A new law recently signed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. now imposes a fine of up to PhP20,000 for using a stolen motorcycle license plate or readable number plate.

President Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12209, known as “An Act Rationalizing the Safety Measures and Penalties relative to Motorcycle Operation,” which amended RA 11235, or “Motorcycle Crime Prevention Act.”

Section 6 of RA 12209 stated that “without prejudice to criminal prosecution for violation of existing laws, the use of a stolen number plate or readable number plate in a motorcycle shall be punished with a fine of not more than P20,000.”

The new law requires a written agreement that states the seller keeps ownership, but allows the buyer to use the motorcycle until fully paid if the sale is through a dealership.

RA 12209 also stated that dealers must report repossessions to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which will revert the motorcycle registration to the dealer and mark the unit as under storage to avoid penalties.

Dealers, including those in the buy-and-sell business, must also submit an annual report on repossessed units.

The law states that failure of the dealer, original owner, or new owner to comply with the requirements shall incur a fine of not more than PhP5,000.

The law also prohibits erasing, tampering with, or using a fake or altered motorcycle plate, which is punishable by six months to two years in prison, a fine of up to PhP10,000, or both.

The law said that anyone caught knowingly buying or selling such plates faces the same penalties. | PND