The Land Transportation Office on Friday said it has issued the license plate for the first vintage vehicle to be registered with the agency following the implementation of the Republic Act 11698, also known as the Vintage Vehicle Regulations Act.

LTO Chief Jay Art Tugade personally presided over the release ceremony of the first vintage vehicle license plate, which took place at the LTO Central Office in Quezon City.

According to Tugade, the vintage vehicle satisfied all minimum requirements necessary for the registration, ensuring its roadworthiness.

He also noted that the LTO, in collaboration with other government agencies, acknowledges the significance of such vehicles that possess historical value and form a part of the Philippines’ motoring history.

“With the passage of the Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act, the LTO aims to register roadworthy vintage vehicles while also encouraging owners to take greater responsibility for maintaining their vehicles in order to preserve their historical value,” Tugade said.

Republic Act 11698 defines a vintage vehicle as “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 being either original or authentic.

Furthermore, the vehicle’s body must not have undergone any significant alterations in its general appearance.