Registration of e-motorcycle operating in a public highway is mandatory

Dear PAO,

I have been a delivery rider for almost six months now. I use an e-motorcycle in my deliveries for practical reason since I am not required to register the vehicle. My problem started when a traffic enforcer flagged me down for an alleged traffic violation. The incident happened on a public highway, and he asked for my e-motorcycle's registration. I told the enforcer that e-motorcycles are not required to be registered, but he claimed that all vehicles using public highways are required to be registered. The enforcer even impounded my e-motorcycle when I failed to present registration documents. Is the impounding of my e-motorcycle proper under the circumstances?

Travis

Dear Travis,

In general, all motor vehicles must be registered. This is in consonance with Section 5 (a), Article 1 of Republic Act (RA) 4136, or the Land Transportation and Traffic Code, which provides that:

«No motor vehicle shall be used or operated on or upon any public highway of the Philippines unless the same is properly registered for the current year in accordance with the provisions of this Act.»

An e-motorcycle is classified as Category L3 under Section 2 (2.9) of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Administrative Order 2021-039 (May 11, 2021), as amended. It is defined by the said issuance as a «two wheeled vehicle, powered solely by electrical energy capable of propelling the unit more than 50 km/hr.» (Section 2 (3.7)) The operation of Category L3 electric vehicle or e-motorcycle is allowed in all types of roads except in limited access highways where vehicle speeds are normally faster except for units with higher power ratings the minimum of which will be determined by the Department of Transportation. All drivers and riders are required to wear duly approved motorcycle helmets and should have a valid motorcycle driving license. Category 3 vehicles may be used for public transport subject to existing laws and regulations. (Section 3 (3.7).

On Feb. 21, 2024, LTO Administrative Order VDM-2024-044 was enacted, amending LTO Administrative Order 2021-039. Under Section 3 of said rules, all types of electric vehicles operating in public highways must be registered:

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