MMDA clarifies LTO guidelines on EMVs

FOLLOWING the issuance of consolidated guidelines in the classification, registration and operation of all types of electric motor vehicles (EMVs or e-vehicles) by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued a clarificatory notice to clear reports citing Republic Act 11697 as the basis of regulation of e-vehicles.

In the notice, MMDA Traffic Disciple Office for Enforcement (MMDA-TDO) director Atty. Victor Nuñez explained that the basis for the MMDA’s enforcement is the Land Transportation Office (LTO) Administrative Order No. 2021-039 that governs over the operation of all types of EMVs. Under the said administrative order, the LTO consolidates and updates the issuances and guidelines on the recording, registration and operation of e-vehicles.

Nuñez pointed out that based on the guidelines of the AO 2021-039, the operation of certain electronic vehicles is not limited to specific types of roads and some types are not required to be registered.

“The regulation of e-bikes and e-scooters is based on their category and specifications, such as maximum speed limit, weight, and others,” he cited. The MMDA official met recently with representatives of the local traffic bureaus of Metro Manila and here they discussed extensively the guidelines of the LTO Administrative Order.