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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has long required motor vehicle owners to submit to a motor vehicle inspection and acquire a motor vehicle inspection report (MVIR) as part of the procedures for car registration and renewal. This is to ensure that the vehicles that are legally allowed on public roads are roadworthy. 

Just recently, in 2020, the agency stepped up its game and overhauled the Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) to replace the old and outdated system for motor vehicle inspection and registration. However, in 2021, though the MVIS is still in use, some changes were made, doing away with some of the tests included in the original inspection requirements. While there are still plenty of kinks to sort out, here’s a complete guide to getting your vehicle inspected and acquiring an MVIR. 

What is the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)?

The Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) is an LTO-issued form meant to attest to the condition of a vehicle at the time of inspection. The accomplished and approved MVIR form is one of the requirements set by the LTO for vehicle registration. 

Understanding the MVIR Form

The MVIR is divided into different sections, namely:

• Ownership and documentation

This section covers the first part of the form. It indicates information like the following:

• the named owner of the vehicle
• where it was acquired from
• what kind of vehicle it is 
• the type of registration (if it’s new car or if it’s for renewal)
• Identification and inspection

This is the second section of the MVIR form and the place where the inspector identify and take note of the following:

• Vehicle’s make
• type of body
• the weight of the vehicle
• passenger capacity, 

It is also in this section where the inspector will rate the condition of parts of your vehicle, including:

• windshield
• car seats
• fuel tank
• battery, etc. 

It is also in this section where you would have needed to have your car stenciled for its engine number and chassis number, before this requirement was abolished in 2018. It is still necessary when renewing your motor vehicle registration, though.

• Operation and safety test

On the third section of the form, the inspector will test the parts of your car that will affect the car’s ability to drive safely, and might involve a test drive and some q&a. 

It is also in this section where the inspector takes notes of the safety test results following the Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVIC) Testing.

Download the MVIR Inspection Form Sample in LTO Website

In case you want to get a copy of the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report form, you can access it by visiting the website using this link – https://lto.gov.ph/lto-forms/file/1161-motor-vehicle-inspection-report-form.html

Alternatively, please check the MVIR form sample below for your reference so you have an idea how it looks like. Take note that this form is NOT for sale.

List of Safety Tests Conducted during Inspection

The tests that your vehicle will be put through includes:

• Sideslip Test

Through the Sideslip Test, you can determine if the vehicle’s wheel alignment is correct, as well as scrutinize the toe-in and toe-out of the vehicle. It is conducted by the inspector by driving the vehicle into the sideslip sensor plate which will measure the later slip movement of your vehicle as it enters the first switch. The result of the test is determined once the vehicle has passed through the last switch of the tester. 

• Suspension Test

This test is meant to test and measure the effectiveness of the shock absorbers on each wheel of the vehicle, the absolute damping levels and its performance compared with the relative damping balance between the right and left side of each axle, as well as the efficiency of the shock absorbers using the EUSAMA principle or its recognized equivalent. The test is done by placing the axles and wheels of the vehicle on shaker plates which will automatically measure the axle weight of the vehicle. Once done, the plates will begin to oscillate to test out the damping abilities of the suspension and the data will be sent to the computer where it will be compared with the information on the database. 

• Roller Brake Test

This test is meant to measure the braking force of the left and right wheels for both the front and rear axles of your vehicle on a rolling road in order to get the vehicle up to speed and to effectively measure the braking force that each wheel can generate. The parking brake will also be tested with respect to the axle incorporating the parking brake mechanism. 

• Speedometer Test

The speedometer test is designed to measure the actual speed and the accuracy of the speedometer reading on the vehicle. To test these, the inspector will bring the vehicle to a rolling road and accelerate it to a speed of 40 km/h before decelerating it to rest. The vehicle will pass if the reading is within 10 km/h of what is being displayed on the speedometer versus its actual speed. 

• Headlight Test

To complete this test, the headlights of the vehicle will need to be examined to measure the luminous intensity and photometric axis or optical axis of deviation of your vehicle’s headlights. It’s an automated test so the vehicle will only need to be parked at a predetermined distance.

