isn’t optional
If your car has no license plates or a valid conduction sticker, it’s not going anywhere. Expect immediate apprehension and possibly an impound trip. The LTO emphasized that “vehicles without license plates or valid conduction permits shall not be allowed to operate on public roads.”
Drivers need to carry their Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) at all times. These aren’t just documents—they’re proof that your vehicle is legal and roadworthy. As the LTO puts it, “all operators must ensure that their vehicles are registered and roadworthy at all times.”
New cars in transit
They get a bit of breathing room. A conduction permit allows a brand-new ride to travel for up to seven days—but it must also have insurance, a delivery receipt, and a sales invoice. The LTO clarifies: “Vehicles in transit for registration purposes may operate with a conduction permit for a maximum of seven (7) days, provided all required documents are present.”
Whether it’s a quick roadside stop or a formal check at a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC), here’s what your ride has to pass:
Identity check
- Plate number and sticker match registration
- Chassis and engine numbers aligned with your CR
- Complete docs, especially for brand-new units.
The LTO’s intensified inspections aren’t just about compliance—they’re a response to a sobering reality on Philippine roads.
According to the Department of Health, an average of 12,000 Filipinos die each year due to road crashes. That’s roughly 33 lives lost every single day—from car collisions to pedestrian and motorcycle accidents.
Road crashes are now among the top causes of death for children and youth aged 5–29, according to the World Health Organization.
These figures underscore why the LTO is doubling down on enforcement. The LTO’s directive is clear: “We are committed to ensuring that only safe, roadworthy, and properly documented vehicles are allowed to operate on public roads.” This isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about road safety, accountability, and cleaner air, it said.
If your vehicle isn’t up to code, make the necessary repairs before hitting the road. Otherwise, you may find yourself walking home with a ticket in hand—and possibly no car. – Ramon Tomeldan
