Vintage car collectors and enthusiasts certainly have their day as the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 11698 or the “Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act” has been finally signed.

Leading the ceremonial signing Sunday, Land Transportation Office Chief, Assistant Secretary Jose Arturo “Jay Art” Tugade, said the IRR ensures the preservation not only of the cultural and historical value of vintage motor vehicles in the Philippines but likewise sets specific standards on how a vintage vehicle should be kept, restored, registered, and used.

Held at the Presidential Car Museum in Quezon City, Tugade was joined by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senator Francis Tolentino, Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul Daza, National Historical Commission of the Philippines chairman, Dr. Emmanuel Calairo, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Deputy Director General Aniceto Bertiz III, and Bureau of Customs Deputy Commissioner, Assessment and Operations Group Vener Baquiran.

Rep. Daza, a principal sponsor of RA 11698, said the law, the Vintage Vehicle Act will help grow the vintage car restoration industry in the country.

Tugade, in his speech, said the IRR of RA 11698 ensures vintage vehicles that will be registered at the LTO will be allowed to be driven on the road provided that the minimum safety and roadworthiness guidelines are complied with, including the required proper inspection.

“The IRR clearly states the requirements and processes in accordance with the law. We have also made those guidelines lighter to encourage everyone to register and comply with the rules of the law about vintage vehicles,” Tugade said in Filipino.

A vintage vehicle, as described in the IRR, “refers to a motor vehicle whether powered by an internal combustion engine, electricity, a combination of both, or other means, that is at least forty (40) years old from the date of manufacture” with its engine, chassis, steering assembly, and suspension assembly is either original or authentic. In addition, the body of the vehicle should not have been altered in general appearance. Replicas and reproductions will not be included in the vintage vehicle classification.”

Under Rule IV of the IRR, the LTO shall implement the minimum standards in the inspection of vintage vehicles which will also serve as guidelines for owners, repair and restoration shops regarding the period specifications, and permitted modifications.

The LTO and its deputized agents, under Section 4, are authorized to conduct random roadside inspections of vintage vehicles on public roads and highways in the interest of public safety and responsible ownership.

Provisions under Rule VI of the IRR give owners the opportunity to register vintage vehicles with the LTO even those with lost papers (Section 3), and the re-stamping of identification serial numbers (Section 4), provided that the documentary requirements, including the motor vehicle inspection report, are complied with by its owner. If the vintage vehicle is not regularly used and is on permanent exhibit or in museums, the owners can request the LTO for onsite registration (Section 5).

With Rule VII, Section 2 of the IRR, the LTO is also tasked to establish and maintain a national database that lists and describes vintage vehicles in the country, which it shall share with the NHCP to determine vintage vehicles that have historical significance to the country.

The agency shall also compile available resources to create a comprehensive catalog of specifications of all motor vehicle models that have been manufactured in the country to be used as the primary reference in determining whether a vintage vehicle has been preserved and maintained under historically correct conditions.

A database of authorized and licensed companies and shops engaged in the repair or restoration, or in the manufacture of spare and replacement parts of vintage vehicles, as well as private sector associations and interest groups, will also be developed by the LTO to support the local restoration industry.

Tugade urged the public to read all other pertinent provisions of the IRR, which will become effective starting 17 April.