• Emissions Test

Though the emissions test is done separately, it is a part of the MVIR required by the LTO. It is done to check the concentration of Carbon Monoxide and Hydrocarbon emissions from in-use motor vehicles running at idle speed. To complete the testing procedure, the vehicle will need to be placed on neutral gear with the handbrake engaged. The vehicle’s temperature must also be at least 70 degrees celsius or higher in order for the engine to be at its proper operating temperature. A probe will then be inserted into the exhaust pipe of the vehicle by at least 30 cm from the tailpipe outlet.

The test would be slightly different for diesel-fed engines, as it will be measuring the opacity of the smoke that comes from the exhaust instead. In the same way that gasoline-powered vehicles are tested, the vehicle will also remain in neutral, at idle, and must be at its proper operating temperature. The engine will then be revved two to three times to remove deposits or soot for proper smoke sampling. While the engine is idling the inspector will then insert the sampling probe into the exhaust pipe to measure its readings. 

• Sound Test

The last test in the list of safety tests to complete the MVIR is the sound test. Done in conjunction with the exhaust of a vehicle, the sound test is meant to determine if your vehicle is too loud and is a source of noise pollution. To complete the testing procedures, sonometers are placed 0.5 meters behind the exhaust pipe at 45-degree angles. The inspector will then measure your vehicle at idle and at the 2,500 rpm mark. Your vehicle must come with a result lower than 99db in order to pass the test. 

Once all the tests and the three sections of the form are all filled up, it will be sent for approval and transmitted to LTO. Once accepted, you may already use the accomplished Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR) to complete the next steps of your motor vehicle registration process. 

Benefits of Getting an MVIR

Getting an MVIR is more than just satisfying a requirement. For a list of benefits that come with adhering to this requirement, please see the list below:

• It satisfies a part of the car registration process. 
• It is a means to check if the vehicle is roadworthy and if it passes LTO’s standards. 
• It ensures the safety of the driver as well as the pedestrians and other motorists on the road.  
• It ensures that your vehicle won’t wreak havoc just because of something as simple as neglecting to replace your brakes or even busted tail lights.
• It guarantees that your car is not a dangerous heap of metal.

Requirements to Get an MVIR

Depending on the reason for the inspection, you may need to submit the following documentary requirements to get an MVIR:

For Renewal of Motor Vehicles Registration

• Original and one (1) photocopy of the Official Receipt (OR) 
• Original and one (1) photocopy of the Certificate of Registration (CR)
• For dropping and substitution (Change Classification) (If For Hire): Original and one (1) photocopy of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) or the Order 

All applicable miscellaneous registration transactions

• Original and one (1) photocopy of the Official Receipt (OR) 
• Original and one (1) photocopy of the Certificate of Registration (CR)
• Original Deed of Sale (Transfer of Ownership)
• For transfer of ownership and change engine, chassis, color and body configuration: Original Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) clearance and corresponding affidavit

Apprehended motor vehicles requiring inspection

• Original and one (1) photocopy of the Official Receipt (OR) 
• Original and one (1) photocopy of the Certificate of Registration (CR)
• Original Driver’s copy of Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP)

For other instances, please see the checklist in the attached image:

Procedures for Getting an MVIR

Sure, there might be some changes to the LTO Procedures for acquiring an MVIR, but for now, this is how it’s done, according to the LTO’s operating guidelines for PMVICs. 

Step 1: At the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (MVIC) or authorized LTO District Offices (DO) or Extension Offices (EO), applicants requesting for vehicle inspection must first submit the required documents.

Step 2: Once the documents have been accepted and verified, the applicant may proceed to the Cashier for payment of fees and to receive their Official Receipt (OR).

Step 3: Armed with an OR, the applicant may then visit a PMVIC and present the motor vehicle for the following inspection procedures:

Pre-inspection

The PMVIC will first check if a vehicle is already registered in the LTO’s Land Transportation Management System (LTMS) through either one of these three ways by which the PMVIC personnel run their checks:

• RIFD scanner

This LTO check is done by having someone scan the RFID tag on your car’s LTO sticker.

• QR code

Another way of checking with the LTO is by the use of a barcode scanner which will be used to scan the QR code on your car’s LTO sticker.

• Manual input

Other than these two that require the use of scanners, there’s also the option for manual checking. This involves getting your car’s license plate number manually checked in the LTMS database.

Note: If your vehicle is not yet in the LTMS database, you will be asked to go to the nearest LTO district office prior to continuing to the next step of the process.

