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| Photo by Perrin |
What is the difference between MVIS and MVIC?
On the one hand, the Motor Vehicle Inspection System, or MVIS, is the system or method used to evaluate whether or not a vehicle is roadworthy.
On the other hand, the Motor Vehicle Inspection Center, or MVIC, is a facility in charge of conducting computerized and automated vehicle inspections. It examines your vehicle to see if it follows the emission standards as well as if it is roadworthy. We all know that expecting a vehicle is critical in preventing accidents. If you pass the test, MVIC will provide a certificate, which is required for vehicle registration with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
LTO Existing Exhaust Decibel Limit
Motorcycles with exhaust pipes that surpass 115 decibels are subject to apprehension per current LTO regulations. Since many two-wheelers have not yet been issued LTO plates, these motorcycles will certainly end up in the impounding area. And according to the source (an LTO Motor Vehicle Inspection Service official) of Top Gear Philippines the owner of the motorcycle will only be able to get his bike back after replacing the exhaust system with the one that is compliant with the regulation. Only within the impounding area can he replace the loud pipe.
Do note that a violation of the LTO regulation on the unauthorized/improper use of accessories, devices, equipment, and parts carries a penalty of five thousand pesos (₱5,000).
LTO New Exhaust Decibel Limit
The new mandated sound level for all vehicles—cars and motorcycles alike—is 99 decibels. The sound must be measured at a distance of exactly 0.5 meters from the tip of the exhaust pipe, with the sound level meter at a 45-degree angle to the vehicle's exhaust pipe, according to the standards. When testing the sound level of a vehicle, the sound level meter must be parallel to the ground. Finally, the exhaust sound of the car will be evaluated at engine speeds ranging from 2,000 to 2,500 rpm.
5.4.3.7 Sound Level Meter (Exhaust Outlet)
Sound Lever Meter measures sound pressure level and is commonly used in noise pollution for quantification of industrial and environmental noise.
The sound level of the motor vehicle for exhaust or muffler shall not exceed 99 dB, taken at an engine speed of 2,000 to 2,500rpm.
Positioning of the sound level meter:
- At a 45-degree angle to the exhaust center line
- Parallel to the ground
- 0.5m to the rear of the exhaust outlet, and
- At the same height of the exhaust outlet.
After the completion of all the machine inspections, the data will be sent to the host computer and together with the data of the visual inspections will be uploaded to the LTMS.
To learn more you can download the Memorandum Circular No: 2020-2240.
You will fail the test if your exhaust is louder than this. The Motor Vehicle Inspection Center Technician (MVIT) will still produce a Motor Vehicle Inspection System Report (MVISR) as a guide for any necessary motorcycle repairs or corrections. The motorcycle can be returned to the PMVIC for re-inspection once the repairs or corrections have been performed. There will be a re-inspection fee to be collected.
References:
- NewstoGov. (2021, February 8). Motor vehicle inspection system LTO MVIS; fees and facts [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://newstogov.com/motor-vehicle-inspection-system-lto-mvis/
- Ilagan, A. (2019, June 4). LTO renews crackdown on motorcycles with noisy exhaust systems [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.topgear.com.ph/moto-sapiens/motorcycle-news/lto-crackdown-motorcycles-loud-exhaust-system-a959-20190604
- Punsalang, E. (2021, January 14). LTO sets 99 decibels as new sound limit for exhaust systems for MVIS inspection [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.motodeal.com.ph/articles/motorcycle-news-philippines/lto-sets-99-decibels-new-sound-limit-exhaust-systems-mvis-inspection
- Rosales, B. (2021, January 14). Loud pipe? 99 decibels is the new MVIS limit [Blog post]. Retrieved from https://www.motopinas.com/motorcycle-news/loud-pipe-99-decibels-is-the-new-mvis-limit.html
- Land Transportation Office. (2020). PRIVATE MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTION STANDARDS AND IRR (Memorandum Circular No: 2020-2240). Retrieved from Land Transportation Office website: https://lto.gov.ph/images/ISSUANCES/Memo_Circular/MC-2020-2240_TEMP.pdf
- Perrin. (2014, April). [Photograph of a Sound Lever Meter and a Tape Measure]. Retrieved from https://www.perrin.com/images/blog/2014/04/blog11-1000x666.jpg
