In the Philippines, you cannot legally ride a motorcycle below 50cc on public roads without a valid LTO driver’s license. The law treats all motorized vehicles the same, regardless of engine size. The penalty for driving without a license is a fine for the first offense, and the motorcycle may be towed and impounded. However, repeat violations may not be so lenient and may result in higher fines, suspension or revocation of a future license, and even criminal charges if an accident happens.
Sure, driving a small motorcycle or mini-bike may look harmless, even cute—especially for kids—but the moment it touches a public road, the LTO considers it a motor vehicle. That means the rider must have the proper driver’s license, follow traffic rules, and be responsible on the road. This guide details the existing rules clearly so you know what is allowed, what isn’t, and how to avoid penalties and other legal problems.
Why Riding a Motorcycle Below 50cc Still Requires a License
A motorcycle below 50cc is a very small, lightweight bike—often called a mini-motorcycle, pocket bike, mini-scrambler, or kids’ dirt bike. These bikes are usually designed for play, practice, and private areas like backyards, empty lots, or race tracks. They are not built for normal road traffic and usually do not have full safety features like lights, brake systems, mirrors, or speed capacity for public highways. Nevertheless, even if it looks like a toy, because it has a motor, produces power on its own, and can propel a rider forward, the LTO automatically classifies it as a motor vehicle when used on public roads.
That said, motorcycles below 50cc may be exempt from registration, but they are not exempt from driver’s license requirements.
Under the Land Transportation and Traffic Code (RA 4136) and LTO policies:
- Any motorized vehicle operated on public roads must be driven by someone with a valid LTO driver’s license.
- It does not matter if the vehicle is 10cc, 50cc, 125cc, or 1000cc—the license requirement stays the same.
- The law does not create a special category where below-50cc motorcycles can be freely used on public streets without a license because it was designed to focus on road safety, not engine size. Even small bikes can:
- cause accidents
- injure the rider or others
- be hit by larger vehicles
- become a road hazard if operated by someone untrained
This is why minors riding below-50cc motorcycles in public areas are still violating LTO rules—and parents may face serious consequences if an accident happens.
Penalties
Under the LTO and MMDA rules, riding a motorcycle 50cc or below on public roads without a driver’s license can result in the following penalties:
- Base Penalty
- ₱3,000 fine for driving without a license (first offense).
- Towing and Impoundment
- Your motorcycle can be seized and impounded. Storage fees accumulate daily until claimed.
- Repeat Offenses
- Higher fines (₱5,000 and above depending on local ordinances).
- Possible license suspension or revocation once you eventually apply for one.
- Criminal Charges
- If an unlicensed rider causes injury or death, authorities can file criminal cases, including penalties under the Revised Penal Code.
- Demerits
- Violators may receive demerits, which can affect eligibility for a future 10-year license.
Who Else Gets Penalized Under This Rule?
The ₱3,000 penalty also applies to:
- Drivers with expired, delinquent, suspended, or revoked licenses
- Drivers using fake licenses
- Student drivers riding without a licensed adult beside them
- Riders using a motorcycle with an improper license code
What About E-Bikes and E-Trikes?
To date, the LTO is still holding ongoing consultations and dialogues to finalize national guidelines for e-bikes and e-trikes:
- Some LGUs allow them; others restrict their use on national roads.
- Until official guidelines are released, LTO maintains that any motorized unit on public roads requires a licensed operator.