QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 11698)
The short title is the “Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act.” Its declared policy is to protect, preserve, enhance, and promote Philippine heritage by regulating vintage vehicles, encouraging their maintenance and limited use, supporting local restoration industries, enabling importation in historically correct condition, and promoting tourism through vintage-related events and museums.
It applies to all aspects of regulation concerning importation and exportation, registration, and use of vintage vehicles.
A vintage vehicle is a motor vehicle at least forty (40) years old reckoned from date of manufacture, whose chassis, engine, steering assembly, and suspension assembly are either original or “authentic” and whose body has not been altered in general appearance (subject to permitted exceptions). It excludes replicas and reproductions.
An “Authentic Spare Part” is a replacement part identical in appearance and function to an original component installed in the vehicle or the same model line at the time of manufacture (including chassis/monocoque shell and subframe replacements of the same pattern). It may be old or newly produced, and may include parts from the manufacturer’s intended stock for later servicing/repair.
Vintage vehicles registered under the Act are exempt from clean-air/anti-pollution, safety, road-use, and other standards not in force at the time of their manufacture—regardless of the Clean Air Act (RA 8749) and other laws/regulations—subject to the Act’s requirement about safety belts for vehicles manufactured after Dec. 31, 1967.
Vintage vehicles manufactured after December 31, 1967 must be fitted with safety belts as mandated by RA 8750 (Seat Belts Use Act of 1999).
Yes. Vintage vehicles (including concours, RESTOMOD, and/or for repair/restoration), authentic components, original or replica body shells, engines and transmissions, spare parts, and accessories may be imported by any person or entity.
Generally, a vintage vehicle may be exported without restriction. However, vehicles with historical significance to the country (e.g., vehicles of Presidents) as certified by the NHCP are prohibited from export except for repair or restoration abroad as authorized by the NHCP.
BOC must differentiate valuation among concours, RESTOMOD, and restoration mode/for restoration vehicles. Restoration mode/for restoration vehicles get a lower valuation compared to concours for the same make and model. “For restoration” includes complete vehicles or even body shells intended for further modification/restoration in the Philippines.
All vintage vehicles imported after the effectivity of the Act or otherwise benefiting from any exemption/privilege under the Act must be registered as a vintage vehicle with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Registration is valid for three (3) years, but the LTO is not precluded to provide a longer validity.
They may be used only for personal purposes and/or leisure driving. They may not be used for commercial purposes, except for motion pictures, advertisements, pictorials, weddings, and motorcades. They cannot be used as public utility vehicles or for the commercial transport of persons or goods.
Permitted modifications include: (1) modifications demonstrably made during production or within ten (10) years after end of production; (2) modifications to brakes, suspension, axles, and running gear to improve efficiency or safety; (3) use of carburetors or fuel injection systems not original to improve efficiency/economy/environmental performance; (4) installation of a new modern engine of the same brand/manufacture and same general specification as the original or for the same historic model line/automobile brand lineage; and (5) after-market accessories/equipment such as radios, air-conditioning, and directional lights for convenient/safe use.
Applicants must undergo inspection in compliance with the Act’s rules on historically correct condition and permitted modifications. If manufactured after Dec. 31, 1975, they must comply with minimum LTO safety/roadworthiness guidelines established with stakeholders. Importantly, safety inspection standards for vintage vehicles cannot exceed or be more stringent than those in force at the year the vehicle was manufactured. The LTO also conducts random road inspections.
The applicant may register by submitting: (1) a notarized affidavit of ownership, possession, no knowledge of claims, and how acquired; (2) clearance from relevant police agency showing no theft record; (3) a one-time LTO reconstitution fee of P10,000. The LTO also publishes notice of application once a week for three (3) consecutive weeks and registers if no objections or claims are received within three (3) months.
The prohibition on RHD vehicles does not apply to vintage vehicles manufactured on or before Dec. 31, 1970, or to vintage vehicles intended principally for racing or other motorsport.