Law Summary
General Coverage and Limitations
- No motor vehicle shall be registered without NMVIS inspection.
- Initial implementation limited to areas with inspection stations and specific vehicle classes.
Initial Implementation Districts
- Applies initially to registration offices in:
- National Capital Region (all districts)
- Region III (San Fernando, Angeles, Guagua)
- Region IV (Lipa, San Pablo, Batangas City, Cabuyao)
Motor Vehicles Covered Initially
- Inspection required for:
- All for-hire vehicles except tricycles
- For-hire provincial buses operating in Metro Manila
- All private trucks, buses, mini buses
- Vehicles operated without proper or with delinquent registration (except tricycles, motorcycles)
Change of Venue of Registration
- Valid NMVIS inspection report required except:
- For-hire vehicles registered in NCR
- When registration venue is in Visayas, Mindanao, or certain Luzon island provinces, where the vehicle is regularly operated
- When ownership transferred to person/entity operating the vehicle regularly in other specified regions
Scope of Vehicle Inspection
- Inspection covers:
- Identity and construction
- Engine and power train
- Frame and body
- Lights and lamps
- Brakes, steering, buffers
- Running gear, safety devices
- Fuel, exhaust emission
- Electrical system
Standards for Identity and Construction
- Chassis and engine numbers must be untampered and match registration documents.
- Vehicle dimensions limits:
- Length: freight vehicles (2 axles) max 10m; passenger vehicles (2 axles) 11m; 3+ axles 14m
- Width: max 2.5m
- Height: max 4m
- Max axle and wheel weights specified.
- Frame and body must be secure, undamaged, and safe without sharp edges.
- Passenger compartments must ensure safe boarding, ventilation, visibility, seating comfort, and proper doors/windows.
- Goods-loading areas must allow safe and reliable loading.
Visual and Functional Tests of Lighting and Safety Devices
- Lamp and reflector conditions inspected ocularly and operationally tested (wipers, lights).
- Clearance lights, number-plate lights, tail lights, parking lights, reflex reflectors, stop lights, back-up lights, and signal lights must comply with color, placement, visibility, and operational standards.
- Horn must be non-siren/bell type.
- Rear-view mirrors required with specific viewing and mounting standards.
- Windshield wipers compulsory except certain two/three wheeled vehicles.
- Tires must be in good condition without cracks, with proper bolts and tread.
Sideslip Test
- Degrees of wheel sideslip checked on Alignment Tester; max acceptable sideslip is 7mm per meter.
Steering System Standards
- Steering components must be secure, easily handled, free of obstruction, and have controlled turning angles.
Brake System Testing and Standards
- Braking force tested using brake tester with detailed force requirements:
- Combined front and rear braking force at least 50% of axle weight.
- Differences between wheels not more than 10% of axle weight.
- Brake systems must withstand operation without damage from vibration or impacts.
- Service brake system to hold vehicle under defined conditions and operate on at least half the wheels including all rear wheels.
- Emergency brake system requirements apply to certain vehicles.
- Trailer brake systems must integrate with tractor brakes and comply with holding requirements.
Speedometer Testing Requirements
- Speedometer accuracy tested at 40 km/h with allowed range 32-48 km/h.
- Must be easily visible, illuminated, and glare-proof.
Exhaust Emission Testing
- Use of nondispersive infrared analyzer to measure CO and HC levels with defined maximum levels.
- Exhaust pipes must be properly positioned to avoid hazards.
- Diesel vehicles monitored for black soot with defined limits.
- Emission of bad odors, smoke, or harmful gases prohibited.
Headlight Testing and Standards
- Luminous intensity and optic axis deviation tested with specific minimums.
- Headlights must have white/light yellow light and meet height and beam directive standards.
- Auxiliary headlights have specific wiring, beam direction, color, and vibration resistance requirements.
Buffer System Requirements
- Vehicles must have buffer systems (springs or padding) sufficient for impact protection unless exempted by vehicle size, weight or speed.
Fuel System Safety Standards
- Fuel tanks and piping secured to prevent leaks.
- Steel fuel tanks mandatory; plastic prohibited.
- Fuel system components must be positioned to prevent fuel leakage, avoid passenger compartments and electrical hazards.
Electrical System Requirements
- Wiring inside compartments must be insulated and secured.
- Spark-prone components covered.
- Batteries secured and insulated if inside compartments.
Pit Inspection Procedures
- Underbody inspected for brake leaks, steering, radiator leaks, propeller shaft conditions, shock absorbers, exhaust, catalytic converters, and engine/transmission leaks.
Additional Inspections
- Additional inspections may be conducted as deemed necessary by Assistant Secretary for Land Transportation such as inclination angle and sound level tests.
Records Keeping
- Inspection stations maintain records and assign inspection numbers.
- Registration agency keeps a record book of inspection numbers linked to receipts.
Inspection Schedule and Validity
- Inspections may be conducted up to 90 days before registration.
- Inspection reports valid for 3 months.
Inspection Fees
- Fifty pesos for jeepneys, taxicabs, passenger cars.
- Seventy-five pesos for trucks, buses, mini buses.
- Re-inspection fee same as initial fee, limited to failed aspects.
Administrative Sanctions
- LTO or DOTr personnel committing violations may face disciplinary actions, suspension, or dismissal.
- Violations include improper registration, falsifying inspection results, and obstructing enforcement.
Repealing Clause
- All conflicting issuances repealed or modified accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Administrative Order takes effect January 1, 1991.