Queuing

If you’ve scheduled an appointment online, you. Can immediately proceed to payment. Otherwise, you need to drop by the encoder window to present your OR/CR and vehicle identification number (VIN) before receiving a queue number.

Payment

There are three payment options:

• Debit/credit card: Pay via credit or debit card through the LTO’s online scheduling website.
• Bayad Center: Settle your payment via third-party payment providers like Bayad Centers and LBC Payment Centers.
• Cash: You can pay cash at a PMVIC payment window once your queue number is called.

Vehicle handoff

You surrender your keys to a designated PMVIC driver and wait for your queue number to be called again at the customer lounge. 

Inspection and testing

Your car undergoes the MVIS testing and inspection process. 

As per the MVIS Checklist, here is the list of items of the parts of the car to be inspected:

• Under Chassis Parts to be checked in the MVIS:
  • Chassis frame (structural rigidity, rust, etc)
  • Engine (for oil leaks)
  • Driveshaft bolt
  • Transmission oil (for leaks)
  • Differential Oil (for leaks)
  • Parking brake wire
  • Fuel hoses and pipes
  • Steering linkages and gearbox mounting
  • Steering Ball joints
  • Condition of Power steering system
  • Condition of radiator
  • Spring bolts and nuts
  • Shock absorbers
  • Exhaust pipe
  • Propeller Shaft couplings
  • Brake hoses
  • Front and rear shackle eyes, pins, and bushes
  • Spring clips
  • Brake hoses, pipes, and cylinders
  • Steering idler/section shaft
  • Stabilizer and bushes
  • Engine mounting
  • King pins and bearings
• Above carriage parts to be inspected in the MVIS:
  • Identity (plates, stickers, make and model), construction
  • Dimensions (for rebuilt and locally assembled vehicles)
  • Windshield and window glass condition
  • Emergency warning device
  • Car horn
  • Mobile air-conditioning system
  • Floor boards
  • Fuel tank and fuel tank cap
  • Appearance of car body
  • Tire and wheel condition
  • Seat belts
  • Driver and passenger’s seats
  • Door and door hinges
  • Steering Wheel
  • Rearview mirror and side mirror
  • Clutch system
  • Braking system and parking brake

Transmission and printout

Your test results and data are sent via a Value Added Service Provider (VASP) to the LTO database and an MVIS report is printed out. A point system will determine whether your vehicle receives a ‘Pass’ or ‘Fail’ result generated by the LTMS. The report is valid for 60 days from the date of inspection.

Step 4: Once done, you can then receive the inspection report and the list of things that need to be replaced or changed.

Step 5: Once the vehicle receives a Pass result, you may head on over to a nearby LTO office to register your vehicle. If your car fails, you will need to come back for a test once your ride’s issues have been resolved.

Cost and Fees Associated with the MVIR

In order to get your vehicle tested in the new MVIS, you need to be ready to pay the following fees: 

• For motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of less than 4,500 kg, you need to pay P1,800 for the initial inspection, and P900 for the re-inspection fee as per the 2018-2158 LTO Memorandum. 
• Motorcycles and Tricycles, meanwhile, will be charged P600 for the initial inspection, and P300 for the reinspection. 

Note that the reinspection fee would only apply if a motor vehicle fails the first inspection, and will only cover the stage where it previously failed. 

On February 11, 2021, the MVIS fees were reduced from the original LTO 2018-2158 document. 

The new motor vehicle inspection fees are as follows:

• P600 for Private Vehicles
• P500 for Motorcycles
• P300 for Public Utility Vehicles
• P50 for motor vehicles with GBW equal to or less than 4,500 kgs.
• P75 for motor vehicles with GBW equal to or more than 4,500 kgs.
• P50 for MC/TC

For smoke emission tests, the fees are as follows:

• P40 for motor vehicles with GBW equal to or less than 4,500 kgs.
• P45 for motor vehicles with GBW equal to or more than 4,500 kgs.
• P40 for MC/TC

Miscellaneous fees

As stated in LTO Memorandum 2018-2158 Section 18, an inspection fee amounting to P1,800 may still be collected for the following transactions: 

• MV modification (change body design/configuration) 
• Miscellaneous transactions
  • change engine/chassis
  • change color
  • Revision of Gross Vehicle Weight, 
  • Re-stamping of engine
  • Recovered carnapped vehicle

Note: Re-inspection of the vehicle shall cover only the item where it previously failed.

