MANILA, Philippines —The Department of Transportation (DOTr) aims to implement its new policy extending vehicle registration from three years to five years on February 15, 2026.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez said the DOTr and the Land Transportation Office (LTO) are finalizing the department order and memorandum circular to implement the extension.
Lopez said the new rule applies to all types of newly purchased vehicles, including private cars, motorcycles, trucks, and buses.
To ensure road safety amid the longer registration period, a mandatory roadworthiness check will be required on the fourth year of the vehicle's life. This inspection will be conducted at Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs).
Lopez said that the policy update aligns with the automotive industry's move to offer longer manufacturer warranties, which now commonly span five to seven years.
"We need to level up our policies," he said, emphasizing that the change reflects improved vehicle quality and provides convenience to the public by reducing bureaucratic hassle.
However, the extension comes with stricter oversight for public utility vehicles (PUVs). The DOTr will coordinate with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to issue a separate, stricter memorandum. Franchise renewal for PUVs will remain contingent upon a valid roadworthiness certificate from the LTO.
"For the first five years, you are registered. But it's a different matter for the franchise because we need to check your vehicle, especially since you are carrying passengers," Lopez said in an interview.
After the initial five-year period, vehicle registration will revert to an annual requirement, acknowledging the increased wear and tear on older vehicles.
