Regular Vehicle Maintenance Inspections in the Philippines: What, when, why

Did you know that the LTO (Land Transportation Office) requires motor vehicle owners to submit a motor vehicle inspection report (MVIR) at the time of car registration and renewal? The agency says that this helps ensure vehicles on the public road are roadworthy.

The system that looks over the vehicle inspection operating at the LTO is called the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS). However, in 2020, LTO decided to overhaul this old and outdated system by introducing some changes, including the cancellation of a few tests included in the original inspection requirements.

We have covered MVIR in detail in our two-part story, which you can check out here: Part 1 & Part II. Today, our goal is to explain regular maintenance inspections in detail. But first, to keep you hooked, let us give you an overview of the need for regular maintenance inspections. So that you, too, get your vehicle inspected timely.

1. Roadworthiness & safety: By undergoing motor vehicle inspection and then acquiring MVIR, a vehicle is tagged as completely safe, legal, and roadworthy to drive along public roads.
2. Minimizes the risk of accidents: Regular inspections minimize the risk of accidents caused due to faulty vehicle components. Thus enhancing the overall safety of the country’s roads, making them safe for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians.
3. Legal requirements: LTO has mandated the submission of MVIR for vehicle registration and renewal.
4. Promotes accountability & public safety: By enforcing these vehicle inspections on the car owners, LTO makes sure to uphold regulatory standards. Further, it helps mitigate the risk associated with negligence.
5. Ensures the fulfillment of prescribed mechanical integrity: During the inspection, a vehicle is tested to determine whether or not it meets the prescribed standards for mechanical integrity. This includes inspection of components like brakes, tires, lights, and emission systems.

LTO Memorandum Circular 2020-2240

Did you know? LTO has issued a Memorandum Circular that lays out policies and standards regarding vehicle maintenance inspection. It is called the LTO Memorandum Circular 2020-2240.

When discussing regular vehicle maintenance inspection in the Philippines, it is crucial to discuss the LTO Memorandum Circular 2020-2240. Why? It provides detailed guidelines concerning -

• How to conduct the inspection
• Outlines specific criteria
• States procedures to be followed by authorized inspection center

As stated above, these regular vehicle maintenance inspections involve various checks of several important components, including,

• Brakes
• Lights
• Tires
• Emission system

Once concluded, these inspections help verify that the vehicle adheres to the established safety & emission standards set by the authorities. Thus, it helps drivers do their part to avoid accidents due to poorly maintained vehicles and contribute towards safer roads.

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Motor vehicle inspection - Categories

If you think that there is one standard inspection for new vehicles or units requiring renewal of registration, then you are wrong. As per LTO Memorandum Circular 2020-2240, different requirements/circumstances call for different inspections. The table below gives details on the different types of inspection -

Type of Motor Vehicle Inspection
Initial Inspection	It is conducted on newly acquired vehicles and not on brand-new vehicles. The inspection is conducted at the LTO.
Renewal Inspection	It is conducted on vehicles in need of registration renewal. It is conducted outside the LTO.
Modification Inspection	It is conducted on vehicles that have undergone some type of modification, like dimensions, engines/chassis, structures, and color. The inspection is conducted at the LTO.
Corrective Measures Inspection	It is conducted on vehicles subjected to roadside apprehensions due to non-compliance with emission standards.
Re-Inspection	It is conducted on vehicles that failed initial vehicle inspection. It is performed after the vehicle has undergone corrective measures.

Motor Vehicle Inspection - Purpose

Road safety, meeting of emission standards, and reduction of road accidents due to mechanical failure are some of the main and most repetitive uses of regular vehicle maintenance inspection. But is there something else to the deal? Yes, the LTO-mandated inspection also helps in the following forms -

Encourages maintenance	It encourages vehicle owners to prioritize maintenance by highlighting the importance of properly working and well-kept vehicles. Further, it ensures them about the vehicle’s reliability, efficiency, and working safety features.
Ensures conformity of standards	Every vehicle in the Philippines must comply with regulatory requirements set by the authorities concerning vehicles' maximum & minimum weight & dimension, emission status, and roadworthiness. Regular vehicle maintenance does this job for the owners.
Establishes ownership, identity, and classification	Inspection puts an accurate stamp on the vehicle’s documents and its legal compliance by verifying its ownership details, identity, and classification.

