A true classic never dies. On a momentous occasion, the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of RA 11698 otherwise known as the Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act has been signed and will pave the way to set specific standards on how a vintage vehicle should be kept, restored, registered, and used in the Philippines.
RA 11698 will give proper classic cars a new lease on life on the road
Photo: LTO
We can remember that RA 11698 lapsed into law last year. Since then, news has been slow going but in a live event held last week, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Jayart Tugade led the ceremonial signing of its IRR, cementing that vintage cars will be given a legitimate and legal place on our roads.
Tugade stressed that the IRR of RA 11698 ensures not only the preservation of the cultural and historical value of vintage motor vehicles in the Philippines, but as well as their preservation and at the same time set specific standards on how a vintage vehicle should be kept, restored, their legal registration, and their proper use.
Photo: Nissan
Tugade went on to explain that the IRR of RA 11698 will ensure that vintage vehicles registered with the LTO will be allowed to be driven on the road, provided that they meet the minimum safety and roadworthiness guidelines including the required proper inspection.
“Malinaw po ang isinasaad sa IRR na requirements at proseso alinsunod sa itinakda ng batas. Ang mga alintuntunin pong iyan ay ginawa din nating mas magaan upang lalo pa nitong mahikayat ang lahat na makapagpa-rehistro at umayon sa mga panuntunan ng batas kaugnay ng mga vintage vehicle [The requirements and processes in the IRR are clear. These guidelines were made to be easy to comply with to encourage everyone to register in line with the laws governing vintage vehicles],” Tugade said.
Photo: Honda
The principal sponsor of the said law at the House of Representatives, Northern Samar 1st District Representative Paul Daza, hopes that the Vintage Vehicle Act will also help grow the vintage car restoration industry in the country. We all see shops that specialize in the rebuilding and restoration of classic and vintage cars, and with RA 11968 finally getting the “go”, these shops and vintage vehicle owners might now have an easier time completing their project cars.
The implementation of the IRR and of RA 11968 itself is slated to begin on April 17, 2023.
It’s a good time to be alive, especially for classic car aficionados. And even for those who have a taste for the more modern models, this is a total win for the car communities in the Philippines.
