LTO on law requiring bigger plate numbers for motorcycles: A matter of readability rather than size

The implementation of the new Motorcycle Crime Prevention law, which requires bigger size of plate numbers for motorcycles, would depend on readability rather than the size, Assistant Secretary Edgar Galvante of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) said Friday.

“Walang binigay na guide na sukat [ang batas] kaya kami ang mag-dedetermine ng sukat. [Basta] dapat mabasa ang [bagong] plaka sa distance na 15 meters. 'Yun ang hinihingi ng batas,” Galvante said in an interview on GMA News' Unang Balita.

“Kung may mga suggestion sila na angkop para mabasa ang plaka sa distance na 15 meters, tatanggapin namin 'yun,” Galvante added, referring to concerns raised by motorcycle groups that having a bigger plate number could be hazardous because the plates could be blown away by the wind.

Galvante said motorcycle owners can register their vehicles between now and June 30, and that the LTO will process the release of the new plates in no more than 90 days.

“Each region will be assigned color unique to it. We already tested some materials last night, kung mababasa ba within 15 meters, kasi depende rin sa kulay at sa shade,” Galvante said.

“Hahanapin pa namin ang kumbinasyon ng kulay,” Galvante added.

The law also mandates that readable number plates must be displayed in both the front and back sides of the motorcycle and should be made of durable material as determined by the LTO.

Galvante, however, stressed that it would be the motorcycle owner's responsibility to keep their plates attached so as not to cause danger to themselves and others. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA News