Drivers concealing license plates may serve time - LTO

Metro Manila, Philippines - Over 50 drivers caught concealing license plates may be criminally liable and serve time for up to two years, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said.

On Monday, June 2, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) presented evidence against over 50 motorists who intentionally covered their license plates to evade the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) in parts of Metro Manila.

Traffic security cameras have been revived under the NCAP, a system that relies on artificial intelligence and cameras to apprehend traffic violators.

“Hindi kayo makatakas sa batas, makikita at makikita namin kung sino kayo at bukod sa administrative penalty na P5,000, may criminal liability ang erasing, tampering or forging or imitating, covering or concealing a readable number plate na six months and one day to two years,” said Greg Pua, LTO executive director, in a press statement.

[Translation: You cannot escape the law. We will find out who you are, and aside from the administrative penalty of ₱5,000. There is also criminal liability for erasing, tampering with, forging or imitating, covering, or concealing a readable number plate - punishable by imprisonment of six months and one day to two years.]

The MMDA said it has apprehended over 5,400 violators on NCAP’s first week of implementation from May 26 to June 1.

NewsWatch Plus correspondent Lance Mejico contributed to this report