LTO extends registration validity for plates ending in 1

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) extends registration renewal of vehicles with plate numbers ending in 1 to February 15, 2021. This was announced on the government agency’s official Facebook page.

No reasons were stated by LTO for the sudden extension. Apart from being in a pandemic, it could also be because of the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS), wherein registration renewals will only be granted provided a passing mark is achieved from this test. If the vehicle in question fails to pass inspection, then their vehicle must undergo a re-test after the necessary fixes are addressed. 

While other areas have access to Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVIC) where all tests are fully conducted, other locations, however, do not have these testing centers just yet. Instead, the vehicles will only undergo emission testing for now. Once these MVIC become available across different areas, then the registration period could be regularized once again.

Last year, the LTO also applied a series of extensions for other vehicles ending in different plate numbers. Likewise, one of the government agencies ’ main reasons as to why they did this was because of the ongoing pandemic. During that time, safety protocols have already been mandated, this primarily includes the act of social distancing. That said, extending the supposed deadline of vehicle registrations will, therefore, lessen the volume of applicants in its offices. In conjunction with that, offices situated along MECQ areas were temporarily closed for 14 days.

While the reason for this extension may be unknown, it still gives other motorists that convenience and not to mention, the leeway to drive around freely for the next few days. Then again, it’s best to just stay at home and go out when only necessary. Perhaps, in due time, these MVIC will soon be present all throughout different areas in the country.