Now, while adopting this new standard sounds like another pain in the ass, at least it helps clear up some ambiguity when it comes to the use of improvised or temporary plates.

Based on Memorandum Circular JMT-2023-2400, the LTO is regulating the design and use of improvised and temporary plates.

First up, a refresher. Improvised Plates refers to plate numbers which may be made by the vehicle owner while he or she waits for the replacement or mutilated plate number. For these to be used, the LTO district or extension office which processed the duplicate plate request will also issue the corresponding authority or permit to use improvised plates. It will remain valid until the actual number plate becomes available.

Per LTO, Vintage Vehicles are lumped together in this group, but instead of having the words, “Improvised Plate” at the bottom of the plate, it’ll have “Vintage Vehicle” plus the model year.

Now, Temporary Plates on the other hand refers to number plates issued by dealerships pending the issuance of the actual number plate of a newly registered vehicle. It may also be used by owners of motor vehicles and motorcycles without an assigned plate number which were registered. Owners of newly-registered vintage vehicles will likewise use the same.

The content of Temporary Plates will have the assigned Conduction Sticker or MV File Number (for vehicles without conduction stickers). For those with assigned plate numbers, they’ll need to contain the word, “Temporary Plate”. For Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) or Hybrids, the words, “Electric” and “Hybrid” must be respectively shown on the temporary plate.

Either way, there’s a proper plate font to be followed, including color.

• Primary Responsible: Vehicle Owner
• With Authority to Use: Yes
• Font Color: Private (Black), Government (Red), For Hire (Yellow), Diplomatic (Blue), Hybrid/Electric (Green)

Temporary Plate w/ Assigned Plate Number:

• Primary Responsible: Dealer (if new), Vehicle Owner (if already registered or vintage vehicle)
• With Authority to Use: No
• Font Color: Private (Black), Government (Red), For Hire (Yellow), Diplomatic (Blue), Hybrid/Electric (Green)

Temporary Plate w/o Assigned Plate Number:

• Primary Responsible: Dealer (if new), Vehicle Owner (if already registered)
• With Authority to Use: No
• Font Color: Private (Black), Government (Red), For Hire (Yellow), Diplomatic (Blue), Hybrid/Electric (Green)

For further reference, you can scroll through the proper plate format and specifications below.