Starting tomorrow, January 2, 2026, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strictly enforce the ban on e-trikes on major highways in Metro Manila. Roads covered by the prohibition include Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the Quirino Avenue to Magallanes–South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), in accordance with existing policies of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
According to LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, the enforcement is based on overall road safety considerations. He said these major highways are designed for faster and larger vehicles and are not suitable for e-trikes due to traffic speed, vehicle volume, and road width. Allowing slow-moving and light vehicles to operate on such roads poses a clear danger to all road users.
Asec. Lacanilao added that the measure is being implemented for the safety of everyone. While the LTO recognizes that many people rely on e-trikes for transportation, the agency is ready to work with local government units and industry stakeholders to identify safe and appropriate routes for e-trikes in the coming days. The public is also encouraged to comply with traffic rules and cooperate in maintaining smooth and safe traffic flow.
Those caught operating e-trikes on prohibited roads will face corresponding penalties under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01. These penalties include fines and the possible impoundment of the e-trike.
The LTO emphasized that the policy does not aim to ban the use of e-trikes in general, but to prevent accidents and ensure safety and order on the roads, while awaiting more comprehensive joint guidelines from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned agencies.
The LTO will deploy law enforcers at critical points along the affected roads to inform the public of the policy and ensure its proper enforcement.
The agency called on the public to cooperate and strictly comply with existing traffic regulations for the safety of all.
