Strict enforcement of e-vehicle ban on major roads starts

‘E’ FOR EXCLUDED Electric tricycles, or e-trikes, and other unregulated electric vehicles like these seen near SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City are prohibited on major roads in the National Capital Region, based on a resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC). MARIANNE BERMUDEZ

MANILA, Philippines — Citation tickets will be issued starting Wednesday, April 17, to those caught using electric vehicles, particularly e-bikes and e-trikes, on major roads in Metro Manila.

The ban took effect on Monday, but Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chair Don Artes ordered traffic enforcers to warn violators of the new regulation verbally.

READ: MMDA: E-bikes, trikes banned on key NCR roads by April 15

But starting today, violators will be fined P2,500, while unregistered vehicles will be impounded.

Under MMDA Regulation No. 24-022 series of 2024, the use of e-vehicles, such as e-bikes and e-trikes, as well as tricycles, pedicabs, pushcarts and tractor-drawn carts known as “kuliglig” will be prohibited on national, circumferential and radial roads in Metro Manila.

Light electric vehicles (such as pedal-assist e-bikes, e-kick scooters, and similar vehicles weighing less than 50 kilograms) can still use these roads if they are inside established bike lanes or need to cross the road.

However, they should yield to all incoming traffic, the MMDA said. —DEXTER CABALZA