Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act

The State acknowledges vintage vehicles as integral to Filipino culture and history.
Vintage vehicles and related artifacts deserve preservation and conservation.
Motoring heritage supports understanding of the nation's development.
The restoration of vintage vehicles is recognized as an expanding international market.
The State seeks to foster participation of Filipino entrepreneurs and industries in restoration markets.
Objectives include: protecting heritage by allowing importation of historically accurate vintage vehicles; establishing policies to encourage preservation and registration; fostering economic opportunities in small and medium industries; and promoting tourism through related events and museums.

The Act applies to all regulations concerning importation, exportation, registration, and use of vintage vehicles.

Authentic Spare Part: Replacement identical in appearance and function to original parts but not necessarily of the same material.
Concours D 'Elegance or Concours: Vintage vehicles exhibited or contested.
Automobile Lineage Brand: Original or latest manufacturer brand due to mergers/acquisitions.
Motor Vehicle: Includes self-propelled vehicles such as cars, trucks, motorcycles, trailers, and caravans.
Original components: Parts installed by manufacturer during production.
RESTOMOD: Vintage vehicles restored with modern parts and technology.
Spare parts: Components permitted for installation under Section 12.
Vintage vehicle: Motor vehicles at least 40 years old from manufacture date, with original/authentic chassis, engine, steering, suspension; excludes replicas.

Vintage vehicles are exempt from modern clean-air, anti-pollution, safety, road-use standards not existing at manufacture time.
Philippine Clean Air Act and other regulations do not apply to vintage vehicles.
Vehicles manufactured post-December 31, 1967, must have safety belts in compliance with the Seat Belts Use Act.

Importation of vintage vehicles, including concours, RESTOMOD, authentic components, replicas, engines, transmissions, spare parts, and accessories is allowed.

Vintage vehicles may be exported without restriction.
Export of historically significant vehicles (e.g., former Presidents' vehicles) is prohibited except for repair/restoration authorized by the NHCP.

Customs differentiates vehicles as concours, RESTOMOD, or for restoration for valuation.
Restoration mode vehicles have lower valuations than concours of the same make and model.

Restoration companies importing vintage vehicles for restoration and export may avail incentives under the Corporate Income Tax and Incentives System law.
Compliance with legal requirements is mandatory for incentives.

Importation and registration restrictions for right-hand drive vehicles do not apply to vintage vehicles manufactured on or before December 31, 1970, or those intended for racing/motorsport.

Vintage vehicles must be maintained in historically correct condition: original/authentic chassis, engine, steering, suspension, and unchanged body appearance.

Modifications allowed if historically made during production or within 10 years after end of production.
Brakes, suspension, axles, and running gear can be modified for safety/efficiency.
Use of different carburetors or fuel systems for better performance/environmental compliance.
Installation of modern engines matching brand and specifications from original model line.
After-market accessories (radios, air-conditioning, lights) allowed for convenience and safety.

Vintage vehicles imported or registered under this Act are limited to personal and leisure use.
Commercial use is prohibited except for specific purposes (movies, ads, weddings, motorcades).
Use as public utility or commercial transport is forbidden.

All vintage vehicles imported after the Act's effectivity or registered for exemptions must be registered as vintage vehicles with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Registration validity is at least three years; longer validity may be provided.
Onsite registration possible for museum or permanently exhibited vehicles, with optional registration if non-running.

LTO issues vintage vehicle plates including the words "vintage vehicle" and the model year/manufacture year.

Prohibitions in the Act do not apply to motor vehicles not registered under the Act or not seeking exemptions.
Such vehicles are subject to all relevant motor vehicle laws and standards.

Vintage vehicles applying for registration or renewal are subject to inspections to ensure historical correctness.
Vehicles manufactured after 1975 must meet safety and roadworthiness guidelines established by LTO.
Safety inspections for vintage vehicles shall not exceed standards in force during vehicle manufacture year.
LTO may conduct random safety inspections on public roads.

Vintage vehicles without registration documents may be registered upon submission of:
1. Notarized affidavit of ownership and possession.
2. Clearance from police confirming the vehicle is not stolen.
3. Payment of a P10,000 reconstitution fee plus regular fees.
LTO shall publish notice in newspaper and online for three consecutive weeks.
Registration granted if no objections within three months.
Date of manufacture can be verified via manufacturers or vintage associations; if unavailable, estimated dates are noted.

LTO shall establish a national database listing vintage vehicles and share it with NHCP.
Authorized restoration shops, associations, and relevant agencies to be included.
Promote education and campaigns on proper maintenance and preservation.

LTO to issue implementing rules within 60 days of effectivity after consultations including vintage vehicle owners.
Draft policies to be circulated electronically for stakeholder engagement.

If any part of the Act is declared invalid, unaffected parts remain fully effective.

The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.