The Department of Transportation (DOTr), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), issued a definitive clarification for electric vehicle (EV) and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) owners, affirming that they are automatically exempt from the number coding system as mandated by the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA).
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez clarified that owners of these vehicles do not need to obtain additional certification from the Department of Energy (DOE) to be eligible for the exemption. This decision aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to ensure EVIDA is properly and efficiently implemented.
“To settle this issue once and for all, the DOTr and LTO would like to inform our countrymen who own electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, as well as all traffic enforcers and deputized traffic officers, that no DOE certification is required for owners to use their cars and be exempted from the number coding system,” said Acting Secretary Lopez.
The LTO confirms that all EVs and HEVs sold to the public already undergo the necessary DOE certification as a prerequisite for commercial sale. The EVIDA Law grants this coding exemption as a primary incentive to encourage motorists to shift toward electric and hybrid vehicles, thereby promoting sustainable transportation options and helping the country address climate change goals.
In a related development, the DOTr and LTO announced they are actively collaborating with the Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) to launch a robust crackdown against individuals who sell and use fraudulent green license plates intended to mimic official EV/HEV registration.
“We are leveraging the assistance of the PNP-HPG in this effort. We are in contact with Director Col. Hans Marantan to strictly enforce regulations against the widespread selling or faking of EV and HEV plates,” Acting Secretary Lopez added.
The LTO reminds the public that installing fake or unauthorized motor vehicle (MV) plates constitutes a serious offense. Violators face a significant fine of P10,000 and can be subject to imprisonment ranging from six months to two years. Additionally, they will be issued a show-cause order to explain why their driver’s license should not be suspended or canceled.
The DOTr urges all EV and HEV owners to ensure their registration is compliant and encourages the public to continue supporting the transition to more sustainable transport solutions.
