Owning your car brings numerous advantages. However, interactions with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) inevitably involve fees, be it for vehicle registration, driver’s license application, or addressing traffic violations.
Navigating through LTO fees is an essential aspect of car ownership in the Philippines. To avoid unexpected expenses and lengthy queues, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific LTO charges in advance.
Before visiting your nearest LTO branch, ensure you’re aware of the fees outlined below.
Philippine LTO Car Registration Fees
Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC)
When registering your car in the Philippines, the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge (MVUC), also known as the road user’s tax, is among the mandatory LTO fees.
Part of the Philippine government’s tax reform program outlined in Republic Act 8794, the MVUC collected from vehicle owners is allocated for the upkeep of national and provincial roads, as well as combatting vehicle-related air pollution.
MUVC Rates for LTO Car Registration Renewal
The following are the MVUC fees for private cars in the Philippines as of 2024. Initially, the motorcycle registration fee is ₱240 (₱300 if it includes a sidecar).
| Vehicle Type | Gross Weight | MVUC |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles without sidecar | N/A | ₱240 |
| Motorcycles with sidecar | N/A | ₱300 |
| Light passenger cars | Up to 1,600 kg | ₱1,600 |
| Medium passenger cars | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | ₱3,600 |
| Heavy passenger cars | 2,301 kg and above | ₱8,000 |
| Utility vehicles | Up to 2,700 kg | ₱2,000 |
| Utility vehicles | 2,701 kg to 4,500 kg | ₱2,000 + 0.40 x gross weight over 2,700 kg |
| SUVs (1991 models and above) | Up to 2,700 kg | ₱2,300 |
| SUVs (1991 models and above) | 2,701 kg to 4,500 kg | ₱2,300 + 0.46 x gross weight over 2,700 kg |
| Trucks | 4,501 kg and above | ₱1,800 + 0.24 x gross weight over 2700 kg |
| Trailers | 4,501 kg and above | 0.24 x gross vehicle weight |
Fees for MVUC on Older Private Cars
For aged private cars (model year 2000 and older), the LTO applies a distinct set of MVUC rates.
| Vehicle Type | Gross Weight | MVUC |
|---|---|---|
| Light passenger cars (1995-2000 models) | Up to 1,600 kg | ₱2,000 |
| Light passenger cars (1994 and older models) | Up to 1,600 kg | ₱1,400 |
| Medium passenger cars (1997-2000 models) | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | ₱6,000 |
| Medium passenger cars (1995 and 1996 models) | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | ₱4,800 |
| Medium passenger cars (1994 and older models) | 1,601 kg to 2,300 kg | ₱2,400 |
| Heavy passenger cars (1995-2000 models) | 2,301 kg and above | ₱12,000 |
| Heavy passenger cars (1994 and older models) | 2,301 kg and above | ₱5,600 |
Electric Vehicle MVUC Fees
The LTO provides specific guidelines for the classification and registration of electric vehicles in the Philippines. Below is a table detailing the LTO registration fees that every owner and driver of an e-vehicle should be aware of.
| Electric Vehicles | Description | MVUC Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Category L2b |
|
₱240 |
| Category L3 |
|
₱240 |
| Category L4 |
|
₱300 |
| Category L5 |
|
₱1,600 |
| Category L6 |
|
₱1,600 |
| Category L7 |
|
₱1,600 |
| Category M1 | e-Car, e-SUV | Similar to conventional counterparts |
| Category M2 | e-Utility Vehicle, e-Jeepney | Similar to conventional counterparts |
| Category M3 | e-Bus | Similar to conventional counterparts |
| Categories N1, N2, N3 | e-truck | Similar to conventional counterparts |
If the proposal to exempt or reduce the MVUC fee for electric vehicles (EVs) gets approved, it could result in even greater savings for you as an EV owner. The Department of Energy has announced its intention to review the proposal, which may be included in the implementing rules and regulations of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations Act.
Proposed MVUC Rates as per House Bill 376
House Bill 376 seeks to amend the decades-old RA 8794, proposing an increase in the road user tax paid by vehicle owners in the Philippines. The bill received committee-level approval at the House of Representatives in July 2023.
If this proposal becomes law, MVUC rates for both private and government vehicles will rise progressively over time. Here are the proposed rates under HB 376:
| Vehicle Type | Gross Weight | MVUC in 2023 | MVUC in 2024 | MVUC in 2025 | MUV in 2026 |
| Passenger cars | Up to 1,600 kg | ₱2,080 | ₱2,560 | ₱3,040 | 5% increase |
| Passenger cars | 1,600 kg to 2,300 kg | ₱4,680 | ₱5,760 | ₱6,840 | 5% increase |
| Passenger cars | Over 2,300 kg | ₱10,400 | ₱12,800 | ₱15,200 | 5% increase |
| Utility cars and SUVs | Up to 4,500 kg | ₱1.40 per kg | ₱2.50 per kg | ₱3.40 per kg | 5% increase |
| Trucks, buses, and trailers | Over 4,500 kg | ₱1.40 per kg | ₱2.50 per kg | ₱3.40 per kg | 5% increase |
Additionally, according to this proposed measure, motorcycles and tricycles would receive an exemption from paying the tax, whereas hire vehicles would be eligible for a 50% discount.
