Law Summary
Key Definitions
- MVUC is synonymous with registration fees under RA 4136.
- Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) includes imported vehicles 1991 or later with car-like features; 1990 models or earlier are classified as ordinary utility vehicles.
- Utility Vehicles (UV) are categorized as:
- Local Pick-ups: locally manufactured, often assembled or rebuilt vehicles.
- Imported Pick-ups: imported light vehicles used for passengers or goods.
- Imported Passenger Vans/Wagons: commuter vehicles designed for people transport, not cargo.
MVUC Schedule for Different Vehicle Categories
- Rates vary based on vehicle type, gross vehicle weight (GVW), and age.
- Categories include Aged Private Vehicles with aging-based rates, Ageless Private and Government Vehicles without aging, and For Hire Vehicles.
- The schedule includes incremental rate increases from 2001 to 2004 and beyond.
- Motorcycle and tricycle rates are also specified.
- Base rates follow EO 43 for aged vehicles and computed average rates for ageless vehicles.
Tax Exempt Motor Vehicles
- Vehicles covered by international commitments pay a P500 annual recording fee unless exempted by the Department of Foreign Affairs per treaties.
Recording Fee for Private Road Vehicles
- Motor vehicles (excluding motorcycles) used exclusively on private roads pay a P500 recording fee.
- Such vehicles receive stickers instead of regular plates and are exempt from physical LTO inspection and compulsory vehicle insurance.
Staggered Monthly Registration
- Existing staggered registration policies continue, subject to updated penalty rates.
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) and Eligibility
- Registered GVW is the higher of computed or factory-rated GVW but must not exceed DPWH's maximum allowable limits.
- Passenger car GVW includes shipping weight plus passenger weight at 70 kg each.
- Extraordinary vehicles exceeding maximum GVW must secure a DPWH Certificate of Eligibility.
- Uneven weight discrepancies less than 100 kg are rounded up to 100 kg for MVUC computation.
Penalties
- Delinquent Registration:
- 50% of the MVUC plus a fixed fee for late registration per LTO rules.
- Additional penalties apply if registration is delayed beyond prescribed time frames or upon apprehension.
- Axle Overloading:
- 25% surcharge on MVUC for loads exceeding registered GVW, with tolerance below 5%.
- Maximum permissible axle load is 13,500 kg; vehicles exceeding limits are prohibited from road use.
Repealing Clause
- All inconsistent rules, regulations, and orders are revoked or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The circular takes effect 15 days after submission to ONAR and publication in two national newspapers.
- Officially adopted on January 28, 2001, and signed by Assistant Secretary and Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Communications.