The Land Transportation Office (LTO) on Monday clarified that electric vehicles (e-vehicles) are prohibited from operating on national highways, and motorists caught violating the rule will not have their vehicles impounded until Jan. 2.
In a press briefing, LTO chief Markus Lacanilao told reporters that while the impounding of e-vehicles has been postponed to Jan. 2, ‘this does not mean that from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1 [e-vehicle drivers] are allowed to run on highways.’
‘Our enforcers will reprimand them not to operate on national highways, but they [will not have their vehicles impounded]. When Jan. 2 comes, that’s when they will be penalized,’ he said.
Lacanilao added that e-vehicles will still be allowed to cross national highways, explaining that the ban only applies when the vehicle is cruising along the thoroughfare. Such vehicles will also be allowed on bike lanes, provided they fit, the LTO chief said.
Lacanilao previously announced that e-vehicles, such as e-bikes, e-trikes, and light electric vehicles, caught plying national roads would be impounded starting Dec. 1 due to safety concerns.
The date was later moved to Jan. 2 after the LTO received feedback from motorists. The agency is now set to conduct an information drive to ensure e-vehicle owners are aware of the new policies.
Based on Memorandum Circular No. 2023-195 of the Department of Interior and Local Government, Lacanilao said accidents involving e-vehicles increased in 2023-2024 compared to 2022.
‘Why are they not allowed? It’s because they are slow and easily get stuck in traffic flow. The risk of collision is high. We can see, especially on the roads, they drive fast,’ said the LTO chief.
The LTO will soon issue a set of guidelines on e-vehicles, Lacanilao added. Regarding the registration of these vehicles, he said the agency is still awaiting guidance from the Department of Transportation.