Late Registration Penalty Fees by LTO
Registering your vehicle after the deadline set by the LTO incurs additional costs. Below is a breakdown of penalty fees for expired registration:
| Delinquent Vehicle Registration | Penalty Fee |
|---|---|
| Beyond the registration week (based on the middle digit of plate number) |
|
| Beyond the registration month but not more than 12 months (based on the last digit of plate number) | 50% of the MVUC rate |
| Beyond 12 months without apprehension for LTO violations | 50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal |
| Beyond 12 months with apprehension for LTO violations | 50% of the MVUC rate plus renewal for every year of delinquency |
For further details on vehicle registration and renewal-related fees, please consult the official website and social media channels of the LTO.
Additional LTO Fees for Car Registration
Apart from the MVUC, other LTO fees contribute to the total amount payable for your car registration.
For instance, there is a separate fee for license plate applications. Moreover, modifications to certain vehicle components and changes in the registration location can also result in LTO fees.
It’s important to note that there is no fee for claiming vehicle license plates. LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II has cautioned motorists against individuals offering to claim license plates for ₱200.
| LTO Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Motor vehicle inspection fee |
|
| Legal research fund | ₱10 |
| Regular vehicle license plate | ₱450 |
| Motorcycle license plate | ₱120 |
| Sticker | ₱50 |
| License plate duplication/replacement | ₱450 |
| Vanity plate | Up to ₱35,000 |
| Change classification | ₱150 |
| Change body design | ₱100 |
| Change of venue of vehicle registration | ₱100 |
| Revision of gross vehicle weight | ₱30 |
| Transfer of vehicle ownership | ₱50 per transfer |
Driver’s License Application and Renewal Fees by LTO
Whether you’re applying for a new driver’s license or renewing your existing one, ensure you have the correct amount of money to cover the relevant LTO fee.
| Transaction | Total Fee |
|---|---|
| Student Permit | ₱250 |
| New driver’s license | ₱685 |
| Driver’s license renewal |
|
| Duplicate valid license |
|
| License code classification change |
|
LTO Fines for Violations
If you violate a traffic rule, you will incur a fine. Below is a compilation of LTO fines for common traffic violations in the Philippines:
| Violation | Fine |
|---|---|
| Driving without a valid driver’s license | ₱3,000 |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol and/or dangerous drugs | ₱50,000 to ₱500,000 plus possible confiscation of the driver’s license |
| Driving a motor vehicle used in the commission of a crime upon conviction by a regular court | ₱10,000 plus confiscation of the driver’s license upon conviction |
| Reckless driving |
|
| Submission of fake documents in driver’s license application or renewal | ₱20,000 |
| No seat belt (including having a child passenger six years old and below on the front passenger seat) |
|
| No motorcycle helmet |
|
| No driver’s license, certificate of registration, or official receipt while driving | ₱3,000 |
| Traffic violations such as parking violations, disregarding traffic signs, illegal turns, illegal overtaking, and others listed under the Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 | ₱1,000 |
| Driving an unregistered vehicle | ₱10,000 |
| Unauthorized vehicle modification | ₱5,000 |
| Vehicle without or with defective/improper/unauthorized devices, accessories, parts, and equipment | ₱5,000 |
| License plate not attached or improperly attached | ₱5,000 |
| Smoke belching |
|
| Vehicle registration/renewal fraud | ₱3,000 |
| All other violations in connection with motor vehicle registration/renewal/ operation | ₱2,000 |
Strategies for Preventing Traffic Violations
Paying an LTO fine for a violation only compounds the frustration of navigating through typical traffic congestion. Here are steps to sidestep LTO violations, allowing you to reserve your funds for more critical expenditures.
Ensure You Always Have Your Valid Driver’s License and OR/CR
Your driver’s license serves as your primary authorization for operating a vehicle and accessing the nation’s roads and expressways. Never attempt to drive if your license has expired.
Additionally, verify that your car’s Official Receipt and Certificate of Registration (OR/CR) remain valid. These documents serve as evidence of your vehicle’s registration and ownership.
There’s no justification for leaving these documents at home or elsewhere. Always carry them whenever you venture out to drive.
Inspect for Any Damaged or Missing Vehicle Components
A malfunctioning brake system or defective lights can not only result in fines and penalties but also pose risks to others and yourself. Avoid incurring LTO fees by ensuring all your vehicle components are functioning correctly before hitting the road.
Adhere to Traffic Rules and Road Signs
Familiarize yourself with traffic regulations and the meanings of road signs to prevent driving errors. Traffic signs and road markings play a crucial role in alerting drivers and providing route information.
Drive at Appropriate Speeds
Public roads are not racetracks, so always adhere to speed limits. If you exceed the speed limit and encounter speed cameras, you’ll have no recourse but to pay the speeding fine.
Numerous LTO penalties often leave drivers feeling perplexed and exasperated. Unfortunately, little can be done except to settle the required fines. To avoid LTO fees and ensure smooth driving experiences, it’s crucial to be well-informed about the agency’s rules and regulations.
Adhering to traffic regulations and practicing safe, defensive driving can prevent fines. Timely renewal of your vehicle registration eliminates the need to pay LTO fees for late registration. Additionally, renewing your driver’s license before its expiration can save you from higher renewal costs associated with expired licenses.
