PMVICs to stay, now optional and at lower cost

DOTr keeping PMVICs open and optional

Instead of heeding calls for the suspension of all Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs), the Department of Transportation (DOTr) has appealed to the operators to lower their inspection fees.

The PMVIC owners, through the Vehicle Inspection Center Operators Association of the Philippines (VICOAP), have agreed to lower the inspection fees to an amount similar to the average cost of an emission test.

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During a virtual meeting today, February 11, 2021, attended by representatives from the DOTr, Land Transportation Office (LTO), VICOAP, Clean Air Philippines Movement Inc. (CAPMI) and Motorcycle Rights Organization (MRO), it was agreed that the PMVIC operations will continue, but the inspection fees will be reduced as follows:

• Light vehicles (up to 4,500 kilograms) PhP600.00
• Motorcycles PhP500.00
• Jeepney PhP300.00

Additionally, all re-inspection fees will be waived for the next 12 months, or until the economic impact of the global pandemic turns better.

PMVICs no longer mandatory

Also, during the meeting, it was revealed that motor vehicle owners are no longer required to subject their vehicle(s) or motorcycle(s) to an inspection conducted at the few PMVICs in operation, said DOTr assistant secretary, Atty. Giovanni Lopez.

“Ang ating pong mga motorista ngayon ay maari na pong pumunta sa mga PETC [private emission testing centers] at saka sa PMVICs para lang po sa pagre-rehistro ng kanilang mga sasakyan." (Motorists now have the option to go either to PETCs or PMVICs for the purpose of vehicle registration).

Though it is no longer mandatory to undergo PMVIC inspection, for the time being, the DOTr and the LTO has urged motorists to still undergo vehicle inspection at PMVICs to ensure that their vehicle is in top condition. Now, the cost of an inspection is the same as an emission test.

The reduction of the cost of inspection at PMVICs is to take effect immediately.