Looking for one last ride this December? Don’t forget to stash these documents inside your car when you go for that holiday getaway. Be it your driver’s license and other necessary documents, do not forget that these documents shall serve as your proof or evidence that your car is properly registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and that you have the ownership of your car.
As there are times that your vehicle documents will be inspected at checkpoints or during apprehensions by the proper authorities such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Philippine National Police (PNP), or the Highway Patrol Group (HPG). In this article, we are going to enumerate the list of documents that you should always bring with you whenever you get your car out of your garage.
List of Documents you Should Keep Inside your Car
1. RFID Cards
When you hit the road and unfortunately your RFID tags didn’t read- the importance of RFID cards enters the picture. Make sure to keep your cards inside your car so you can have them scanned at the booths and avoid getting fined just in case your tags can’t be read.
2. Letter of Authorization
The letter of authorization allows particular individual an access or permission to drive a specific plate or car whether it was assigned or borrowed. If it was authorized by another person, then the person who was given permission to pilot the vehicle must secure a photocopy of the vehicle owner’s license showing the signature of the owner on the photocopy. Just ensure that the authorization letter is signed by the LTO or the proper authorities.
3. Warranty Booklet and Service Record
Although there are some brands that warranty booklet will be the same as your service record, or they will be two separate documents, always keep your warranty booklet in the same file as the owner’s manual as it will also have a service interval checklist or record making sure that you comply with your warranty’s service guidelines.
4. Owner’s Manual
Well, you can, legally travel without the owner’s manual but it is advisable to bring this with you because there will be some instances that you will need to look out for solutions to fix something happening with your car.
5. Insurance Policy
You should have your car registered but you must also have it insured. Always ensure to keep your car’s insurance policy, or a copy of it in your car so if you get into an accident and need to make a claim or simply prove your car is insured, your insurance policy will save you.
6. Photocopy of Official Receipt (OR)
The OR is a single piece of paper that is typically updated every year after the initial 3-year registration provided with a new vehicle. This document is issued after successfully registering your car. Always keep a clear and legible photocopy of it together with your CR- be it in color or black and white.
7. Photocopy of Certificate of Registration (CR)
The CR serves as your proof that your car is legally registered with the LTO’s systems and this is considered the most important document of your car as this proves that your car legally exists. Thus, your CR is like the birth certificate of your car.
8. Sales Invoice
Sales invoice applies to those who just got their brand-new car, meaning, it is fresh from dealership. This is a 7-day grace period receipt after the date of purchase that you may use until your car’s documents arrive.
Now, you may go on the road trip you desire before the year ends. Well, for the next years, this list may also be a great reminder before you stir your wheel on road. These shall make you avoid getting penalized by the authorities and avoid technical issues you may encounter along the way. Happy driving!