The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is well on the way to replacing private emission testing centers (PETC) with private motor vehicle inspection centers (PMVIC). This is in a bid to address the many complaints over PETCs as well as ensure that every vehicle registered is road worthy.
Unlike PETCs that simply check for emissions, the PMVICs will inspect and check several other factors of a vehicle to ensure it is road worthy. PMVIS certificates will be a requirement prior to vehicle registration and renewalS
The PMVIC will charge motorcycles a PhP600 testing fee. It will inspect at least 62 vehicle parts of each vehicle through ocular and computer testing. Inspection technicians will be operating the test equipment, with each full inspection completed in 30 minutes.
CCTV cameras will cover the entire process of the testing, with one camera capturing the number plate of the vehicle in testing. The PMVIC must also be fully digital and capable of being interconnected with the LTO IT system, with all test results recorded and uploaded automatically. Manual encoding and editing of results are prohibited.
It’s a long process, and if some of these parts are found to be defective or in conflict with the LTO code for motor vehicles, the vehicles may fail and forfeit that PhP600.
Bear in mind that the LTO’s code for motor vehicles is very strict with regards to modifications. As such, the code may not be very lenient towards aftermarket parts and modifications installed. We’ve already listed down modifications that are banned.
As such, we advise motorists to already check their vehicles ahead of time. This will give you a chance to repair and address any problems before the inspection.
What will be inspected? We’ve compiled a list below.
Basic functions
Headlights: Must illuminate properly with the beam height adjusted to manufacturer’s specifications. Beam alignment and direction will be checked. Must be yellow or white only. No blinkers allowed.
Signal lights: Both front and rear signal lights must be operational and in sync. Must be amber in color (orange or yellow only).
Parking lights: Both front and rear must be operational and illuminate.
Brake lights: Must be operational and its brightness must be visibly distinguishable from the park light. Must be red only. No blinkers allowed.
Number plate lights: Must be operational and adequately illuminate the number plate mounted under, making it legible.
Hazard lights: When applicable, must be operational, and illuminate in sync.
Reflectors: Must adequately reflect light back. Points may be deducted for cracked or broken reflectors.
Horn: Must be operational and emit an audible sound. Volume will be measured by decibel meter.
Side mirrors: Must be fitted and adjusted to give the driver an adequate view of the road behind.
Fuel tank/cap: Fuel tanks must be sealed with a fuel tank cap. It must be able to lock into a closed position whether with a key or mechanically.
Panel gauges: Must be operational and accurately display speed. Panels must be backlit for legibility at night. Speedometers must be calibrated. Points may be deducted for malfunctioning / inaccurate speedometer / fuel gauge.
Floorboard: Where applicable, must be structurally sound and capable of supporting the weight of the passenger. Points may be deducted for cracks and holes.
Chassis
Handlebars / steering: Must allow the driver to properly control the motorcycle. Must be able to turn left and right to equal degrees. Misaligned handlebars may not be accepted.
Wheels (includes camber/alignment): Must be properly aligned and mounted. Wheels must be road worthy. Points may be deducted for dents, cracks.
Tires: Must be mounted properly and inflated up to manufacturer specifications.
Clutch system: Where applicable, clutch must be operational and engage when the lever is pulled.
Brake system: Must be operational and capable of stopping the vehicle. This aspect will be tested on a rollar brake tester.
Suspension joints/bushes: Front and rear suspension joints and bushes must be structurally sound. Have the appropriate bolts installed. Points may be deducted for cracks.
Rear linkages: Must be structurally sound and have the appropriate bolts installed. Points may be deducted for cracks.
Engine
Radiator: Where applicable, radiator must be operational with no leaks.
Engine bracket/mounting: The engine must be securely mounted and have the appropriate bolts installed. Points may be deducted for cracks.
Hoses and pipes: Hoses and pipes for fuel, brake fluid, oil must be in good condition. Points may be deducted for leaks.
Leakages: Leaks will be thoroughly inspected. Points may be deducted for any spotted.
Exhaust pipes: Must be in operational condition. Must silence engine noise to some degree. No racing mufflers/straight pipes allowed. Must not exceed 115 dB measured at a distance of 2 meters from the source. This aspect will be measured by a decibel meter.
Visual inspection
Body appearance: Must not have serious damage that may impair its operation. No hanging or dangling body parts. All panels must be secured.
Engine: Must bear matching motor number to certificate of registration.
Chassis: Must be structurally sound. Points may be deducted for any holes, cracks, or excessive rust. Must bear matching Vehicle Identification number to certificate of registration.
Body color: Must match with what is written in the certificate of registration. If not, the registration must be updated and the vehicle will have to be inspected again.
Emissions
Besides the abovementioned, the PMVIS will also check for emissions levels. As such, besides being operational, your motorcycle must also be compliant with the clean air act.
The PMVIS main goal is to ensure that every vehicle that is registered is road worthy. As such, a thorough inspection of each vehicle is required. Granted, this is a long list of factors that need to be checked, which may then make the registration process. However, with such stringent criteria, it may also make the roads safer. Do you believe this is going to work?
