MANILA — The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will begin strict enforcement of the ban on electric tricycles (e-trikes) on major highways in Metro Manila starting Jan. 2, 2026.

Roads included in the ban are Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Ave to Magallanes – South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), in line with existing Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) regulations.

LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao, said the move is “based on overall road safety considerations. These main roads are designed for faster and larger vehicles, and are not suitable for e-trikes due to traffic speed, volume, and road width. Mixing slower and lighter vehicles on such roads creates clear hazards for all road users.”

He added, “Understand that this measure is for the safety of everyone on the road. We know many rely on e-trikes for commuting, so the LTO is ready to coordinate with local governments and industry sectors to develop safe and appropriate routes for e-trikes in the coming days. We also urge the public to follow the rules and cooperate to maintain safe traffic flow.”

Operators caught driving e-trikes on prohibited roads will face penalties under Republic Act No. 4136 (Land Transportation and Traffic Code) and Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, including fines and possible impoundment of their vehicles.

The LTO stressed that the ban does not prohibit e-trikes in general but aims to prevent accidents and ensure safety and order on major roads while awaiting comprehensive joint guidelines from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and other concerned agencies.

Law enforcers will be deployed at critical points along the affected roads to inform the public about the policy and ensure proper implementation.

The LTO called on the public to cooperate and strictly follow traffic regulations for the safety of all road users.