Vehicle inspections optional, DOTr reiterates

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday affirmed that the testing of vehicles by private motor vehicle inspection centers are no longer mandatory and fees for optional inspections have already been lowered.

Transport Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddess Hope Libiran said the Land Transportation Office (LTO) issued a memorandum on Feb. 11 affirming the policy and outlined reduced testing fees.

Lawmakers earlier called out the DOTr and the LTO for the centers’ “overpriced fees” amid the pandemic and allowing private businessmen to run them. —MARIEJO S. RAMOS