Declaration of Policy
- The State shall foster preservation of Filipino culture including motor vehicle heritage.
- Motor vehicles are part of the nation’s cultural treasure, contributing to history, transportation, industry, and social life.
- Vintage vehicles and related artifacts deserve sustainable conservation.
- Motoring heritage assists in understanding national development.
- The State aims to promote preservation, registration, and occasional use of vintage vehicles.
- Supports economic growth through restoration industries and skill development.
- Encourages tourism via automobile tours, museums, exhibits, and events.
Coverage
- The Act regulates importation, exportation, registration, and use of vintage vehicles.
Definition of Terms
- Defines core terms such as Authentic Spare Part, Concours D’Elegance, Automobile Lineage Brand, Motor Vehicle, Original Components, Restoration Mode (RESTOMOD), Spare Parts, and Vintage Vehicle.
- A Vintage Vehicle must be at least 40 years old, retain original/authentic chassis and engine, and exclude replicas.
Exemption
- Vintage vehicles are exempt from modern clean-air, anti-pollution, safety, and road-use standards not existing at manufacture time.
- Vehicles made after December 31, 1967, require safety belts as per the Seat Belts Use Act.
Importation
- Permits importation of vintage vehicles in original, concours, RESTOMOD, or for repair/restoration.
- Allows importation of components, body shells, engines, transmissions, spare parts, and accessories.
Exportation
- Vintage vehicles may be freely exported except those with historical significance certified by the NHCP.
- Export of historically significant vehicles is prohibited except for authorized repair or restoration abroad.
Valuation for Tariffs, Import Duties, and Taxes
- Bureau of Customs values concours, RESTOMOD, and restoration-mode vehicles separately.
- Restoration-mode vehicles receive lower valuation than concours of the same model.
Availment of Fiscal and Tax Incentives
- Restoration businesses are eligible for fiscal and tax incentives under relevant laws.
- Compliance with legal requirements is mandatory.
Right-hand Drive Vehicles
- Prohibition on right-hand drive vehicles does not apply to vintage vehicles manufactured on or before December 31, 1970, or those for motorsport purposes.
Period Specification
- Vintage vehicles must be preserved historically correctly: original or authentic chassis, engine, steering, suspension, and unaltered body appearance.
Permitted Modifications
- Allowed modifications include historically documented changes during production or within 10 years after.
- Safety improvements to brakes, suspension, axles, running gear.
- Installing modern carburetors or fuel injection for efficiency and environmental performance.
- Installing new modern engines matching original brand/specifications.
- Installing aftermarket accessories like radios, air-conditioning, and directional lights.
Limited Use
- Vintage vehicles under the Act may only be used for personal and leisure purposes.
- Commercial usage is prohibited except for movies, advertisements, weddings, and motorcades.
- Use as public utility vehicles or commercial transport is forbidden.
Registration
- All vintage vehicles benefiting from the Act must register with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) for three years or longer.
- Special provisions for vehicles in exhibit or museums, including optional registration.
- On-site registration possible for vehicles not regularly used.
License Plate
- LTO issues license plates indicating "vintage vehicle" with model year/manufacture year displayed.
Applicability of Prohibitions
- Vehicles not registered under this Act remain subject to general vehicle laws, including emissions and safety standards.
Inspection
- Vintage vehicles must be inspected for compliance with historic preservation and safety guidelines.
- Safety standards do not exceed those in place at the vehicle’s manufacture.
- Random inspections may be conducted by the LTO for public safety.
Lost Papers
- Allows registration of vintage vehicles without original documents upon submission of affidavit, police clearance, and a reconstitution fee.
- LTO must publish notice of application for three weeks and on its website.
- Registration granted if no objections within three months.
- Dates of manufacture may be estimated through manufacturers or vintage associations.
Vintage Vehicle Restoration Database and Education
- LTO to maintain a national vintage vehicle database shared with the NHCP.
- Database includes licensed restoration shops, manufacturers, associations, and government agencies.
- Promotes education and campaigns for correct and safe vintage vehicle maintenance.
Implementing Rules and Regulations
- LTO tasked to issue implementing rules within 60 days, after public consultation.
- Consultations to include vintage vehicle owners, collectors, mechanics, and stakeholders.
- Draft policies to be circulated electronically for stakeholder engagement.
Separability Clause
- Invalidation of any part of the law does not affect the remaining provisions.
Repealing Clause
- Laws inconsistent with this Act are repealed or amended accordingly.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect 15 days after publication in official or widely circulated newspapers.