THE Land Transportation Office (LTO) began strict enforcement of the prohibition on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on major thoroughfares on Jan. 2, LTO Chief Markus Lacanilao told media on Friday. The crackdown targets primary roads where unauthorized e-vehicles have frequently been spotted, including EDSA from Pasay to Monumento, C5 Road, Roxas Boulevard, and Quirino Avenue to Magallanes near the South Luzon Expressway. Lacanilao said the move follows a 30-day advisory issued last December, giving drivers of these vehicles time to comply. “This is the start of our stricter monitoring. Major roads will be prioritized first,” he said, citing previous incidents, including a viral photo of a four-wheel e-bike driving counterflow on EDSA during the holiday season. Under the enforcement plan, LTO and allied agencies will guide violators off national highways when possible. However, vehicles deliberately ignoring rules, especially those driving against traffic, will be impounded. “Those with licenses will be monitored. Those without licenses driving on major roads will have their e-bikes impounded automatically,” Lacanilao said. The legal basis for the enforcement includes Republic Act 4136 and the 2014 Joint Administrative Order of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, which prohibit the use of these vehicles on major national highways. The LTO also confirmed that impounded e-bikes will be held at LTO facilities. Lacanilao emphasized that enforcers should assist drivers in shifting to inner roads where e-vehicles can operate legally, adding that impounding will be reserved for wily violators. “This is about safety on our roads. E-bikes and e-trikes are not allowed on our main highways. Those who follow rules will be guided; those who insist on violating will face penalties,” he said.