LTO delays LEV crackdown, starts information drive

By Gerome Dalipe

E-bike and e-trike owners can breathe a sigh of relief — for now.

The Land Transportation Office has postponed its plan to immediately impound light electric vehicles (LEVs) operating on national highways, moving strict enforcement to Jan. 2, 2025.

In a video statement released Sunday, LTO Chief Assistant Secretary Markus V. Lacanilao said the agency’s decision came after concerns were raised with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez.

Rather than immediately implement penalties, the LTO will first conduct a nationwide information campaign to educate LEV users about where they may legally operate.

“There will be no impounding operation for the time being while we implement a comprehensive information drive to give everyone enough time to understand and comply with the existing regulations,” Lacanilao said.

“We will come out with guidelines and an information campaign to explain where LEVs are allowed to operate.”

He emphasized that the agency’s goal is not to inconvenience the public, but to promote road safety and ensure that every road user — including e-bike and e-trike riders — is aware of their responsibilities.

The policy stems from Republic Act No. 11697, or the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), which encourages the use of electric vehicles while authorizing regulators to impose limits on their use along major roads for safety and traffic management.

The LTO said enforcement was prompted by a rise in accidents involving LEVs on national highways.

LTO Region 6 Director Gaudioso P. Geduspan II urged LEV owners to view the delay not as a reprieve, but as a chance to prepare.

“Use this time to study the upcoming LTO guidance and shift to safer, designated routes,” Geduspan said, warning that riders must comply before penalties are strictly imposed.

The LTO said detailed guidelines and a nationwide outreach campaign will be released soon.

A video explaining the specific regulations and permitted routes is already available to help owners prepare before Jan. 2.