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Advocates Philippines
New Law Slaps P20K Fine For Using Stolen Or Fake Motorcycle Plates - Here's What Riders And Dealers Need To Know
FILE
Heads up, motorcycle owners and dealers — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. just signed a new law that’s cracking down on plate-related violations, and it comes with some hefty fines.
The law is officially called Republic Act No. 12209, or “An Act Rationalizing the Safety Measures and Penalties Relative to Motorcycle Operation.” It updates the older Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (RA 11235) and brings some big changes that every rider and motorcycle seller should know about.
Big no-no: Using a stolen or fake plate? That’ll cost you.
One of the biggest things the law makes clear: If you’re caught using a stolen or someone else’s readable plate on your bike, you could be slapped with a ₱20,000 fine — and that’s on top of any criminal charges you might face under existing laws. So yeah, not worth the risk.
And it’s not just about stolen plates. Altering, tampering with, or using fake plates? You could be looking at six months to two years in prison, a ₱10,000 fine, or both. The same goes for anyone caught buying or selling those plates, knowing they’re fake or tampered with. Bottom line: If it’s not legit, steer clear.
What about dealerships and buyers?
RA 12209 also lays down new rules for dealers and buyers, especially in installment purchases.
If you’re buying a motorcycle on a payment plan, there needs to be a written agreement clearly stating that the seller keeps ownership until it’s fully paid. It’s meant to protect both the buyer and the dealer, and make sure everything’s above board.
And if a unit gets repossessed? Dealers now have to report that to the LTO, who will then mark the registration as under storage and revert ownership back to the dealer. This helps prevent unsuspecting buyers from getting into trouble later on.
Annual reports and penalties for non-compliance
All dealers — including buy-and-sell operators — must also submit annual reports on repossessed motorcycles. Fail to do so, or skip any of the new requirements? That could cost you up to ₱5,000 in fines.
In short, this law is all about making motorcycle ownership safer, more transparent, and harder to abuse. Whether you're a casual rider or run a dealership, it’s best to stay informed and compliant.
So the next time someone offers you a “cheap plate” or a deal that seems a little sketchy, think twice — because the fines (and jail time) definitely aren’t worth it.
The law is officially called Republic Act No. 12209, or “An Act Rationalizing the Safety Measures and Penalties Relative to Motorcycle Operation.” It updates the older Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act (RA 11235) and brings some big changes that every rider and motorcycle seller should know about.
Big no-no: Using a stolen or fake plate? That’ll cost you.
One of the biggest things the law makes clear: If you’re caught using a stolen or someone else’s readable plate on your bike, you could be slapped with a ₱20,000 fine — and that’s on top of any criminal charges you might face under existing laws. So yeah, not worth the risk.
And it’s not just about stolen plates. Altering, tampering with, or using fake plates? You could be looking at six months to two years in prison, a ₱10,000 fine, or both. The same goes for anyone caught buying or selling those plates, knowing they’re fake or tampered with. Bottom line: If it’s not legit, steer clear.
What about dealerships and buyers?
RA 12209 also lays down new rules for dealers and buyers, especially in installment purchases.
If you’re buying a motorcycle on a payment plan, there needs to be a written agreement clearly stating that the seller keeps ownership until it’s fully paid. It’s meant to protect both the buyer and the dealer, and make sure everything’s above board.
And if a unit gets repossessed? Dealers now have to report that to the LTO, who will then mark the registration as under storage and revert ownership back to the dealer. This helps prevent unsuspecting buyers from getting into trouble later on.
Annual reports and penalties for non-compliance
All dealers — including buy-and-sell operators — must also submit annual reports on repossessed motorcycles. Fail to do so, or skip any of the new requirements? That could cost you up to ₱5,000 in fines.
In short, this law is all about making motorcycle ownership safer, more transparent, and harder to abuse. Whether you're a casual rider or run a dealership, it’s best to stay informed and compliant.
So the next time someone offers you a “cheap plate” or a deal that seems a little sketchy, think twice — because the fines (and jail time) definitely aren’t worth it.
May 15, 2025
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