The Land Transportation Office made headlines last week when it announced the new e-trike ban that will be imposed starting today, December 1. Over the weekend, however, the agency has backtracked a bit on that decision.
Initially, the LTO said all e-trikes and light electric vehicles (LEVs) such as e-bikes and e-quads will be banned from using the national highway, and all violators will have their electrified vehicles automatically impounded. Now, the agency announced that it will begin impounding LEVs on January 2, 2026.
“At bilang tugon sa mga hinaing ng publiko, nais ko pong linawin: Narinig ng ating Pangulong Bongbong Marcos at ni secretary Giovanni Lopez ang inyong concern,” said LTO chief Markus Lacanilao. “Kaya pansamantalang walang impounding operation habang nagpapatupad muna kami ng malawakang information drive upang bigyan ng sapat na panahon ang lahat na maunawaan at makasunod sa umiiral na regulasyon.”
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The LTO assured the public that its enforcers and personnel will be present on public roads to help push the said information drive. “Pagdating sa January 2, 2026, magsisimula na ang strict enforcement at wala nang extension,” added Lacanilao. “Kasama rito ang apprehension para sa mga lalabag sa pagbabawal sa national highway.”
To think the agency reiterated on Friday that the ban on e-trikes will push through today, only for it to be deferred yet again. We’ll see how the next month plays out—we’ll keep you posted on any updates on the matter should there be any.
