Validity of car plates, driver’s licenses extended to five years

The life of car plates and driver's licenses were extended to five years, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade announced on Tuesday.

"Last night I signed a Department Order which will extend the validity of car plates and driver's license to five years from three years," Tugade said in his remarks during the Manila Overseas Press Club (MOPC) Transportation forum held in Makati City.

However, Department of Transportation (DOTr) spokesperson Cherie Mercado-Santos clarified that the validity extension covers new registrations.

"Kailangan hintayin mag-expire after that pag nag-register sila doon palang magiging five years," Mercado-Santos noted.

She added that the extended validity will be initially implemented starting October in the National Capital Region and later in all regions over the country.

To recall, the Transportation chief earlier announced plans to extend the validity of car plates as part of the medium-term plan of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and 30-year road map to address complex transportation and traffic issues. 

"Part of the plan next year, 'pag bumili ng kotse kasama na 'yung plaka," Tugade added. — KG/DVM, GMA News