Bohol motorists given 1-month extension to 

comply with LTO rules before enforcement

By Elvira C. Bongosia

TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) Region 7 has granted Bohol motorists a one-month extension to comply with vehicle registration and licensing requirements before stricter enforcement begins in September.

Originally, motorists were given three weeks to meet these requirements, but the grace period was extended following an appeal by Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado to LTO Region 7 Director Glen Galario during a press conference on Aug. 11.

Aumentado said the extension will give residents ample time to renew driver’s licenses, update registrations, and meet other legal requirements, helping avoid sudden penalties and ensuring everyone is informed.

“Ato nang obligasyon isip mga konstituwente, as a good citizen, kinahanglanon kita mu comply kung unsay angay natong buhaton para kita dili ta magproblema sa panahon kon naa nay enforcement nga himuon sa LTO,” Aumentado said.

(It is our obligation as constituents, as good citizens, to comply with what we are supposed to do so that we don’t have problems when there is enforcement by the LTO.)

“I urge my fellow Boholanos to take advantage of this time to fulfill their obligations,” he added.

LTO Region 7 Director Glen Galario called the governor’s request “just fair” and warned that stricter enforcement of Republic Act 4136, the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, will begin in September.

This includes checks for valid licenses, proper vehicle registration, prevention of unauthorized (colorum) operations, and correct display of license plates.

Motorists can claim their license plates at the LTO-Tagbilaran office until Oct. 31, 2025.

Galario encouraged vehicle owners to verify plate availability online or at the nearest LTO branch.

Helmet Law

LTO 7 Operations Chief Aden Belza stressed that compliance with the helmet law and the use of proper road safety equipment—such as functioning wipers, signal lights, headlights, and mirrors—is mandatory.

He also reminded that children are not allowed to ride motorcycles unless they can securely reach the foot pegs and hold on to the rider.

Galario reported there is no backlog for pre-2017 plates and that all pending plates must be released by Oct. 31, 2025.

Plates issued from 2018 onward can be checked through the LTO plate number tracker online.

Starting next month, LTO-7 will strictly enforce the “No Plate, No Travel” policy on all vehicles, including those with temporary or outdated plates.

Violators will face a fine of P5,000. (LTO/PIA7-Bohol)

(L-R) LTO Region 7 Director Glen Galario, Bohol Gov. Erico Aristotle Aumentado and LTO 7 Operations Division Chief Aden Belza answers media queries during a press conference at the Sangguniang Panlalawigan Session Hall at the New Provincial Capitol in Tagbilaran City on Aug. 11, 2025. (Photo from PiMO)