DOTr: Actual vehicle inspection still required for registration renewal

Following complaints of high costs and irregularities, apart from a Senate investigation, the government ruled that privatized motor vehicle inspection was not a requirement in the meantime. Car owners can choose between that and the usual emissions testing, even as both already come with the same low fees.

Motorists can choose between private vehicle inspection centers and emissions testing centers

Does this mean technicians won’t be poking around your car? Not so fast, says the Department of Transportation (DOTr). The agency clarified that should motorists choose to bring their vehicle to emissions testing centers, it will still need to undergo a physical evaluation.

This was cited in Section 2.b of the DOTr’s Memorandum Circular 2021-01, which stipulates that it shall be mandatory for all motor vehicles to undergo visual inspection for roadworthiness and safety.

According to DOTr Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran, the visual inspection has always been a requirement, long before the private motor vehicle testing centers (PMVIC) came into effect. “Allow me, please, to clarify na matagal nang may visual inspection ha. Even prior to the PMVIC issue,” she said.

>>> Related: Palace: Emission test or MVIS still required for registration renewal

The DOTr says visual checks have always been part of the registration renewal process

Libiran explained that the confusion stemmed from motorists equating the motor vehicle inspection system (MVIS) with the PMVIC, and when the latter no longer became a requirement, the public assumed that the visual inspection under the MVIS also became optional. 

“Ang dating process kasi, once makapasa ka sa PETC (private emissions testing center), you bring your certificate with you to the LTO (Land Transportation Office) MVIS facility. Once you go to the facility, your vehicle will be subjected to visual inspection,” she remarked.

(In the old process, once you've passed the PETC, you bring your certificate with you to the LTO MVIS facility. Once you go to the facility, your vehicle will be subjected to visual inspection) 

Some motorists would go straight to the LTO MVIS facility for both emissions and visual inspection. Libiran noted that the evaluation is visual in nature because there were previously no machines available to conduct the necessary tests.  

>>> Related: Car registration renewal in the Philippines: Everything you should know

All motor vehicles are required to go through the inspection prior to the renewal

“Sa PMVIC lang ngayon, pwede ka mag-undergo ng complete roadworthiness test (73 points), including visual inspection, emission testing, and all other tests requiring the use of machines,” she concluded.

(With the current PMVIC, you can undergo a complete roadworthiness test including visual inspection, emission testing, and all other tests requiring the use of machine) 

Catch more mobility updates at Philkotse.com.