In the Philippines, the process of requesting inspection of public utility vehicle units and obtaining MVIR from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is an important part of public land transport regulation. It is particularly important when the operators need to file petitions such as dropping and substitution of units or applying for the issuance of a new Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC). As such, getting the units inspected to ensure that they meet the necessary standards and comply with regulations is a necessary part of public transport operation.
Putting in a request for inspection of unit/s at the LTFRB is also a precursor to the issuance of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)—a required document necessary for the issuance of a CPC which grants operators the legal authority to operate public transportation services. By understanding the procedures involved in getting an MVIR, operators can then prepare and complete this particular LTFRB regulation efficiently and contribute to the enhancement of public transportation services in the country.
LTFRB Inspection of Unit/s and MVIR
The LTFRB inspection of units refers to the process of examining vehicles, especially those used for public transportation such as buses, vans, or taxis, to ensure they meet specific standards set by the land transport regulatory authorities. This is a highly technical inspection that assesses various aspects of the PUVs, including their safety features, roadworthiness, cleanliness, and compliance with regulatory requirements.
The MVIR, on the other hand, refers to the inspection report issued by the regulatory authority, such as the LTFRB and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) after conducting an inspection of a motor vehicle. The MVIR serves as an official certification that the vehicle has undergone inspection and meets the necessary standards and regulations for safe operation on public roads. It provides details about the condition of the vehicle and any observed deficiencies or issues that need to be addressed. The MVIR is often required as part of the process for obtaining CPCs and requesting for dropping or substitution of vehicle units in the public land transportation sector.
Purpose of MV Inspection
The primary purpose of requesting an inspection of a motor vehicle unit and obtaining an MVIR from the LTFRB is to verify the existence of the MV unit and to ensure that the vehicle meet the necessary standards and to guarantee its compliance with the policies set forth by the Board. This process is an important procedure usually completed before the issuance of a Certificate of Public Convenience, which grants operators the legal authority to operate public transportation services.
When is an MV Inspection Required
Requesting an inspection of MV units and securing an MVIR is required in scenarios such as the following:
- When operators need to replace existing MV units with new ones or make changes to their fleet (Dropping and Substitution of Units)
- For operators seeking to expand their services or enter new routes (Application for New CPC)
Who can avail
The request for an inspection of unit/s to obtain an MVIR from the LTFRB is usually made by the following:
- Public Utility Vehicle Operator
Requirements
Before filing such a request, however, the PUV operators are expected to prepare the following requirements:
- Accomplished Request Form (2 Original)
- Any Valid Government-Issued ID Card (1 Original for presentation and 1 Photocopy)
- Current LTO OR/CR of units subject for inspection
- If OR/CR are not yet available:
- Sales invoice and delivery receipts if not more than three (3) months from date of delivery
For Authorized Representatives (Individual Operators)
Personal appearance of the petitioner is required. However, if not possible for petitioner to be physically present, authorized representative is allowed upon presentation of:
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Duly notarized Special Power of Attorney (SPA)
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Valid Government-Issued ID of the applicant and authorized representative
For Cooperatives, Corporations, and Partnerships
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of Board Resolution/ Secretary’s Certificate authorizing the Inspection of Unit/s and designating the authorized representative/s to file Petition
- One (1) Original copy for presentation and one (1) Photocopy of valid government-issued ID of the authorized representative
Procedures
The process for requesting an inspection of MV units and obtaining an MVIR from the LTFRB typically involves the following steps:
Step 1. Visit the LTFRB Office
Begin by visiting the nearest LTFRB office to obtain the necessary forms and checklist of requirements.
Step 2. Secure Request Form
Head on to the LTFRB Public Assistance Complaint Desk (PACD) and secure a request form for inspection of unit/s.
Step 3. Submit Application
Submit the duly accomplished request form along with the supporting documents to the LTFRB Technical Division for authentication and completeness check.
Step 4. Schedule Inspection
Once the request is received, the LTFRB schedules an inspection of the unit/s at a designated inspection center or location. It is essential for operators to ensure that the MV units are available for inspection on the scheduled date and time.
Step 5. Actual Inspection of the Unit
Together with the Transport Inspectors, visit the inspection center for the conduct of scheduled inspection of the actual unit. This usually involves thorough examination of each MV unit to assess its compliance with safety standards, roadworthiness, and other relevant criteria.
Step 6. Processing of MVIR
If the MV unit/s pass the inspection, the LTFRB forwards the MVIR to the Transportation Development Officer, certifying that the units comply with regulations. .
Step 7. Evaluation and Assessment
Once the MVIR is issued, the Chief Transportation Development Officer will evaluate the inspection report and prepare an assessment of necessary fees.
Step 8. Fee Assessment and Payment
Upon assessment, a payment order slip (POS) will be issued. Proceed to make payments at the designated cashier and wait for the official receipt to be issued.
Step 9. Claim the MVIR
Submit the Official Receipt of Payment and wait for the MVIR to be issued by the Transportation Inspector Technical Division Releasing Unit.
By adhering to the outlined procedures and fulfilling the necessary requirements, all public utility vehicle operators can efficiently complete the inspection of unit/s and secure an MVIR at the LTFRB, ensuring that they get the requisite document for processing of applications for dropping, substitution, or issuance of a new franchise.
Fees
The request for inspection of public MV unit/s is not free. When you file such a request, you need to be ready to shell out the money to pay the following fees:
- BUS and TH: PHP 100.00/unit
- Smaller Denomination: (i.e. Van/SUV, PUJ, TX) PHP 50.00/unit
Processing Time
The processing time is estimated to be at least twelve (12) days, five (5) hours, and fifteen (15) minutes, though it may vary depending on the evaluation of the submitted application and the completeness of the requirements submitted. Having additional transactions may also affect the time needed to complete the procedures.
Video: Procedures for Private MV Inspection
In this guide, we detailed how to request for inspection of public MV units and the MVIR at the LTFRB, but if you are a private car owner, such a request is completed at the LTO branch closest to you. For more information on securing an MVIR for private vehicles, you may check out this video from Pinoy Car Guy.
Summary
The inspection of MV units and the issuance of an MVIR is an important procedure designed to check the safety and compliance of vehicles operating on the roads. It is a necessity for operators as they need to prove that they can uphold the standards set by the Board to safeguard the interests of passengers before they can continue with other procedures such as dropping and substitution of units or acquisition of a new CPC from the LTFRB.