05/03/2026
ATTENTION!!! EYES ON THE BOARD
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The Land Transportation Office (LTO) today issued this clarificatory statement to address persistent questions and confusion surrounding the use of aftermarket motorcycle mufflers and the role of Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Centers (PMVICs), an issue that continues to generate concern among the riding public.
The LTO emphasizes that while PMVICs conduct mandatory sound level testing as part of the vehicle inspection process, passing the prescribed decibel limit does not constitute legal approval of an aftermarket muffler.
Under LTO Memorandum Circular No. 2020-2240, PMVICs are required to measure exhaust noise levels, with the allowable limit set at 99 decibels. The mandate of PMVICs is limited to determining vehicle roadworthiness and verifying that noise emissions fall within the prescribed threshold. PMVICs do not assess compliance of mufflers with manufacturer specifications or LTO modification regulations. Accordingly, the Motor Vehicle Inspection Report (MVISR) issued after inspection does not certify the legality of any aftermarket component.
A motorcycle that passes the decibel test may still be subject to apprehension if its muffler has been modified or replaced with an unapproved aftermarket version.
Enforcement agencies, including the LTO and the Philippine National Police β Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations, such as DOTr Department Orders 2010-32 and 2023-008, and Republic Act No. 4136, otherwise known as the Land Transportation and Traffic Code. Motorcycle owners may be required to present valid documentationβsuch as a Certificate of Road Safety issued by manufacturers or assemblersβdemonstrating that any modification or aftermarket replacement conforms with LTO regulations and applicable Philippine National Standards.
The LTO reminds all motorcycle owners that aftermarket parts and accessories must comply with manufacturer specifications and LTO modification policies. Proper documentation should be readily available at all times to avoid inconvenience during roadside inspections.
