Roadworthiness inspection check
What the Diesel n' Steel LTO inspection checks, the 95% health threshold on engine, brakes, tires and lights, the PHP 2,000 fee and how to prepare for it.
The LTO inspection is the second step in the paperwork chain and the one that actually costs money. To pass, your jeepney needs 95 percent health on the engine, the brakes, the tires and a complete set of lights, meaning headlights, blinkers and taillights. Once it clears, you pay PHP 2,000 to the LTO Officer and the vehicle is registered.
Most first attempts fail here rather than at the exam, because a jeepney that arrives with the free parts usually is not at 95 percent on all four items at the same time.
What gets inspected
| Checked item | Threshold | Where it comes from |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 95 percent health | Engine condition plus engine oil quality and life |
| Brakes | 95 percent health | Brake parts plus brake fluid |
| Tires | 95 percent health | Tire traction rating and part life |
| Lights | Complete set | Headlights, blinkers and taillights all fitted and working |
Preparing for it
The four checks are not equally expensive to fix.
| Check | Cheapest route to passing |
|---|---|
| Engine | EO-05 engine oil at PHP 750 and C-04 coolant at PHP 750 |
| Brakes | B-05 at PHP 3,500 for 1,000 Nm and a 10 star life rating |
| Tires | T-05 at PHP 1,600 each for 10 star traction and 9 star life |
| Lights | Fit a complete set before you go. Blinkers and taillights are the ones people forget |
A battery upgrade is worth doing at the same time. A dead battery is a jeepney that will not start, and BA-05 at PHP 1,000 gives a 10 star life rating.
What it costs overall
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Inspection and registration fee | PHP 2,000 |
| Best-value engine oil | PHP 750 |
| Best-value coolant | PHP 750 |
| B-05 brakes | PHP 3,500 |
| Two T-05 tires | PHP 3,200 |
The fee is unavoidable. The parts are the ones you would want anyway, because a jeepney at 95 percent on all four checks also stops, grips and stays cool on the Malolos route.
After the inspection
Registration does not finish the paperwork. The next step is the LTFRB franchise at PHP 5,000, which is what makes your route legal, and then the PHP 500 route change if you ever want to amend it. The order is laid out on LTO licence and LTFRB franchise.
Running without registration is a PHP 750 fine, and running unroadworthy is PHP 300. Both are avoidable with the prep list above.
FAQ
What health percentage does the jeepney need?
95 percent on the engine, brakes, tires and complete lights.
How much is the inspection?
PHP 2,000 paid after the inspection.
Which lights count?
Headlights, blinkers and taillights. All three types have to be fitted.
Does the inspection repair the jeepney for me?
No. You arrive roadworthy or you do not pass.
