Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11698)
Republic Act No. 11698 is known as the "Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act."
The Act declares the policy to protect, preserve, enhance, and promote the nation’s heritage by preserving vintage vehicles, encouraging their maintenance and occasional use, and promoting economic opportunities and tourism related to vintage vehicles.
The Act applies to all aspects of the regulation of the importation, exportation, registration, and use of vintage vehicles, which are motor vehicles at least 40 years old from the date of manufacture, excluding replicas and reproductions.
A vintage vehicle is a motor vehicle at least 40 years old reckoned from the date of manufacture, with original or authentic chassis, engine, steering, and suspension, and whose body has not been altered in general appearance, excluding replicas and reproductions.
Vintage vehicles are exempt from clean-air, anti-pollution, safety, road-use, and other standards that were not in force at the time of their manufacture, except that those manufactured after December 31, 1967, must have safety belts as required by law.
Yes, the prohibition on right-hand drive vehicles does not apply to vintage vehicles manufactured on or before December 31, 1970, or vintage vehicles intended principally for racing or motorsport.
Permitted modifications include those made during or within ten years of the vehicle's production, improvements to brakes, suspension, and running gear, use of non-original carburetors or fuel injection, installation of modern engines of the same brand, and aftermarket accessories for convenience or safety.
No, vintage vehicles registered under this Act are to be used only for personal purposes, leisure driving, or specific uses like motion pictures, advertisements, weddings, and motorcades, but not for public utility or commercial transport.
Vintage vehicles imported or benefiting under the Act must be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) as vintage vehicles to avail themselves of the Act’s benefits; registration is valid for three years but may be extended by the LTO.
Owners can register such vehicles by submitting a notarized affidavit stating ownership, police clearance that the vehicle is not stolen, paying a reconstitution fee, and allowing the LTO to publish a notice of application; if no objections are raised within three months, registration proceeds.