President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed a law amending the “Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act” (Republic Act No. 11235) to strengthen its provisions, improve compliance, and enhance responsible motorcycle ownership across the country.
The newly signed amendments focus on the timely transfer of motorcycle ownership, more reasonable fines, and clearer regulations surrounding number plates. One of the key changes is the requirement for new motorcycle owners to transfer ownership within 20 working days of acquisition, ensuring a more efficient registration process.
Key Changes in the New Law:
- New Ownership Transfer Requirement
Under the revised law, new owners are now required to transfer the motorcycle ownership to their name within 20 working days of purchase. This adjustment is aimed at reducing delays and improving accountability for both motorcycle buyers and sellers.
- Reduction in Fines for Non-Compliance
The new law introduces a reduction in penalties for non-compliance. Previously, violators faced fines of up to PhP50,000 or imprisonment for failing to comply with ownership transfer requirements. The amended law now sets the maximum fine at PhP5,000, making it more proportional to the violation while still enforcing accountability.
- Limitations on Seizure of Motorcycles
A significant change is that no motorcycle can be seized solely for the buyer’s failure to comply with registration or transfer requirements. This move seeks to avoid unnecessary hardships for owners who can present proof of registration.
- Enhanced Requirements for Number Plates
Section 5 of the new law mandates that motorcycles must have larger, more readable, and color-coded number plates. The updated regulations are designed to make it easier for law enforcement and the public to identify motorcycles, enhancing security and reducing crime.
- Reduced Penalties for Missing or Unreadable Number Plates
For drivers who do not have a number plate or possess an unreadable plate, the fine has been lowered from a range of PhP50,000 to PhP100,000 (or jail time) to a more manageable fine of up to PhP5,000. Importantly, no motorcycle will be seized if the owner can provide proof of registration and is not at fault for the missing or unreadable plate.
- Stricter Penalties for Tampering or Misuse of Plates
Section 12 of the law increases penalties for tampering with, misusing, or knowingly selling or buying forged or altered number plates. Offenders can face imprisonment of 6 months to 2 years, a fine of up to PhP10,000, or both, ensuring that those who engage in illegal activities related to number plates are held accountable.
- Annual Report on Repossessed Units
Motorcycle dealers are now required to report all motorcycle repossessions to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and submit an annual status report of repossessed units. This provision is expected to reduce the circulation of unregistered motorcycles, promoting a more transparent and regulated market.
- Simplified Fines for Lost Number Plates
In cases where owners fail to report lost number plates, the penalty has been reduced from up to PhP50,000 to a flat fine of PhP5,000, further encouraging compliance without disproportionate penalties.
President Marcos emphasized that the amendments to the Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act are aimed at making motorcycle ownership safer and more responsible, while also reducing the burden on the public with more manageable fines.
“By modernizing these regulations, we are ensuring that motorcycles, which have become an essential part of Filipino daily life, are used responsibly while also being properly regulated to prevent crime and protect citizens,” said President Marcos.
