The Land Transportation Office (LTO) will strictly enforce the ban on electric tricycles (e-trikes) along major highways in Metro Manila starting January 2, 2026.

The prohibition covers key roads such as Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA), C-5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and the Quirino Avenue–Magallanes section of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), in accordance with existing Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) policies.

In an online statement, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said the move is primarily aimed at ensuring road safety, noting that major highways are designed for faster-moving and larger vehicles. He explained that allowing slow and light vehicles like e-trikes on these roads increases the risk of accidents due to heavy traffic volume and high-speed flow.

While recognizing that many commuters depend on e-trikes, the LTO said it is ready to coordinate with local government units and transport stakeholders to identify safer and more suitable routes for e-trike operations.

Violators will face penalties under Republic Act No. 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, and Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01, which may include fines and possible vehicle impoundment.

The LTO clarified that the measure is not a total ban on e-trikes but a safety measure to prevent accidents and maintain order on major roads. Law enforcers will be deployed in critical areas to ensure proper implementation, as the agency urged the public to cooperate and comply with traffic regulations.