Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 95-211)
Department Order No. 94-806 regulates the registration and operation of right-hand drive (RHD) vehicles in the Philippines, specifically prohibiting the initial registration and operation of all imported RHD vehicles in the country, except for "off-the-road" vehicles.
"Off-the-road" vehicles are exempted from the prohibition under Department Order No. 94-806.
Yes, vehicles of the diplomatic community and foreign expatriates working with the Government are allowed initial registration provided their importation or shipment into the country was initiated prior to the publication of Department Order No. 94-806 on August 3, 1994.
Department Order No. 94-806 was published on August 3, 1994.
On January 13, 1995, LTO Memorandum Circular No. 95-211 was adopted to disseminate and ensure strict compliance with the exemption memorandum regarding RHD vehicle registration.
"Off-the-road" vehicles refer to vehicles that are not intended for regular road use, which are exempted from the prohibition on initial registration and operation of imported RHD vehicles.
No, foreign expatriates working with the government may only register RHD vehicles if their importation or shipment was initiated before August 3, 1994.
Clarification was needed because several RHD service cars imported by the diplomatic community and expatriates prior to the order's issuance were arriving or in-transit, and their non-eligibility for registration caused protests and requests for exemption.
Brigadier General Manuel F. Bruan, AFP (Ret), Assistant Secretary, signed the LTO Memorandum Circular No. 95-211.