Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. RTL-MC-02402)
All importers of used motor vehicles are required to secure a Motor Vehicle Inspection Certificate (MVIC) from a duly accredited DOTC-LTO Inspection/Testing Service Center as an Alternate Inspection/Testing Site prior to release from the Bureau of Customs custody or major ports of entry.
The Assistant Secretary of the Land Transportation Office (LTO), upon recommendation by the Committee of Accreditation, accredits the inspection/testing shops for used-imported motor vehicles.
The inspection shop should have a minimum area of 1,500 square meters for two lanes (one for light motor vehicles and the other for heavy motor vehicles). If universal type equipment is installed, one lane will suffice.
The company must have a paid-up capital of not lower than Php 50 million as supported by the latest audited financial statement by a CPA.
Equipment must include a Gas Emission Tester (calibrated by DENR), chassis dynamometer, 5 gas analyzer (HC, CO, CO2, O2, NOx) for gasoline vehicles, opacity meter for diesel vehicles, computerized brake tester, axle load meter, side slip tester, suspension tester, and light luminosity tester among others.
Inspection personnel of accredited inspection shops must be duly LTO certified trained personnel who are technically competent in motor vehicle inspection procedures and methods.
Penalties include an administrative fine of Php 10,000 for the first offense, Php 30,000 for the second offense, and Php 50,000 plus cancellation of permit for the third offense or outright cancellation depending on the gravity of the violation.
Every accredited shop must install and display a signboard at least 0.60 meters high and 1.50 meters long, showing the shop name, Accreditation Number, and the statement "LTO Accredited Motor Vehicle Inspection Station" in legible letters.
Motor vehicles must have clearance lights, number plate lights, tail lights, parking lights, rear reflectors, stop lamps, back-up lights, signal lights, horns, and rear-view mirrors that comply with specified visibility, color, wiring, and operational standards as stated in the Memorandum Circular and LTO AO-91-005.