Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. ACL-2009-1199)
The RFID Project aims to ease the motor vehicle registration and renewal process by tagging each motor vehicle with an RFID Tag to ensure compliance with registration requirements, including roadworthiness and emission testing, and address LTO concerns such as vehicle identification, anti-carnapping, anti-colorum, law enforcement, and traffic adjudication.
A Motor Vehicle refers to mechanical transportation propelled by non-muscular power that uses public thoroughfares and is required to be registered with the LTO under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code.
Mandatory RFID tagging for motor vehicles began on October 1, 2009.
For all motor vehicles except motorcycles and tricycles, the RFID Tag should be attached to the upper middle inside area of the windshield. For motorcycles and tricycles, it should be attached to the upper middle area of the gas tank.
Before registration or renewal, the motor vehicle must have an RFID Tag properly attached and the tag’s data must match the LTO database records, confirmed by authorized personnel using an RFID Reader.
No registration or smoke emission test shall be conducted on any motor vehicle without an RFID Tag attached, effectively barring non-compliance as a prerequisite for registration renewal and emission testing.
The LTO Inspector is responsible for physically attaching the RFID Tag at the prescribed location on the motor vehicle.
If the RFID Tag is damaged or destroyed while the motor vehicle remains operable and roadworthy, the owner must obtain and install a new RFID Tag within fifteen (15) days from the date of damage or destruction.
PETCs are authorized facilities that will verify the physical presence of a motor vehicle during emission testing via RFID integration and must comply with RFID system requirements to be authorized or maintain authorization.