Motor Vehicle Registration and Regulation Act Amendments

Definitions and vehicle classifications

Section 2 defines “motor vehicles” as all vehicles using public highways, propelled by any power other than muscular power, except road rollers, trolley cars, street-sweepers, sprinklers, lawn mowers, bulldozers, graders, and fork-lifts and cranes if not used on public highways, and vehicles running only on rails or tracks, and tractors/traction engines used exclusively for agricultural purposes.
Section 2 classifies trailers with any number of wheels, when propelled or intended to be propelled by attachment to a motor vehicle, as separate motor vehicles with no power rating.
Section 2 defines “passenger automobiles” as pneumatic-tired vehicles of types such as touring car, command car, speedster, roadster, jeep, cycle car (except motor wheel and similar small outfits classified with motorcycles), coupe, landaulet, closed car, limousine, cabriolet, sedan, etc.
Section 2 treats motor vehicles with changed or rebuilt bodies (e.g., jitney or station wagon) as passenger-automobile based vehicles using the usual pneumatic-tired passenger automobile chassis if their net allowable carrying capacity determined by the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office does not exceed ten passengers and they are not used primarily for carrying freight or merchandise.
Section 2 states that the distinction between a “passenger truck” and a “passenger automobile” is of common usage, and in case of dispute the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office determines the classification.
Section 4 amends Section 7 by prescribing specific substantive limitations for privately registered vehicles and by establishing separate classifications for hire trucks and government vehicles.
Section 4 provides that motor vehicles owned or controlled by the Government of the Philippines or its political subsidiaries must be registered as Government automobiles, Government trucks, or Government motorcycles, and that government motor vehicles exclude those owned/controlled by government corporations and by government employees, and those owned/controlled by foreign governments.

Use restrictions for private vs hire

Section 4 provides that motor vehicles registered as private passenger automobiles, private trucks, or private motorcycles or motor wheel attachments must not be used “for hire” under any circumstances, and must not solicit or accept passenger or freight for pay.
Section 4 allows laborers needed to handle freight aboard private trucks, with strict limits: laborers may ride only if rear seats are not installed, only up to ten laborers may ride, and the combined weight of cargo and passengers must not exceed the truck’s registered net capacity.
Section 4 provides that for the classification “Hire trucks,” motor vehicles may carry freight only and laborers needed to handle such freight may ride under the same limits applicable to private trucks.
Section 4 allows hire trucks to solicit and accept freight any place except within a radius of one hundred meters from any “competing public station” designated by the Public Service Commission.
Section 4 allows a bona fide customer to engage a hire truck to haul and deliver definitely described shipments addressed to the customer, when shipments have been discharged at such competing stations by a public service vehicle and the truck is waiting for the customer’s orders.
Section 4 requires that applications for Hire trucks be accompanied by a certificate of public convenience or a special permit issued by the Public Service Commission.
Section 4 creates separate hire-truck designations for undertakers/motor hearses, trucks for contractors, and trucks for customs brokers/customs agents, and requires the same Public Service Commission certificate or special permit for trucks for contractors and for customs brokers/customs agents.

Registration validity, numbering controls

Section 3 provides that registration not renewed on or before the last working day of February of each calendar year becomes delinquent and invalid, unless plates are returned to the Motor Vehicles Office in Manila or to the Office of the District Engineer in the province on or before the last working day of December of the year of issue.
Section 3 prohibits any owner, proprietor, garage or repair shop, dealer, or other person or entity from making any repair or change involving the exchanging, elimination, effacing, or replacing of the manufacturer’s serial or motor number, or the parts upon which such number is stamped, without the previous approval of the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office or the District Engineer in the province.
Section 3 provides that violating the number-change approval rule carries the penalty of refusal to register, re-register, or transfer the vehicle.
Section 3 requires rejecting an application for registration of a motor vehicle whose number shows trace of having been altered or tampered with without the necessary prior approval.

