When purchasing a new motorcycle, one of the critical steps in the process is obtaining the Certificate of Registration (CR) and Official Receipt (OR) from the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
The CR serves as proof of ownership and legal registration, while the OR verifies that all necessary fees and taxes have been paid. However, new owners often face a delay in receiving these documents.
The question arises: Is it legal to drive a motorcycle while waiting for the CR and OR to be issued?
Legal Requirement for Motorcycle Registration
In the Philippines, it is a legal requirement that all motor vehicles, including motorcycles, be registered with the LTO before they can be operated on public roads. This is stipulated under Republic Act No. 4136, also known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which governs the registration and use of motor vehicles in the country.
Under this law, motorcycles and all other vehicles must be registered and have a valid license plate, CR, and OR before they can legally be driven on public roads. Driving without these documents may lead to penalties, impoundment, and other legal repercussions.
Temporary Use of New Motorcycles Pending Registration
Despite the legal requirement for a CR and OR, many new motorcycle buyers find themselves in a situation where they need to use their motorcycle but have not yet received the official registration documents. In these cases, the LTO has provisions for temporary use, but certain conditions must be met.
Conduction Stickers: When a new motorcycle is purchased, it comes with a conduction sticker issued by the dealer. This sticker serves as a temporary permit that allows the vehicle to be driven while the registration process is being completed. However, the conduction sticker is only valid for a limited period, and the motorcycle owner must follow up with the LTO to ensure timely registration.
The LTO allows motorcycles to be driven for a limited time (usually 7 days) after the issuance of the temporary conduction sticker, but only if the vehicle is in the process of being registered. The conduction sticker must be prominently displayed on the motorcycle, and the owner should carry documents showing that the registration process is ongoing.
Consequences of Driving Without CR and OR
If you are caught driving a motorcycle without a CR and OR or after the conduction sticker has expired, you could face the following penalties:
- Fines: Driving an unregistered motorcycle can result in a fine ranging from ₱10,000 to ₱12,000, depending on the specific violation and how long the motorcycle has been unregistered.
- Impoundment: The LTO or law enforcement authorities have the right to impound the motorcycle if it is found to be operating without proper registration or beyond the validity of the conduction sticker. The motorcycle will only be released once the registration is complete and all necessary fines and fees have been paid.
- Additional Charges: In some cases, failure to register the vehicle on time may result in additional administrative fees and possible complications with insurance claims in the event of an accident.
Dealer’s Responsibility
While the responsibility of registering the motorcycle ultimately falls on the owner, dealers typically assist in the registration process, especially when the vehicle is newly purchased. Most motorcycle dealerships offer free LTO registration services as part of their sales package, which includes processing the necessary paperwork on the buyer’s behalf.
However, delays can occur for various reasons, such as backlog in the LTO’s system, incomplete paperwork, or other administrative issues. It is important for buyers to follow up with their dealer regularly and ensure that the registration is processed within the allowed time frame.
Important Reminders for Motorcycle Owners
- Always keep a copy of the sales invoice and temporary documents such as the conduction sticker with you when driving the motorcycle before receiving the CR and OR.
- Ensure that the conduction sticker is properly placed and visible on the motorcycle.
- Regularly follow up with the dealer or the LTO to expedite the release of the CR and OR.
- Be aware of the 7-day validity of the conduction sticker for temporary use and avoid driving the motorcycle after this period if the registration is not yet complete.
- Make sure that any violations related to registration are addressed promptly to avoid hefty fines or impoundment.
Conclusion
Driving a motorcycle pending the release of the Certificate of Registration is allowed under specific conditions. The motorcycle can be used temporarily with the conduction sticker issued by the dealer, but only for a limited period (usually 7 days) while the registration process is ongoing. It is crucial to comply with these rules to avoid penalties and ensure that the motorcycle is legally allowed on public roads.
Related: How to Renew your LTO drivers license with Online exam 2024
Always keep in close contact with the dealership and the LTO to track the progress of your motorcycle’s registration, and never assume that the lack of a CR and OR will go unnoticed by authorities. Following the proper procedures will save you from potential legal issues and financial setbacks in the long run.