Initially set for implementation on September 1, the extension aims to give vehicle owners more time to comply, the agency said in a statement on Sunday.
TO chief, Assistant Secretary Vigor Mendoza II, emphasized that this extension should not serve as an excuse for vehicle owners to delay claiming and installing their official plates.
"We ask the motorists to claim and install their respective license plates as soon as they are available either in the car dealerships and replacement plates in our offices," said Mendoza.
The LTO issued the policy following investigations that found many registered vehicle owners, particularly those with newly purchased vehicles, had not claimed their license plates.
Despite repeated reminders from car dealerships, thousands of plates remain unclaimed, the agency said.
The LTO said proper installation of official plates is a critical measure for crime prevention, as vehicles with improvised plates are often used in illegal activities.
While there is no longer a backlog for four-wheel vehicle plates, motorcycle plates remain a focus area, with efforts underway to address all backlogs by June 2025, in line with President Marcos's directive.
