The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has announced a significant shift in its enforcement strategy regarding light electric vehicles (LEVs) on national highways. Instead of immediate impoundment, the agency will first launch a widespread information campaign to educate the public.
Revised Timeline for Enforcement
In a recent video statement, LTO chief Assistant Secretary Markus Lacanilao clarified the updated plan. He stated that beginning December 1, 2025, the LTO will initiate a comprehensive information drive about the existing ban on LEVs, such as e-bikes and e-trikes, on major thoroughfares. The previously announced impounding operations have been temporarily suspended.
The strict impounding of these vehicles caught on national highways will now commence on January 2, 2026. This decision marks a change from the earlier announcement that impounding would start on December 1 based on the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (Evida) rules.
Response to Public Appeal
Lacanilao explained that this adjustment is a direct response to public concerns. He emphasized that both President Bongbong Marcos and Secretary Giovanni Lopez of the Department of Transportation have listened to the citizens' appeals.
"That’s why there will be no impounding operations for now while we carry out a wide information drive," Lacanilao said. The goal is to provide ample time for all users to understand and comply with the current regulations under the Evida law.
Safety as the Primary Goal
The core intention behind the regulation, according to the LTO head, is public road safety. The Evida implementing rules designate privately used LEVs weighing 50 kilograms as not intended for public highway operation.
Lacanilao stressed that the LTO's duty is to proactively enforce existing laws to prevent accidents, rather than react after tragedies occur. "The LTO has only one goal: not to burden the public, but to ensure that our roads are safe, orderly, and that every user is clearly accountable," he affirmed.
The LTO is set to release detailed guidelines soon, which will clearly outline the specific roads and areas where light electric vehicles are permitted and where they are prohibited.
