Engine swapping isn’t illegal — failing to report it is. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) are strict about unregistered engines to prevent car theft, fake registrations, and road safety issues.
If you replaced your car’s engine but didn’t report it to the LTO, fake the time to register it properly, otherwise, you could face serious trouble. Either way, it’s far easier (and cheaper) to process the paperwork now than to deal with ₱10,000 fines, impound fees, or possible jail time later, because failure to report an engine swap can lead to heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, and even criminal charges, too.
LTO Penalties for Unreported Engine Swaps
The LTO considers driving a vehicle with an unreported or undocumented engine as operating an improperly registered vehicle. This is a direct violation of Republic Act No. 10883 (The New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016).
Under Section 8 of RA 10883, every engine swap or replacement must be reported and registered with the LTO within 20 working days after the change. Any engine not registered is presumed to be from an illegal source and may be seized in favor of the government.
The car owner may also be penalized as follows:
- ₱10,000 fine: For driving a vehicle with a fake or unregistered replacement engine or chassis.
- Vehicle impoundment: Your vehicle will be impounded until the new engine is properly registered and all fines are settled.
- Up to one year impoundment: For undocumented or unverified engines. The LTO may also confiscate the engine.
- Possible jail time (2 to 6 years): If the replacement engine came from a carnapped vehicle, the buyer or seller may face imprisonment under RA 10883.
MMDA Enforcement and Apprehension
Even though the LTO sets the rules, the MMDA enforces them on the road. Their officers can stop and inspect vehicles suspected of having unrecorded modifications.
Here’s how MMDA handles this kind of problem:
- Apprehension: If the engine number on your vehicle doesn’t match the one on your Certificate of Registration (CR), an MMDA officer can stop and cite you for an LTO violation.
- Seizure coordination: The MMDA can coordinate with the LTO for impoundment once the violation is confirmed.
Note: This means you don’t have to be caught by the LTO directly — even MMDA traffic enforcers can take action.
How to Legally Process an Engine Swap
To stay compliant and avoid penalties, you must observe the proper procedures on How to apply for change of engine at LTO. Once approved, the old engine record is canceled, and the new CR serves as proof that your vehicle is legally updated.
Other Related Laws You Should Know
Other laws related to the use of unreported engine include:
- RA 10883, Section 8: Requires registration of any engine change or replacement within 20 days.
- Section 14: Makes it illegal to tamper with or deface engine serial numbers.
- Section 15: Prohibits using the identity (engine or chassis number) of a vehicle declared as total wreck.
Violating any of these sections can lead to severe penalties and possible criminal prosecution.
So, if you’re planning an engine replacement, take the time to register it properly and avoid unnecessary trouble in the future. For more information or updates, visit the LTO official website or inquire through your nearest LTO District Office.