Schedule of Motor Vehicle Inspection

Motorists who need to get their motor vehicle inspected needs to observe the following inspection schedule:

• 1st Week of January, February, and March: Motor vehicles with 1, 2, or 3 as the middle digit of its plate number.
• 2nd Week of April, May, and June: Motor vehicles with 4, 5, or 6 as the middle digit of its plate number.
• 3rd Week of July and August: Motor vehicles with 7 or 8 as the middle digit of its plate number.
• 4th Week of September and October: Motor vehicles with 9 or 0 as the middle digit of its plate number.

Note: There is a penalty amounting to P50 for vehicles who failed to meet the scheduled testing. 

Important Things to Remember

• The new Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) replaced the old and outdated system for motor vehicle registration. 
• To successfully implement the new MVIS, the LTO accredited several private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVIC).
• The MVIR Form is available for free at any LTO branches nationwide or at the LTO website (https://lto.gov.ph/lto-forms/file/1161-motor-vehicle-inspection-report-form.html).
• The emissions test is an item in the MVIR.
• Do not write anything on the inspection and testing sections of the MVIR Form.
• It’s a bit tiring, but securing an MVIR is just one of the realities of owning a car.
• Thanks to an LTO Memorandum issued on February 11, 2021, MVIR applicants may now enjoy lowered inspection fees.
• Re-inspection fee is collected when a motor vehicle fails the inspection.

Video: Understanding the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)

To learn more about what the motor vehicle inspection report is all about, then you can check out this explainer video from Pinoy Car Guy:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here’s a list of the most common questions and answers regarding the MVIR:

1. What should I do if my car gets disapproved of in the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVIR)?

Depending on the failing part, if you can easily have it replaced or fixed, it’s best to do so immediately. If the issue is with the emissions testing, change your oil, then inspect your exhaust system and the engine block. If there are too many things wrong with your car, however, it might be safer and cheaper to get a new car instead.

If your car is only a few years old or brand new, then you shouldn’t have any issues. That is if it isn’t a lemon with a potentially dangerous flaw.

2. Where to get a Motor Vehicle Inspection Report Form?

The motor vehicle inspection report form is available for free at any LTO branch. It can also be downloaded from the LTO official website via this link: https://lto.gov.ph/lto-forms/file/1161-motor-vehicle-inspection-report-form.html.  Remember, do not buy an MVIR form. You will only waste your money by doing so.

3. Is the need for MVIR abolished?

No. Though there were changes implemented by the Executive Branch, private motorists who are renewing their MV registration will still go through PMVIC for MVIS testing, but only the emissions test and visual inspection which are required for registration. The full line of MVIS tests (e.g. brakes, speedometer, etc.) if preferred may still be carried out, but it is no longer required to be submitted to LTO as a registration requirement as per the new memo from the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

4. Where can I get my motor vehicle inspected so I can secure an MVIR?

Based on the LTO Memorandum Circular MC-SC-2021-02, as long as the LTO you are trying to renew your registration at is covered by a PMVIC’s Geographical Area of Responsibility (GAOR), only an MVIR from that Private Emission Testing Center (PETC) will be accepted. If there is no PMVIC in the GAOR of the LTO in your area, then the emissions from the local PETC will be accepted until such time when a PMVIC is operational in the area.

5. Is an MVIR required only from brand-new vehicles? 

No. Old and new vehicles are required to undergo inspection via the PMVICs or PETCs whose jurisdiction covers the LTO office where you intend to register or renew your vehicle registration.

Summary

Motor vehicles are heavy machines that require regular check up. It is because even the slightest problem can cause it to wreak havoc when things go wrong. And boy, do things go wrong, usually when you least expect it. After all, neglecting the smallest things like forgetting to replace your brakes or to fix your busted tail lights can result in accidents that could be fatal.

For this reason, the LTO, an agency tasked with keeping the roads safe for both drivers and pedestrians, requires regular motor vehicle inspection as a way to ensure that every vehicle allowed on public roads are roadworthy. It even takes into account the emissions testing. Even new vehicles are also required to undergo inspection. It’s not that the agency does not trust car manufacturers, but it’s a means to ensure that the safety net of drivers and car owners is cast well enough to ensure their safety.