Registration fees and vehicle dimensional limits

Section 5 provides that each application for registration of vehicles using motor fuel other than diesel oil must be accompanied by an annual registration fee under the following tariff, except where the Act specifically provides otherwise.
Section 5 sets private automobile fees (pneumatic rubber tires, passenger capacity less than seven passengers: PHP 65; passenger capacity from seven to ten passengers: PHP 85).
Section 5 provides the method for determining registered passenger capacity of passenger automobiles by area requirements per adult passenger (40 cm. wide x 60 cm. long, front seat allowing 50 cm. wide for the operator) and per half-passenger (20 cm. wide x 60 cm. long), with the rule that each continuous row of seats may not allow more than one half-passenger.
Section 5 sets fees for private motor trucks, passenger buses, and trailers with pneumatic rubber tires as PHP 5 per 100 kilograms of maximum allowable gross weight (or fraction thereof), but imposes PHP 4 per 100 kilograms on trucks owned by duly licensed persons/firms/associations engaged in creative or productive industries.
Section 5 sets fees for private motor trucks, passenger buses, and trailers with solid rubber tires or mixed solid and pneumatic tires as PHP 7 per 100 kilograms (or fraction thereof), and fees for private motor vehicles with metallic tires as PHP 15 per 100 kilograms (or fraction thereof).
Section 5 sets private motorcycles of two or three wheels and bicycles with motor attachments at PHP 15.
Section 5 provides the diesel and hire multipliers: diesel-oil-consuming vehicle registration fee is 50% more than vehicles using motor fuel other than diesel oil, and registration for vehicles for hire is 60% more than fees for private motor vehicles.
Section 5 provides dealer treatment: no fees are charged for general registration of vehicles under dealers classifications; dealers instead pay special fees for dealer’s number plates provided hereinafter.
Section 5 provides government treatment: registration under Government motor vehicle classification is free of charge on request of the chief of the concerned bureau/office.
Section 5 provides tourist exemption: tourists bringing their own motor vehicles to the Philippines are exempt from registration fees during but not after the first 30 days of sojourn; after 30 days they pay regular fees, and the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office may require advance payment for only the fractional part of a year of expected stay.
Section 5 provides exemption for vehicles not intended for public highways or operated on highways not constructed/maintained by the Government, and for placing a vehicle out of service for other reasons; however, no refund, credit, or reimbursement is allowed for registration fees if the vehicle is taken out of service subsequent to payment.
Section 5 authorizes determination of the maximum allowable gross weight used for registration fee computation through regulations, requires the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office to prepare tables of maximum allowable loads per wheel and issue regulations for proper use subject to Secretary of Public Works and Communications approval, and allows truck registration fees to be paid in two equal installments: first on or before the last working day of February, second on or before the last working day of August.
Section 6 provides permissible highway limits for motor vehicles, subject to regulations by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications and service needs.
Section 6 sets maximum permissible weights: 3,600 kilograms per most heavily loaded wheel, 8,000 kilograms per most heavily loaded axle, and 14,500 kilograms per most heavily loaded axle group where the two axles of the group are at least one meter and less than two meters apart.
Section 6 defines “axle weight” as the total weight transmitted to the road by all wheels whose centers fall between parallel transverse vertical planes one meter apart across the full width of the vehicle.
Section 6 sets overall dimensions: overall width 2.5 meters, overall height 4.0 meters, overall length 10.0 meters for good vehicles with two axles; 11.0 meters for passenger vehicles with two axles; 11.0 meters for vehicles with three or more axles; and 14.0 meters for articulated vehicles.
Section 6 restricts vehicle length and combinations: no motor vehicle and/or trailer combination may exceed 18 meters overall projected length including load.
Section 6 defines “articulated vehicle” as a motor vehicle with a trailer attached such that there is no front axle on the trailer and part of the trailer is super-imposed upon the motor vehicle, with a substantial part of weight/its load borne by the motor vehicle; the trailer is called a “semi-trailer.”
Section 6 prohibits articulated vehicles from drawing/pulling a trailer, and prohibits a vehicle already drawing a trailer from drawing another.

Registration for excess weights/dimensions

Section 7 makes it unlawful to operate a motor vehicle or trailer outfit so that wheel, axle, or axle group loads in kilograms exceed limits fixed in Section 6(a).
Section 7 imposes restrictions for registration or use of motor vehicles exceeding the permissible dimensions under Section 6(b) and Section 6(c).

