LTO says enforcement policy on aftermarket mufflers focuses on penalizing illegally-assembled, non-compliant ones

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified that the enforcement policy on modified mufflers targets those using illegally assembled or non-compliant devices.

In a statement issued today (March 9), the agency noted that mufflers bought from authorized dealers — branded and having undergone the necessary processes to meet national standards — are “generally not subject to apprehension.”

“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 explained in a statement.

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The LTO also noted that products passing through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) processes are inherently compliant with national standards.

Following this clarification, the LTO said that apprehension of vehicles fitted with illegally assembled mufflers will continue.

Those flagged down will be those with devices that do not adhere to DTI standards or lack essential emission control components like catalytic converters.

“These often produce excessive noise and harmful emissions, contributing to both noise and air pollution and violating existing regulations. 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 mentioned.

The clarification was issued after LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao, met with Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, who discussed the concerns of motorists who legally purchase and install aftermarket mufflers, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between compliant and non-compliant modifications.

The reiterated crackdown on muffler modifications started on January 16 via Memorandum MVL-2026-025.

Earlier reports also quoted the agency as saying that aftermarket mufflers passing a Private Motor Vehicle Inspection Center (PMVIC) noise inspection can still be apprehended if they are non-compliant with other applicable rules and regulations.

“A motorcycle that passes the decibel test may still be subject to apprehension if its muffler has been modified or replaced with an unapproved aftermarket version,” it said.

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