LTO waives penalties, extends deadline for storm-hit motorists

By Gerome Dalipe IV

To ease the burden on motorists affected by Severe Tropical Storm Crising, Typhoon Dante, Tropical Depression Emong, and the southwest monsoon, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has waived surcharges and extended deadlines for vehicle registrations, driver’s license renewals, new registrations, and traffic fine settlements.

In a memorandum dated July 25, LTO Acting Assistant Secretary and Chief Atty. Greg G. Pua Jr. ordered the waivers and extensions in line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive.

The weekly surcharge for late motor vehicle registration and driver’s license renewals due from July 21 to 25 will be waived until August 8, 2025.

The validity of registrations and licenses expiring during that period is also extended to the same date.

For vehicles purchased between July 21 and 25, the count of days for penalty purposes from the sales invoice will start on the next working day after August 8, effectively granting new registrants additional leeway.

Meanwhile, the normal 15-day window to settle traffic apprehension cases dated July 21 to 25 without penalties is also extended through August 8.

“These extensions are crucial to accommodate our clients whose mobility and paperwork were disrupted by recent storms,” said LTO Region 6 Director Atty. Gaudioso P. Geduspan II.

He urged all LTO 6 personnel to fully implement the memorandum, warning that complaints of unawareness would not be tolerated.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, whose office oversees the LTO, underscored the importance of the relief measures.

He noted that more than 2.7 million Filipinos were affected by flooding and storm-related disruptions in recent days.

“Maximizing government assistance during calamities is our duty,” Dizon said.

Motorists in Western Visayas are advised to visit their nearest LTO office or use the LTO Plate Tracker online tool before the August 8 deadline to take advantage of the waivers and extensions.