Additional fees and certificate-carry rules

Section 8 requires, in addition to other fees in the Act, a PHP 2 fee for each change of registration status from private to hire or vice-versa; revision of gross weight rating; change of tire size; transfer of ownership; and for duplicate items to replace lost registration certificate, number plate, tag, chauffeur’s license or permit, badge, or for preparation of affidavit/certified copy of records, or for similar circumstances requiring issue, revision, or re-issue of specified documents.
Section 8 states that issuance of a duplicate certificate, number plate, tag, license, badge, or permit renders the original invalid.
Section 8 sets certification fees: for requests in writing for certification of data or facts involving two or more vehicles in tabulated form, a fee of PHP 5 per page or part thereof is collected.
Section 9 requires that the certificate of registration must be preserved and carried in the car as evidence of registration, and must be attached to and presented with applications for re-registration or transfer of ownership, or else the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office must refuse to re-register or transfer until the certificate is presented or a duplicate is purchased under the Act.
Section 9 allows an alternative in lieu of carrying the certificate of registration: a true copy of the certificate or other evidence of ownership and payment of current registration fee may be carried in the car.

Suspension of registration and outcomes

Section 10 authorizes the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office or deputies, upon inspection under Section 4(h), to refuse to register a motor vehicle if it is unsightly, dangerous, overloaded, or capable of causing excessive damage.
Section 10 authorizes requiring surrender of number plates for vehicles already registered that are unsightly, dangerous, overloaded, or capable of causing excessive damage.
Section 10 requires 72 hours notice to the owner or operator before suspending registration until defects are corrected.
Section 10 authorizes suspension by discretion if, within any 12 months, the record shows more than three warnings for violations of the Act or Public Service Acts, or more than one conviction by the courts; it also requires surrender of number plates for a period not exceeding 60 days, upon recommendation of the Public Service Commissioner or in the Chief’s discretion.
Section 10 provides that after two such suspensions, the owner may be refused re-registration for the vehicle concerned for one year.
Section 10 requires written communication of the action of the Chief or deputies to the owner.

Dealer plates and licensing system

Section 11 requires the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office to furnish special dealer’s number plates to any dealer who desires to operate motor vehicles from stock for demonstration or test purposes.
Section 11 sets dealer plate charges at PHP 15 annually for each plate furnished or retained, plus PHP 0.50 for each year tag issued.
Section 12 requires every person who desires personally to operate any motor vehicle to apply to the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office or deputies for a license to drive motor vehicles.
Section 12 prohibits issuing a professional chauffeur’s license to persons suffering from highly contagious diseases such as advanced tuberculosis, gonorrhea, syphilis, and the like.
Section 12 requires each application (except enlisted men operating Government owned vehicles) to be accompanied by a PHP 2 fee and to contain applicant information on ability to operate as required by the Chief.
Section 12 requires the Chief or deputies to ascertain normal sight and hearing and authorizes requiring a certificate signed by a reputable physician in their discretion.
Section 12 allows the Chief or deputies, in discretion, to require an examination on or demonstration of the applicant’s ability to operate.

License renewal, student permits

Section 13 requires renewal of motor vehicle licenses before the last working day of February; licenses not renewed by then become delinquent and invalid.
Section 13 sets renewal fee for delinquent licenses at PHP 5.
Section 13 requires renewal applicants to present the previous year’s license to the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office either in person or by mail or messenger, together with the PHP 5 fee, and for professional chauffeurs to submit three copies of a readily recognized photograph taken not exceeding three years prior to renewal application.
Section 13 requires a lost license applicant to obtain a duplicate under Section 10 of the Act to renew, or the Chief or deputies must refuse renewal.
Section 13 authorizes discretion to accept, in lieu of the prior year’s license, a duly signed and sworn statement that the operator did not operate any motor vehicle in the Philippines during the year or years for which no license was issued.
Section 14 authorizes the Chief, Motor Vehicles Office or deputies to issue student permits good for six months upon receipt of a PHP 2 fee to persons not under eighteen years of age who want to learn to operate motor vehicles.
Section 14 authorizes discretion to require six months operation as a student before accepting an application for a chauffeur’s license.
Section 14 authorizes discretion to allow persons claiming prior learning in other countries or States to apply for a regular license without a prior student permit.
Section 14 provides that a student who applies for a regular license but fails the examination continues as a student for at least one additional month.
Section 14 prohibits a student permit alone from authorizing operation in any public highway unless accompanied by a person carrying a regular license for the current year under the Act.
Section 14 makes the licensed chauffeur acting as instructor responsible and liable for violations of the Act and for any injury or damage caused by the motor vehicle due to student operation under the instructor’s direction.

