After years of delay, at least 32 new fully-computerized and privately owned Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS) centers located in the different parts of the country will soon be allowed to operate by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
According to insiders, the LTO is ironing out the final details of the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the MVIS operations, and the IRR is expected to be released in the coming weeks. The MVIS, with a target network of 120 facilities nationwide, will replace the current Private Emission Testing Centers (PETC).
Around 1,000 PETCs currently serve as a stopgap solution in the implementation of the Clean Air Act of 1999, after the MVIS at the LTO compound closed down due to lack of funds. The new MVIS initiative is in line with the Duterte administration’s goal of curbing not only the worsening air pollution, but also the increasing number of road accidents.
Out of curiosity, Top Bikes Philippines visited the Qwik Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center in Angeles City, even if it meant getting soaked in the rain and facing the risk of coronavirus exposure. All motorists in the country should familiarize themselves with the MVIS program and its corresponding equipment, 60-point testing procedures, and time involved to complete the process. Take time to read these 11 facts before you walk into an MVIS facility, or you risk wasting the P1,800 testing fee.
1) Big parking area
All of the newly constructed MVIS facilities sit on a land area of at least 1,500sqm to provide enough parking space for customers.
2) Comfortable lounge
Each facility has a receiving area, where customers will disembark from their vehicle and allow car jockeys to take over the unit, before proceeding to a comfortable, air-conditioned lounge. From the outset, if the car jockeys spot any issues that will cause the car or motorbike to fail the test (busted taillight, cracked windshield, worn-out tires, and so on), he will advise the driver not to proceed with the process so as not to waste the testing fee.
3) Verification of car registration
The owner will then provide photocopies of the vehicle’s official receipt and certificate registration (OR/CR). The MVIS computer system is linked to the LTO’s data center. If the information on the submitted document doesn’t appear on the LTO files or if there are some inconsistencies in the details, again, the unit will not be allowed to proceed to the testing area.
4) Visual inspection
When the vehicle successfully makes it to Station 1, two technicians will conduct an ocular inspection to determine its roadworthiness. The inspection will include an underchassis check, with the technician using a well-lit service pit to look for oil leaks, worn-out suspension bushings, cracked exhaust pipes, and damaged electrical lines, among others. Station 1 has at least three lanes to simultaneously accommodate three vehicles at any given time.
5) Computerized testing
Then the vehicle goes to Station 2, where a series of computerized testing procedures are conducted. The testing equipment is purchased from three common sources in Europe, all of which have been accredited by the LTO.
A series of tests is done to check emissions, light illumination (using a robot), the braking system, wheel camber and alignment, the steering mechanism, and even the noise level of the horn and exhaust. The computer also checks the accuracy of the speedometer.
6) Exclusive motorcycle testing bay
Every MVIS facility has a Station 3, specially designed for motorcycles. Motorcycles are not required to pass through Station 1 because every component can easily be checked by the technicians (all trained by the Technology Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA) without the need for a service pit.
7) Test results relayed to the LTO in real time
When the testing procedure is completed, the technician comes up with the printed copy of the results. An electronic copy of the results is transmitted online, in real-time, to the LTO—both main and local offices.
8) Failed the test? Try and try again
Vehicles that don’t get passing marks can come back for another try, which will cost only half of the original fee. Needless to say, the issues with the vehicle need to be addressed first before another attempt to take the test.
9) Uninterrupted service
Each MVIS facility is required by the LTO to have a huge power generator that will provide electricity in the event of a power outage. No more excuses for delays.
10) Fast procedure
The LTO has required the MVIS to complete each testing process within 15 minutes for lightweight vehicles and 10 minutes for motorbikes to avoid long lines of vehicles in the waiting area.
11) Say goodbye to corruption
The LTO and MVIS facility owners guarantee that the testing system is tamper-proof and there are multiple CCTV cameras in place to ensure that no monkey business will take place.
What’s your take on this new system?
NOTE: This article first appeared on TopBikes.ph. Minor edits have been made.
