New PH law to protect vintage motorcycles as well

Vintage Vehicle Regulation is now a law, includes motorcycles

Back in January of last year, deputy house speaker, Wes Gatchalian, filed House Bill (HB) 8244 which basically legalizes the importation and registration of vintage vehicles and sets regulations and limitations to their use.

Now, a new law will be in effect regulating these vintage vehicles, including motorcycles.

Republic Act 11698 or the Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act has just lapsed into law last April 15, 2022. Under the new law, vintage vehicles, including motorcycles that are at least 40 years old, can now be imported and exported from the country, with certain guidelines.

Vintage vehicles are exempted from safety laws

Since these vehicles or motorcycles were manufactured at the time when mandatory safety laws like seatbelts or side mirrors, or even AHO (automatic headlight on) were NOT yet in effect, RA 11698 makes it clear that such vintage vehicles shall be exempted from these laws or regulations, under Section 5.

_{1960s BMW R 69 S}

Moreover, vehicles or motorcycles with sidecars that are right-hand-oriented, as long as they are manufactured on or before December 31, 1970, shall be exempted from the prohibition of right-hand drive vehicles.

Registration

According to RA 11698, all vintage vehicles can be registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and will have a special plate number with the inscription “Vintage Vehicle”.

Also, under Section 18 of the law, vintage vehicles with lost papers due to old age can be registered under the provisions of this law, provided that the owner can secure a notarized affidavit stating that the applicant is the rightful owner and is in possession of the vintage vehicle; provides the details of how he or she acquired the vehicle and has no knowledge of any other person claiming the subject vintage vehicle.

A supporting document from a relevant police agency like the PNP-Highway Patrol Group stating that the vintage vehicle is not lost or stolen will also be required.

A one-time reconstitution fee of PHP 10,000 will be collected by the LTO, in addition to the other fees related to vehicle registration.

For the full copy of RA 11698, click here.