Register Your Vehicle ASAP: No Registration, No Travel Policy

If you haven’t gotten around to listing down your New Year’s resolutions, make sure to include taking care of your vehicle registration. That’s because the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strictly implement the ‘No Registration, No Travel’ policy this 2024. 

The latest LTO data released in November 2023 shows that 65% of motor vehicles (some 24.7 million of 38.3 million) in the Philippines are still unregistered. This means that only 35% (or around 13.3 million) are registered.^[1] 

According to LTO chief Vigor Mendoza, 20.15 million of these delinquent motor vehicles are motorcycles, 40.1 million are four-wheeled vehicles, and about 490,000 are trucks and buses.^[2] The report only includes motor vehicles that have not renewed their registration for over a year. 

What is the No Registration, No Travel Policy?

The No Registration, No Travel policy is in conjunction with R.A. 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.^[3] It details the mandatory registration of all motor vehicles and other vehicles before using or operating them on any public highway in the Philippines. 

According to this law, you must also renew your vehicle registration on or before the date fixed for different vehicle classifications. If not, it will become invalid, delinquent, and unfit for use on the road. 

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

The No Registration, No Travel policy aims to reduce the number of delinquent vehicles. It seeks to curb the threat these unregistered vehicles pose to road safety and thus improve the country's overall road safety. If all vehicle owners in the Philippines register their vehicles regularly and on time, vehicle tracing and monitoring will become more manageable for the government. 

Aside from their threats to road safety, the massive number of delinquent vehicles also translates to revenue losses of as much as ₱15.5 billion from motorcycles, ₱18.4 billion from four-wheel vehicles, and ₱3.25 billion from trucks and buses.^[4] 

The strict implementation of the No Registration, No Travel policy also makes it fair to motor vehicle owners who follow the rules and ensure their vehicles are registered and roadworthy.  

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

The LTO imposes strict penalties, ranging from ₱5,000 for those who have completed their registration but haven’t attached their plates; to ₱10,000 for non-registration of their vehicle. 

If your vehicle has not been registered in three years or more and you're apprehended on the road, you’ll pay the aforementioned ₱10,000 fine and other penalties required to register your vehicle. Your car will also be impounded. 

Related reading: List of LTO Violations and Penalties in the Philippines 2023

How to Register or Renew Your Motor Vehicle Registration

Recently purchased a brand-new car? Car dealers usually take care of the vehicle registration with no additional service or convenience fees. They must complete the registration process within one week and provide you with your OR/CR and license plate within that timeframe. 

Your first-time vehicle registration is typically valid for three years, after which you must register your car yourself. 

To do so, prepare your documents (original sales invoice, original LTO copy of TPL insurance, payment reference number, etc.) and visit the nearest LTO branch that processes vehicle registrations. 

Submit all your documents to get an assessment and computation of fees. After your vehicle has been inspected, submit your Motor Vehicle Inspection Report. You can pay for your vehicle registration fees afterward. 

Lastly, wait for your Certificate of Registration, plates, stickers, and other relevant documents at the releasing counter.

Read more: When and How to Renew Your Car Registration With the LTO

LTO No Registration, No Travel Policy: FAQs

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

Yes. LTO may have eased its implementation back in December 2023, but they resumed it starting January 2024.^[5] The LTO now strictly implements the No Registration, No Travel policy nationwide. 

This means that offenders will no longer be let off with a warning but will be imposed the penalties. 

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

It applies to all private cars, trucks, motorcycles, scooters, and motor wheel attachments. Moreover, it includes government and public utility automobiles, trucks, taxis, and motorcycles.

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

Since the No Registration, No Travel policy requires all motor vehicles on public roads to be registered, you must always have your Official Receipt/Certificate of Registration (OR/CR), which serves as proof of your vehicle’s registration.

As a rule, don’t drive your vehicle without its OR/CR. If you get stopped after committing a violation or getting involved in an accident, that’s an automatic ₱10,000 penalty for you.  

Read more: How Much are the LTO Fees for Car Registration and Driver’s License in 2023?

Final Thoughts 

There are over 24 million delinquent vehicles in the country—vehicles that have not gone through roadworthiness inspections nor updated their car insurance and compulsory third-party liability coverage.  

Observe the No Registration, No Travel policy and complete your registration before hitting the road. The last thing you need is the hassle of being pulled over and fined when you can’t produce proof of registration. 

Sources: 

• ^[1] Only 35% of PH motor vehicles have valid registration, LTO eyes 'No Registration, No Travel' policy (Manila Bulletin, 2023)
• ^[2] LTO wants strict implementation of 'no registration, no travel' policy (CNN Philippines, 2023)
• ^[3] Republic Act 4136: Land Transportation and Traffic Code Rules (LTO Portal PH)
• ^[4] LTO: No registration, no travel as gov’t losing P37b in revenues (Manila Standard, 2023)
• ^[5] LTO: ‘No Registration, No Travel’ rule’s strict enforcement back in 2024 (Inquirer.net, 2023)