BACOLOD CITY — The city government here is regulating the use of electric tricycles (e-trikes) that have not been registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
Superintendent Luisito Acebuche, chief of the Bacolod Traffic Authority Office (BTAO), said the BTAO impounded at least 40 unregistered e-trikes between October 1 and 31.
The drivers were apprehended on major streets and in the downtown area and were fined PHP100 each.
Acebuche said the Land Transportation and Traffic Code considers e-trikes as motor vehicles which should be registered with the LTO if used for public transport.
He added that owners should also secure a business permit from the city government if they will operate the e-trikes as “for hire” vehicles.
E-trikes are only allowed on barangay roads and interior areas, not in national highways, Acebuche said.
If unregistered with the LTO, e-trikes can only be utilized for personal use.
Earlier, the LTO reminded the public that e-trikes are not exempted from registration if they are reclassified from private to public vehicles, while drivers of “for hire” e-trikes are obliged to get professional licenses with Restriction Code 1.
LTO-Bacolod chief Renato Novero also said they have been coordinating with the local government units in deputizing their respective enforcers to carry out traffic regulations. (PNA)
