New vehicles’ registration valid for 5 years

Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez

MANILA, Philippines — Owners of brand-new cars and motorcycles can wait for five years before they return to the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to register their vehicles again.

Beginning Feb. 15, the registration for brand-new vehicles will be valid for five years, up from the current three years, to reduce the long queues of applicants at LTO branches, acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said on Wednesday.

According to Lopez, the longer validity period for registration is also in keeping with the better benefits offered by car dealers, including longer warranties.

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“These dealers have leveled up, so we will also level up with our policies,” Lopez said in a statement. “But more than that, [because of the extension in validity], we can avoid the long lines at the LTO for those renewing [their registration. Our priority] is the convenience of the public.”

Roadworthiness check

However, once the five-year validity expires, car owners will have to register their vehicles every year thereafter, the transportation chief said.

In addition, they would need to submit their vehicles to a roadworthiness check at LTO on the fourth year to ensure that these are in good running condition, he added.

“The reason for this is, as our vehicles last longer or become older, these become less reliable because of depreciation or wear and tear. It is important for the LTO to still have a comprehensive roadworthiness check,” Lopez said.

He also urged car dealers and manufacturers, including the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines Inc. (Campi), to help out motorists by shouldering the registration fees of brand-new vehicles.

“I think 80 to 90 percent of car dealers are giving out free registration as a come-on. I will ask Campi if they can also provide free registration so that our countrymen can also save money,” Lopez said.

The Department of Transportation and LTO will soon release a department order and memorandum circular on the extended registration validity, which has been approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Palace press officer Castro earlier said Lopez presented to Marcos in Malacañang on Tuesday the advantages of the new policy, including reduced vehicle registration transactions and lower compliance costs for motorists, particularly owners of brand-new vehicles.

The new policy is also part of the government’s efforts to ease the burden on motorists and streamline government transactions.

Under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, no motor vehicle shall be used or operated on any public highway unless it is registered.

A fine of P10,000 will be slapped on those caught driving an unregistered vehicle, which shall also be impounded. /cb