Getting your motor vehicle inspection done involves taking your vehicle to a Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC) or an authorized Land Transportation Office (LTO) office. There, your vehicle undergoes a series of tests to ensure it meets safety and environmental standards, and you submit the required documents. Once your vehicle passes, you receive a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR), confirming its roadworthiness.
Knowing how to get a motor vehicle inspection done and obtaining an MVIR is essential for vehicle owners. The steps involved in this procedure ensure that your vehicle is safe to drive and complies with legal requirements, avoiding fines and penalties. The inspection process also helps maintain safety on the roads, protecting both the driver and the public. By having a thorough understanding of these procedures, you can get the inspection done and out of the way much easier than usual, allowing you to save you time and money while avoiding potential penalties.
What is a Motor Vehicle Inspection?
A Motor Vehicle Inspection is a mandatory test conducted to evaluate the safety and roadworthiness of a vehicle. It ensures that the vehicle meets all legal and environmental standards required for operation on public roads. This inspection includes checking various aspects such as emissions, brakes, lights, tires, and overall structural integrity.
The purpose of a Motor Vehicle Inspection is to maintain safety and compliance with regulations, thereby reducing accidents and environmental impact. It helps identify potential mechanical issues before they become hazardous. By passing the inspection, a vehicle is deemed safe for use, and the owner can renew the registration, ensuring continued legal operation.
What is MVIR?
A Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) is an official document issued after a vehicle passes its motor vehicle inspection. It details the results of the inspection, confirming that the vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. The MVIR is required for renewing a vehicle’s registration and for certain transactions like transfer of ownership or changing the vehicle’s configuration.
The MVIR is important because it serves as proof that a vehicle is roadworthy and compliant with regulations. Without it, a vehicle cannot be legally operated on public roads, which could result in fines or other penalties. Additionally, the MVIR helps maintain road safety by ensuring that only vehicles meeting necessary standards are allowed to operate, thereby reducing the risk of accidents and environmental harm.
Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers
Just like authorized Land Transportation Office (LTO) District Offices or Extension Offices, Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (MVICs) are facilities authorized by the LTO to conduct comprehensive inspections of motor vehicles. They are established to ensure vehicles comply with safety and environmental standards before being allowed on public roads. These centers perform various tests and checks, such as emissions testing, brake and light inspections, and structural evaluations.
MVICs typically look like industrial facilities with inspection lanes, testing equipment, and administrative offices. Inside, you’ll find specialized tools and machines for assessing different vehicle components, including emissions and physical inspections. These MVICs come with trained personnel conducting the inspections and are usually located in urban areas and key regions across the Philippines to provide convenient access for vehicle owners needing to complete their inspections.
Requirements
For a smooth inspection process, gather the required documents.
For renewal of motor vehicle registration
- Original or one (1) clear photocopy of Official Receipt (OR) / Certificate of Registration (CR)
- 2. Original or one (1) clear photocopy of Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or Order for dropping and substitution (Change Classification) (If For Hire)
All applicable miscellaneous registration transactions
- Original or one (1) clear photocopy of OR/CR
- Original Deed of Sale (Transfer of Ownership)
- Original Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) clearance (for transfer of ownership and change engine, chassis, color and body configuration) and corresponding affidavit
Apprehended motor vehicles requiring inspection
- Original or one (1) clear photocopy of Official Receipt (OR) / Certificate of Registration (CR)
- Original Driver’s copy of Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP)
You will need to have these documentary requirements before you can start with the procedures for getting your motor vehicle inspected, regardless of your reason for doing so.
Procedures
To get your motor vehicle inspection done, you must follow specific procedures to ensure your vehicle meets all safety and environmental standards. These steps involve preparing necessary documents, visiting an authorized inspection center, and undergoing a series of tests. Here is a detailed list of the procedures:
Step 1. Gather Required Documents
- Depending on the reason for the motor vehicle inspection, you will first need to prepare the required documents listed above to initiate the process.
Step 2. Visit an Authorized Inspection Center
- Go to a Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC) or authorized LTO District or Extension office.
Step 3. Submit Documents
- Submit the required documents to the receiving clerk at the inspection center.
- The clerk will check the completeness and authenticity of the documents.
Step 4. Receive Payment Order Slip (POS)
- If documents are complete, receive a Payment Order Slip (POS).
Step 5. Pay Inspection Fees
- Proceed to the cashier and pay the required inspection fees.
- Receive an Official Receipt (OR) for the payment.
Step 6. Present Vehicle for Inspection
- Drive your vehicle to the inspection lane.
- The inspection will include tests for emissions, brakes, lights, and overall vehicle condition.
Step 7. Receive Inspection Report
- If the vehicle passes, receive the inspection report and your documents back.
- If the vehicle fails, you will be advised to correct the defects and return for re-inspection.
Step 8. Complete the Process
- Once you pass the inspection, your Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) will be issued.
- Use the MVIR to complete your vehicle registration or other necessary transactions.
Note: The inspection includes checking emissions and overall vehicle condition. If your vehicle passes, you’ll receive the inspection report and your documents back. If it fails, you must correct the issues and return for a re-inspection.
