Today I Learned: These are the Minimum Standards Your Car Needs to Meet to be Street Legal in the Philippines

Several nights ago, I saw two vehicles with both taillights out on EDSA. One was a private jeepney (why am I not surprised?), and the other was a second-gen Kia Picanto. It was around 7:30 pm, so it was dark. 

With the number of traffic enforcers on the road, not counting the no-contact-apprehension-system cameras and the PMVIC (Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center) you go through for registration renewal, how do these vehicles get tagged as roadworthy?

Judging by the state of some vehicles on local roads, the only deterrent for Filipino motorists seems to be a blown engine or a flat tire (or not having money for gas and toll fees).

But that is why we are here—to remind you that it takes more than a humming inline-4 or Pirelli P Zeroes to take your car out, even for a casual spin. This information we’re sharing should be nothing new to conscientious drivers because it draws directly from the 60-year-old Republic Act 4136.

So, beyond the Homer-Simpson-duh obvious (engine, tires, fuel, steering wheel, etc.), what does the law mandate your vehicle to have—in good working condition—before you hit the road?

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Vehicle Standards to be Street Legal in the Philippines

1| Tires must have ‘sufficient thickness,’ which means they must have ample tread to provide grip and traction. Brakes are number two on the law’s list, and rightfully so. It is a no-brainer. No brakes = crash. ‘Nuff said.

2| I know you have mixed feelings about horns because Filipino drivers use them too much (compared to motorists in other countries). But it is another essential component you cannot do without. The only caveat is it must not be ‘exceptionally loud, startling, or (have a) disagreeable sound.’

3| Headlights are mandatory, and the law states that there must be two, so no Popeyes. Plus, their yellow or white light must be visible 30 minutes before sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise. Unfortunately, it is treated like optional equipment in the Philippines, especially by public utility vehicles such as buses and jeepneys.

4| That brings us to the culprit that sparked this article—taillights. All vehicles must have them. The law also stipulates that the red light should be visible (at least 100 meters from the rear) when the headlights are on, there must be a white light on the number plate, and the stoplight’s bright red must be distinguishable ‘even under bright sunlight.’ Buses, trucks, trailers (or similar vehicles) are even mandated to have an extra lamp at least twelve centimeters in diameter with the word ‘Stop’ inscribed at the center.

5| Believe it or not, parking lights are also on the government’s list. They should be visible from 100 meters away so moving traffic can see your car when it breaks down on the side of the road.

6| Windshield wipers might seem inconsequential, but you cannot drive without them, legally and, of course, while it is raining.

7| How about mufflers? All vehicles with an internal combustion engine must have one. Ironically, this section of RA 4136 is so detailed, but it is hardly enforced. Check this out: ‘No motor vehicle shall be operated in such a manner as to cause it to emit or make any unnecessary or disagreeable odor, smoke, or noise.’ I already lost track of the number of cities with ordinances banning loud motorcycles. The LTO (Land Transportation Office) even has a memo stating that the decibel level of mufflers must not exceed 99dB.

For new parents, this one is for you – RA 11229 or the ‘Child Car Seat Act.’ Children below 12 years old or under 59 inches (150 centimeters) cannot sit in the front and must use a car seat appropriate to their age, height, and weight. The kicker? You cannot use just any seat. It must have the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) mark or an Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) license.

A separate law created in 1999 requires seatbelts in public utility and private vehicles, with no exceptions. New or old, PUV or not, automobiles without seatbelts cannot even undergo initial registration. Why are there so many PUJs without seatbelts on the road?  

It is the job of the PMVIC and PETC (Private Emission Testing Center) to ensure all our cars are in tip-top shape. Inspection happens during vehicle registration and renewal. They (are supposed to) check everything: from the above-carriage items to components in the undercarriage. Your vehicle also goes through the sideslip, suspension, and roller brake tests, followed by a speedometer, headlight, emissions, sound, and pregnancy test. I threw that last one in there to see if you’re still paying attention. I am glad you are.

But don’t rely on inspectors to keep your vehicle in legal running order. Be responsible and get it up to Philippine-roadworthiness specifications. Remember, ignorance excuses no one. If you’re on the road and one of those parts are not working, you’re breaking the law.