E-TRIKES BANNED ON MAJOR METRO MANILA HIGHWAYS STARTING JAN. 2

BEGINNING January 2, 2026, e-trikes and similar electric vehicles are banned from passing through major highways in Metro Manila.

Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao on Thursday said the move is part of the government’s program to ensure road safety.

Lacanilao said e-trikes are now not allowed on Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue to Magallanes-South Luzon Expressway.

The ban is based on existing rules and regulations issued by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

E-trike drivers caught passing through the said highways face possible impoundment, fines, or both, as prescribed under Republic Act 4136 or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code and Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

“Implementation of this policy hinges on road safety considerations. Major highways and roads are designed for large and fast-moving vehicles. E-trikes, by using these parameters, are not fit for large roads due to the fast and heavy pace of vehicle traffic,” Lacanilao said.

The LTO chief said that mixing fast- and slow-moving vehicles on major highways could lead to accidents.

“Hindi po ito panggigipit sa inyo kundi ito ay isang programa para maiwas kayo sa mga aksidente dito o road crashes. Kaya inuna muna namin ‘yung major highways. Marami namang puwede kayong daanan na hindi dito sa mga daan na to na pwedeng ikapahamak ninyo,” said Lacanilao.

The LTO official added that hey are set to meet with local government units in Metro Manila and other transport sector stakeholders to draw up guidelines and safer routes for e-trikes.