LTO: Automatic impound for vehicles with expired registration starting August

Following the apprehension of 22,659 traffic violators in CALABARZON (Region IV-A), including 10,516 vehicles with expired registrations, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced a stricter stance against unregistered motor vehicles, warning that drivers will face impoundment starting August 2025.

In total, the LTO apprehended 20,307 vehicles being driven on the road with expired registrations nationwide in June alone.

LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor Mendoza II issued a stern warning to vehicle owners with delinquent registrations. Beyond the automatic PHP 10,000 fine, unregistered motor vehicles will be impounded until they pass a roadworthiness inspection.

“We have to do this in the interest of the greater number of road users,” said Mendoza.

In the agency’s June operations, motorcycles accounted for the majority with 12,808 cases, followed by tricycles with 3,992. Mendoza also noted that while over 20,000 apprehensions were made, this represents only a fraction of vehicles requiring registration renewal, indicating a continuing nationwide effort.

Following LTO Region IV-A, LTO-MIMAROPA (Region IV-B) ticketed 2,925, while LTO Cagayan Valley (Region II) ticketed 2,591 drivers operating vehicles with expired registrations. The data also revealed that 850 private sedans, 1,852 vans (including 29 public utility vehicles), 47 passenger jeepneys, 10 buses, and 544 trucks were also apprehended for expired registrations.

LTO officials continue to urge vehicle owners to comply with registration obligations to avoid hefty fines. Mendoza reiterated that renewing registration, which includes mandatory inspection, is crucial for ensuring vehicle roadworthiness as part of the LTO’s aggressive “Stop Road Crash” campaign.