Fees and Charges
The cost of an inspection varies based on your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight (GVW). Different fees also apply for various vehicle types and transactions, such as transferring ownership, changing the engine, or correcting defects. Make sure you are aware of the specific fees for your vehicle and situation to avoid any surprises. Please refer to this list:
Motor Vehicle Inspection Report
- Motor Vehicle with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) equal to or less than 4,500kgs
- Smoke Emission Test – P 40.00
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Fee – P 50.00
- Total: P90.00
- Motor Vehicle with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) more than 4,500kgs
- Smoke Emission Test – P 40.00
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Fee – P 75.00
- Total: P 115.00
- Tricycles/For Hire
- Smoke Emission Test – P 40.00
- Motor Vehicle Inspection Fee – P 50.00
- Total: P90.00
- For Dropping Vehicle with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) equal to or less than 4,500kgs
- Total: P 80.00
- For Dropping Vehicle with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) more than 4,500kgs
- Total: P 105.00
Motor Vehicles with Miscellaneous Transactions
- with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) equal to or less than 4,500kgs
- Total: P 50.00
- with Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) more than 4,500kgs
- Total: P 75.00
Inspection Fee For Renewal (Weekly Penalty for Smoke Emission Test of For Hire, Government and Diplomatic Vehicles – P 50.00)
- PUJ – P 90.00
- Taxi/TNVS – P 90.00
- Garage Service – P 90.00
- Government Vehicle – P 90.00
- Diplomatic Vehicle – P 90.00
- UV Express – P 90.00
- Vehicle for Hire – P 90.00
- Rent-A-Car – P 90.00
- Tricycles for Hire – P90.00
- School Service (Below 4,500kgs GVW) – P 90.00
- Re-Stamping Purposes – P90.00
- School Bus (Above 4,500kgs GVW) – P 115.00
- TH/Trucks – P 115.00
- Buses – P 115.00
- Trailers – P 50.00
- Stolen Recovered Vehicle / Camapped
- For Hire – P 50.00
- Private – P 50.00
- Private Vehicles (Below 4,500kgs GVW) – P 50.00
- Private Vehicles (Above 4,500kgs GVW) – P 75.00
Apprehensions
- Apprehended for Hire Vehicle (Bellow 4,500kgs GVW) Set – P 90.00
- Apprehended for Hire Vehicle (Above 4,500kgs GVW) Set – P 115.00
- Apprehended Vehicle (Correction of Defects)
- Below 4,500kgs – P 50.00
- Above 4,500kgs – P 75.00
Other Miscellaneous Fees
- Dropping Purpose
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 80.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 105.00
- Transfer of Ownership
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 50.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 75.00
- Duplicate of OR/CR/Plate
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 50.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 75.00
- Annotation/Cancellation of Mortgage
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 50.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 75.00
- Change Engine/Color/Route
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 50.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 75.00
- Change Chassis/ Rebuilt
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 90.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 115.00
- Change Body Design
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 50.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 75.00
- Substitution (For LTFRB Use)
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 90.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 115.00
- Change Denomination/Classification (CD/CC)
- Below 4,500kgs GVW – P 90.00
- Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 115.00
- Set (Re-Test if Failed) – P 40.00
- Set (Voluntary Test) – P 40.00
- Revision of Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
- Vehicle Bellow 4,500kgs GVW – P 50.00
- Vehicle Above 4,500kgs GVW – P 75.00
Notes:
- A penalty of fifty pesos (P 50.00) shall be collected for every vehicle that falls to meet the hereunder schedule for inspection/testing
- If your vehicle fails the initial inspection, you must pay a re-inspection fee. This re-inspection covers only the items that failed previously. The fee varies based on the vehicle’s GVW and whether it failed the smoke emission test, the overall inspection, or both.
- Should a motor vehicle fail any or both smoke emission tests and motor vehicle inspection, applicable fee or fees shall be collected accordingly during re-inspection.
Schedule of Inspection
Just like the renewal schedule, the schedule for motor vehicle inspection inspection is based on the last and middle digit of your vehicle’s plate number. For instance, plate numbers ending in 1 are inspected in January, 2 in February, and so on. The middle digit determines the week of the month for inspection: 1-3 in the first week, 4-6 in the second week, and 7-0 in subsequent weeks. Please see the list below:
Last Digit of Plate No.
- 1 – January
- 2 – February
- 3 – March
- 4 – April
- 5 – May
- 6 – June
- 7 – July
- 8 – August
- 9 – September
- 0 – October
Middle digit of plate no.
- 1, 2, 3 – 1st Week
- 4, 5, 6 – 2nd Week
- 7, 8 – 3rd Week
- 9, 0 – 4th Week
Video: All You Need to Know About the Motor Vehicle Inspection System by the LTO and DOTr
For better understanding of the motor vehicle inspection system, watch this video from Noah’s Garage explaining the motor vehicle inspection process, including preparing documents and what to expect during the inspection:
Summary
Getting a motor vehicle inspection is crucial for maintaining road safety and complying with regulations. Prepare the necessary documents, follow the inspection process at authorized centers, and be aware of the fees. Ensure your vehicle meets the required standards to avoid re-inspection and penalties. Completing the MVIR accurately and adhering to the inspection schedule will help streamline the process and keep your vehicle roadworthy.