Photo credit: PTV

The Land Transportation Office (LTO) has decided to temporarily suspend certain provisions of two administrative orders – LTO Administrative Order No. 2021-039 and LTO Administrative Order No. VDM-2024-044. This move comes in response to a directive from the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to ensure that the guidelines align with the goals set out in the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA) Law.

Here’s a quick rundown of what’s affected:

1. License and Registration Requirements for Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs): The suspension pauses the rules around licensing and registering LEVs. This means users don’t have to worry about navigating the registration process for now.

2. Mandatory Helmet Use: The requirement for riders of LEVs to use helmets approved by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is also on hold.

3. Local Rules for EVs: The guidelines that allowed the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and local government units (LGUs) to establish their own rules for the operation of electric vehicles have been paused as well.

4. Other Conflicting Rules: Any LTO regulations that might hinder the promotion and use of electric vehicles under the EVIDA Law will also be temporarily suspended.

The suspension will remain in place while the LTO works on updating the guidelines to better support the EVIDA Law's goal of encouraging the adoption of electric vehicles. The agency aims to make the rules clearer and more user-friendly for EV owners across the country.

This step is part of a broader effort to adapt policies that promote the growth of the electric vehicle industry in the Philippines, paving the way for a more sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation.