Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act IRR to take effect in April 2023

Northern Samar 1st District Rep. Paul R. Daza has announced that the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the Republic Act 11698, or the “Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act” of 2022, will take effect starting April 2023. 

In celebration of this momentous occasion, Daza, along with other vintage car enthusiasts, visited the Presidential Car Museum at the Quezon City Memorial Circle.

The museum has 12 presidential vehicles on display, which have all been restored with the help of the Historical Commission of the Philippines to achieve a “like new” look to preserve the rich history they represent. 

RA 11698 was enacted in April 2022. The law allows for the importation, exportation, and registration of vintage vehicles aged 40 years or older from their manufacturing date.

If owners choose to register these vintage vehicles, the Land Transporation Office will grant them a registration valid for three years. Under the new law, owners can also request a special “vintage vehicle” plate for the car. 

Aside from the previously mentioned, the Vintage Vehicle Regulation Act will further develop the vintage car restoration industry in the Philippines. 

Other salient points of the law include:

• Vehicles should have authentic or original chassis, engine, steering assembly, and suspension assembly
• Mechanical modifications to the brakes, suspension, axles, fuel delivery system, or running gear for improved  efficiency and safety are allowed
• Engine swaps with a newer engine of the same brand and general specification as the original mill are allowed 
• Mods done on the vehicle while it was still in production or in the last ten years of the vehicle's production run are also allowed
• Right-hand drive vehicles made before December 31, 1970, as well as RHD race cars are also included in the law's provisions
• Vehicles built after December 31, 1967, must have seatbelts
• And vintage vehicles covered by the law are not required to pass modern clean-air, pollution, and road safety standards 

Good for the economy

Daza has also stated that many talented car restores in the Philippines would benefit from the new law. 

“Lessening their burdens to import vintage vehicles and parts will help them tap more international clients and expose the craftsmanship of the Filipino to the world,” he added. 

“Vintage vehicles are not mere ‘toys.’ Of course, they are sources of pride and enjoyment. However, it is important to optimize the potential economic opportunities that they can create while preserving the country’s heritage in its motoring history,” Daza continued. 

With this new law in place, we could soon see more vintage vehicles enter the Philippine market, sparking economic development within this car market segment. 

What do you think about the new law? Would you like to see more immaculately restored classics plying our roads?