QuestionsQuestions (LTO MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. RTL-MC-02402)
The memorandum circular cites R.A. 4136 and R.A. 8749 (Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999) and their implementing rules and regulations.
All importers of used motor vehicles must secure an MVIC from a duly accredited DOTC-LTO Inspection/Testing Service Center as an alternate inspection/testing site prior to release from Bureau of Customs custody and/or major ports of entry.
The MVIC is used as a special permit to travel and ultimately for LTO initial/first registration.
It ascertains and verifies the correctness and truth of the supporting documents, and it conducts an ocular inspection of the establishment and its equipment/instruments/gadgets to determine adequacy.
The accreditation permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and is subject to renewal upon compliance with requirements.
Examples include: (1) SEC Certificate of Registration, Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws; (2) current Mayor’s Permit; (3) latest Income Tax Return; (4) latest audited financial statement by a CPA (with minimum paid-up capital of Php 50M); (5) SSS Certificate of Membership; (6) DTI Accreditation or BOI registration; (7) lay-out plan with pictures; (8) proof of ownership or lease contract; (9) bio-data of principal officers; (10) board resolution authorizing the application; and (11) BIR registration certificate.
The filing fee is Php 1,000 plus Php 10.00 LRF (paid to the Accreditation Committee, issued with a POS for payment at LTO collecting unit; not refundable). The accreditation fee is Php 5,000, collected upon approval of the certificate of accreditation by the LTO Assistant Secretary.
It must 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 the equipment is universal type, one lane suffices.
For emissions: a gas emission tester (DENR-tested/calibrated), including a 5-gas analyzer (for gasoline tests: HC, CO, CO2, O2, NOx NDIR type) with capability for 2-cycle, 4-cycle, and special engines; and for diesel, an opacity meter using a Lug down test with the same chassis dynamometer. For safety: chassis dynamometer, pit with pneumatic lifter for underchassis inspection, computerized brake tester, front and rear axle load meter, side slip tester, lights luminosity/detection tester, and suspension/shock absorber tester.
Inspection personnel should be duly LTO Certified Trained personnel who are technically competent in the inspection procedures and methods of motor vehicles.
The chassis number of the motor/engine must not be tampered or show signs of tampering, and the motor/engine and chassis number must be the same as the chassis number appearing in the application for inspection/testing.
The sideslip degree is measured using an alignment tester; the standard is 3mm or less when running one meter.
The sum of braking force of right and left wheels must not be less than 50% of axle weight; the difference between braking forces of right and left wheels must not exceed 10% of axle weight; and additional requirements include proper functioning of service brake systems, brake performance vs. maximum speed, and ability to brake at least two wheels as specified (with exceptions stated for two-wheeled/tricycle vehicles).
It includes luminous density requirements (e.g., 4-lamp type: 10,000 cd or more; 2-lamp type: 10,000 cd or more), optic axis deviation at 10 meters forward with specified limits for right and left headlamps, and that the color must be white/light yellow; further requirements include proper aim and mounting height (1.2 meters or less).
They must submit a monthly statistical report in diskette form every 7th day of the following month or submit via computer online to the LTO Assistant Secretary through the Accreditation Committee using the attached format.
It is an LTO accountable form issued to used imported motor vehicles that pass the required inspection under the guidelines, serving as the basis for special permit to travel and for LTO initial/first registration.
For violations: Php 10,000 fine for the first offense; Php 30,000 fine for the second offense; and Php 50,000 fine and cancellation of permit for the third offense (or outright cancellation depending on gravity). Violations include non-compliance with inspection standards/methods, failure to comply with laws/rules/regulations, and misrepresented/faked/tampered supporting documents.