Law Summary
Emission Standards Compliance for Vehicle Registration Renewal
- The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 8794 require all in-use vehicles and updated engine vehicles to comply with prescribed emission standards.
- Renewal of vehicle registration is contingent upon proof of compliance with these emission standards.
- The DOTC/LTO utilizes Motor Vehicle Inspection Stations (MVIS) or accredited centers to conduct inspection tests within sixty (60) days prior to registration renewal.
- Inspections are aligned with Republic Act No. 7394 (Consumer Act of the Philippines) to ensure consumer protection.
Mandatory Procedures and Personnel Responsibilities
- All LTO personnel involved in vehicle inspection, evaluation, and approval must adhere strictly to the prescribed procedures detailed in the 2016 Office Manual on Motor Vehicle Registration System.
- This includes inspectors, evaluators, and approving officers at district offices and MVIS units.
Issuance of Compliance and Inspection Reports
- Vehicles passing inspection are issued a Certificate of Motor Vehicle Inspection System Compliance (CMVISC) and a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR).
- Vehicles failing inspection will have their front license plates confiscated and receive a Motor Vehicle Inspection System Report (MVISR).
Monitoring and Record-Keeping
- A systematic monitoring mechanism is established requiring all MVIS to maintain a detailed logbook.
- The logbook records data on all vehicles that have passed or failed inspections for transparency and accountability.
Temporary Permit and Follow-Up Inspection
- The Motor Vehicle Inspection System Report (MVISR) also functions as a temporary permit valid for five (5) days.
- This permit allows the vehicle to be operated within the grace period to correct defects and undergo a follow-up inspection.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
- Vehicles that fail to present themselves for follow-up inspection after the five (5)-day period will be flagged in the LTO's IT System (placed on "alarma").
- Vehicles operating beyond this grace period without passing inspection are subject to apprehension, impoundment, and legal penalties.
Enforcement and Compliance
- Strict enforcement measures are mandated to ensure compliance with the inspection procedures and emission standards.
- These measures protect public safety, infrastructure integrity, and environmental standards.
- The directive emphasizes the importance of adherence by all involved personnel and serves as a permanent guide for inspection procedures.