Anti-fraud and false use rules

Section 15 prohibits any person from making, using, or attempting to make or use a chauffeur’s license, badge, certificate of registration, number plate, tag, or permit in imitation of those issued under the Act, or with intent to sell or dispose of them to another.
Section 15 prohibits representing as valid and in force any chauffeur’s license, badge, certificate, plate, tag, or permit issued under the Act that is delinquent or revoked or suspended.
Section 15 prohibits knowingly and with intent to deceive making false or fraudulent statements in an application for registration of vehicles or for a chauffeur’s license.

Penalties and prohibited acts

Section 16 establishes penalties for violations of the Act.
Section 16(a) imposes for delinquent registration: a penalty of 50% addition to the fees mentioned in Section 8 corresponding to the portion of the year for which the vehicle is registered for use when registration is later than seven days after taking possession of an unregistered motor vehicle or after conversion requiring a larger registration fee than the original, or for renewal of a delinquent registration.
Section 16(b) imposes PHP 20 fine for failure to sign the chauffeur’s license or its duplicate or to carry it while operating.
Section 16(c) imposes PHP 50 fine for operating with a delinquent or invalid license.
Section 16(d) provides that if death or serious bodily injury occurs due to negligence or reckless or unreasonably fast driving, the driver at fault is punished under the Penal Code upon conviction.
Section 16(e) imposes PHP 100 fine or imprisonment of not less than one month nor more than three months, or both, for failure to stop in case of accident.
Section 16(f) imposes PHP 300 fine for operating without proper number plates or tags for the current year.
Section 16(g) imposes PHP 100 fine for operating with delinquent, suspended, or invalid registration, or without registration.
Section 16(h) imposes PHP 100 fine for operating by an unlicensed operator.
Section 16(i) imposes a fine of not less than PHP 100 nor more than PHP 200, or imprisonment of not more than three months, or both, for operating while under the influence of liquor.
Section 16(j) imposes for using private passenger automobiles, private trucks, private motorcycles, and motor wheel attachments for hire in violation of Section 7(a), (b), and (c):
- for the first conviction, PHP 200 fine and suspension of chauffeur’s license for three months;
- for the second conviction, PHP 300 fine and six months imprisonment;
- for the third conviction, one year imprisonment and permanent revocation of the chauffeur’s license.
Section 16(k) imposes for permitting or tolerating use of a private owned motor vehicle for hire in violation of Section 7(a), (b), and (c): PHP 200 fine for the first conviction, and an increase of PHP 100 for each subsequent conviction.
Section 16(l) imposes for violation of any provision of the Act or regulations not specifically punished elsewhere: a fine of not less than PHP 50 nor more than PHP 100, with a specific higher band for violations of Section 38 requiring a fine of not less than PHP 100 nor more than PHP 200.

Limits on local taxes and toll fees

Section 17(b) prohibits any municipal corporation from imposing any other taxes or fees than those prescribed in the Act for registration or operation, or on ownership of any motor vehicle, or for the exercise of the profession of chauffeur, notwithstanding contrary provisions in any city charter.
Section 17(b) allows provincial boards, city or municipal councils, or other competent authorities to exact and collect reasonable and equitable toll fees for the use of bridges and ferries within their jurisdictions if authorized and approved by the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Section 17(b) allows toll fees for the use of public roads if authorized by the President of the Philippines upon recommendation of the Secretary of Public Works and Communications.
Section 17(b) requires that toll fees may not be charged or collected until an approved schedule of tolls is posted legibly in a conspicuous place at the toll station.

Issuance, effectivity, and transitory timing

Republic Act No. 587 is approved on September 22, 1950.
Republic Act No. 587 provides that it takes effect on January 1, 1951.