The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is implementing measures to expedite the vehicle ownership transfer process, aiming to reduce waiting times and enhance service efficiency for motorists.
Background on Ownership Transfer Guidelines
In August 2024, the LTO issued Administrative Order No. VDM-2024-046, mandating that new owners of used vehicles or motorcycles complete the transfer of ownership within 20 days of the transaction. Failure to comply could result in fines up to PHP 40,000. This directive aimed to streamline the transfer process but faced criticism due to existing procedural delays.
Suspension of the Order
Recognizing the challenges posed by the stringent timeline, the LTO suspended the implementation of AO No. VDM-2024-046 on October 23, 2024. The suspension was intended to allow for a comprehensive review and to address concerns regarding the feasibility of the 20-day compliance period.
Proposed Enhancements to the Transfer Process
During a public consultation on December 2, 2024, LTO Executive Director Atty. Greg Pua Jr. discussed plans to improve the inter-office confirmation process. Currently, when an LTO District or Extension Office requests confirmation from another office, the latter is required to process and respond within 24 hours, as per a memo dated February 3, 2023. However, adherence to this timeline has been inconsistent.
To enhance efficiency, the LTO plans to issue a directive allowing the requesting office to proceed with the transfer process as “records confirmed” if the holding office does not respond within the 24-hour window. This change aims to complete the confirmation process within 48 hours, expediting the overall transfer procedure.
Implications for Motorists
The proposed changes are expected to significantly reduce waiting times for vehicle ownership transfers, benefiting both buyers and sellers. By streamlining the confirmation process, the LTO intends to make the transfer procedure more efficient and less time-consuming for all parties involved.
Final Thoughts
The LTO’s initiatives to expedite the vehicle ownership transfer process reflect a commitment to improving public service and addressing the concerns of motorists. By implementing these changes, the agency aims to create a more efficient and user-friendly system for vehicle transactions.