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Motor Vehicle Inspection - Advantages

If you are thinking that the above-mentioned benefits of regular vehicle maintenance inspection are all the motivation you need to get one done for your ride regularly, then you couldn’t be more wrong. Here are a few benefits to further convenience you -

• Lower possibility of getting involved in an accident due to some mechanical failure concerning your vehicle.
• By doing so, you will be contributing to reducing the negative environmental impact caused by your vehicle.
• Add up to your vehicle's longevity.
• Reduce the amount spent on vehicle repair and parts replacement.
• Save yourself from penalties and follow the legal path.
• Give you peace of mind and confidence on the road.

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Motor Vehicle Inspection - Procedure

Hopefully, now you are fully convinced about regular vehicle maintenance inspection, if not, there’s no way out, as it is a must for vehicle registration. However, it is not a one-time occurrence; a little faith in the process will keep you on track and avoid missing a schedule. Here is the step-by-step procedure to procure MVIR.

Step 1. The inspection has to be conducted within 60 days before vehicle registration (except for vehicles covered by specific administrative orders).

Step 2. Once the vehicle inspection is done and passed, LTO issues an MVIR, which is valid for 60 days from the date of inspection.

Step 3. During the 60 days after the issue of the report, MVIR must be presented to the LTO District Office for registration and transaction purposes.

Note that if the vehicle fails the inspection, the owner needs to make the necessary repairs (as suggested by MVIR). This will be followed by a re-inspection.

Motor Vehicle Inspection - Schedule

If you want to get your motor vehicle inspection done, note that you need to follow the inspection schedule prescribed by LTO.

Inspection Schedule	Allotted Motor Vehicle
1st Week of Jan, Feb, & March	Vehicles with 1,2 or 3 as middle digits on the number plate
2nd Week of April, May, & June	Vehicles with 4 or 6 as the middle digit on the number plate
3rd Week of July & August	Vehicles with 7 or 8 as the middle digit on the number plate
4th Week of Sept & Oct	Vehicles with 9 or 0 as the middle digit on the number plate

Note if a motor vehicle fails to meet the scheduled inspection, the owner will be charged with a PHP 50 penalty.

Motor Vehicle Inspection - Frequency

The frequency of the motor vehicle inspection depends on the type of vehicle and its usage purpose. The table below explains the topic in detail.

 

Type of Vehicle	MV Inspection Frequency
Private Vehicles	Brand New: Initial inspection is exempted for 3 years, followed by yearly inspections thereafter. Rebuilt & In-Use Imported: Initial inspection before registration, followed by yearly inspections thereafter.
Government Vehicles	Brand New: Initial inspection is exempted for 3 years, followed by yearly inspections thereafter. Rebuilt & In-Use Imported:  Initial inspection before registration, followed by yearly inspections thereafter.
Diplomatic Vehicles	The initial inspection is exempted from registration, followed by a yearly inspection three years after registration.
Franchise Vehicles	Initial inspection before registration, followed by yearly inspection thereafter. After 5 years, a semi-annual inspection is required.

 

Bottom line

Motor vehicles are heavy-duty machines that require regular inspection and check-ups. Even the slightest problem can lead to big troubles that you will regret later - due to the big repair cost and legal trouble in case of an accident. It is for this reason and many others that LTO mandates regular vehicle inspection as a way to ensure every vehicle is roadworthy and safe. Furthermore, this test ensures that the vehicle meets the prescribed standard for mechanical integrity and emission regulations.

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