Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. AHS-2008-014)
Low Speed Vehicles (LSV) are 4-wheeled motor vehicles, excluding ATVs, trucks, buses, and those excluded under Republic Act 4136, which use alternative fuels like electricity and have a maximum speed capability of not more than 40 kilometers per hour (25 miles per hour).
The registration of Low Speed Vehicles is governed pursuant to Batas Pambansa Bilang 43 and 74, Republic Act 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code), Republic Act 8794 (MVUC Law), Administrative Order Number 3, and Administrative Order No. 91-005.
LSVs are allowed to operate within the central business district or along municipal, city, or barangay roads only. They may cross main thoroughfares, highways, or national roads only for crossing purposes when these roads divide provincial, municipal/city, or barangay roads, provided they yield the right of way to oncoming traffic and where such crossing is designated and posted as open to LSVs by government agencies.
LSVs are subject to roadworthiness inspection by the Motor Vehicle Inspection Station (MVIS) of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and smoke emission testing prior to registration. However, LSVs powered solely by electric motors are exempted from smoke emission testing until emission standards for electric vehicles are available.
The MVUC for LSVs is based on the rates prescribed under Republic Act 8794 for utility vehicles (UV), sports utility vehicles (SUV), or cars depending on the classification (private, for-hire, government, etc.) and denomination in which the LSV falls.
LSVs must carry applicable classifications such as hire, for-hire, etc., and denominations such as cars, utility vehicles, sports utility vehicles, as provided under existing laws, rules, and regulations.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is responsible for issuing implementing rules and regulations within thirty (30) days from the effectivity of the administrative order to systematize the registration and ensure its enforcement.
These guidelines took effect fifteen (15) days after their publication in a newspaper of general circulation.