The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has once again issued a clarification on its crackdown against aftermarket mufflers, stressing that motorcyclists using illegally assembled or non-compliant devices will be apprehended.
This comes after the agency warned last week that aftermarket motorcycle mufflers not exceeding the 99dB limit, as tested by a private motor vehicle inspection center (PMVIC), can still be deemed illegal if they do not comply with manufacturer specifications or the LTO’s regulations on modifications.
Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, chief of the LTO, recently ensured the “fair and clear implementation of regulations” in a discussion with Senator JV Ejercito, a rider and advocate of motorcyclists. The lawmaker brought up the concerns of two-wheeler owners who have legally purchased and installed these accessories, and the agency made further clarifications on the policy.
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“The LTO reiterates that mufflers purchased from authorized dealers, which are branded and have undergone the necessary processes to meet national standards, are generally not subject to apprehension,” the official statement reads. “These compliant aftermarket mufflers, often equipped with catalytic converters, meet established noise and emission standards.
“Therefore, motorists with such legal mufflers are not required to carry certifications from manufacturers or assemblers to prove their legality. The LTO recognizes that products that pass through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) processes are inherently compliant with national standards.”
‘Illegally assembled mufflers,’ according to the agency, are not compliant with DTI standards or do not have “essential emission control components like catalytic converters.” Not only do they emit excessive noise, they also contribute to air pollution.
“The agency’s objective is to ensure road safety, maintain public order, and protect environmental quality by curbing the use of non-standard, disruptive, and polluting vehicle accessories,” the LTO stated.
As of this writing, the agency has not released clearly defined implementing rules and regulations that will guide motorcyclists on proper compliance. Previously, it advised owners of modified motorcycles to secure the correct documents for any installed aftermarket components, and to have these handy in the event of a roadside inspection.
