LTO crackdown on use of ‘DU30’ plates

DAVAO CITY – The Land Transportation Office (LTO) here has warned car owners against using or putting “DU30” artificial plates over the LTO license plates as these are not sanctioned by any law.

LTO enforcers continue to crackdown against use of artificial, vanity and commemorative or unauthorized special plates other than the LTO license plates.

Lawyer Eleonor Calderon, chief of the LTO operations division, said DU30 plates can only be used on the body, back portion of the car or beside the LTO plate but should not be replacement of the LTO plates. She said violators will be fined R5,000 as penalty.

Calderon’s warning came following reports that many cars are still sporting “DU30” plates, which were made during the election period, in replacement of LTO plates. Calderon admitted they have exercised some leniency during the election period but reminded car owners they must observe the law.

“I don’t think Mayor Duterte will like it (violating the law),” said Calderon, adding that Davaoeños should be models of law abiding citizens because Davao City is Duterte’s model for the effective implementation of various laws.

According to Calderon, LTO has already prohibited the use of vanity plates or plates that bear the name of the car owners and commemorative plates. Plates with Mayor, Vice Mayor Governor are also prohibited.

She said there are protocol plates issued for the President of the Philippines (#1), Vice President (#2), Senate President (#3), Senate Speaker (#4), Cabinet Secretary (#5), members of the House (#8), and for Judges (#17).