Tips

If you’re a rider you need to know that you need a motorcycle with at least 400cc engine displacement to be legally allowed on the expressways. Anything below this is not allowed, no matter the brand, model, or appearance. This rule comes from the Limited Access Highway Act (Republic Act 2000) and DOTC Department Order No. 2007-38, which set the standards for who can safely use high-speed roads.

Many riders get confused or frustrated because they want faster travel, smoother roads, and safer routes—but the law is firm. Expressways are designed only for vehicles that can safely keep up with higher speeds and traffic flow. This guide explains everything you need to know so you know exactly what to expect and how to stay safe and compliant while riding your motorcycle. 

Understanding Motorcycle Displacement and Expressway Requirements

Motorcycle displacement refers to the size of an engine’s combustion chamber, measured in cubic centimeters (cc), and it indicates how much air and fuel the engine can burn to produce power. Motorcycles 400cc and above generally have stronger engines, higher top speeds, and better stability at fast highway conditions, while those 399cc and below may struggle to keep up with expressway traffic, which is why the government restricts them for safety. This requirement started decades ago when expressways were developed, and authorities needed a clear, measurable benchmark—engine displacement—to decide which motorcycles could safely travel alongside faster, bigger vehicles.

Why the 400cc Rule Exists

The 400cc rule comes from both the Limited Access Highway Act (RA 2000) and the DOTC Department Order No. 2007-38, which were created to regulate who can use high-speed, limited-access roads based on performance and safety standards. These laws give the DOTC/DOTr and toll operators the power to regulate which vehicles may enter expressways.

The law was created to keep riders safe on roads where vehicles travel fast and there are:

• No pedestrian crossings
• No loading or unloading
• No intersections
• High-speed through traffic

Motorcycles below 400cc may struggle to maintain safe speeds or react quickly in fast-moving situations, which puts the rider and other motorists at risk. 

Expressway Rules

Even if your motorcycle meets the 400cc minimum requirement for using the expressway, you must still follow these rules:

• Maximum of one back rider only
• Both rider and back rider must wear helmets
• Must follow all speed limits
• No lane splitting or overtaking between lanes
• Must use normal lanes like other vehicles
• Headlight must always be on
• Tail lights and signal lights must be working
• Only normal saddlebags or approved luggage carriers allowed
• Must have valid registration and a valid driver’s license
• Must present documents upon request
• Must pay Class 1 toll rate

Violating these rules may result in penalties under Section 10 of RA 2000.

Vehicles Not Allowed on Expressways (At Any Time)

The law was also clear that the following cannot use the expressway at any time:

• Motorcycles below 400cc
• Scooters below 400cc
• Tricycles
• Bicycles
• Pedestrians
• Overloaded or unsafe vehicles

Reminders 

The TRB has repeatedly reminded everyone of the rules on riding motorcycles and using the expressways. Some of these reminders are as follows:

• Toll operators must strictly block sub-400cc motorcycles.
• Fake decals do not count—only official LTO records determine displacement.
• RFID should not be issued to sub-400cc motorcycles.
• Misdeclared registration documents may lead to legal action.

If you are a rider, here are some other reminders you need to keep in mind before attempting to use the expressways:

• Check your motorcycle’s official displacement on your LTO registration.
• Do not rely on stickers, labels, or assumptions.
• Only ride on expressways if you meet the 400cc minimum and the rules above.
• Stay updated and ride safely.
  

Yes. LED lights are allowed in the Philippines, but only if they follow the exact rules imposed by the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Colored, blinking or flashing lights, including those used as decoration or “design lights” on any part of a motorcycle, are not allowed under LTO rules. This includes lights installed on the underside of the seat, footrests, side panels, body panels, fairings, wheel area, or anywhere else. Such lights are only allowed to a select few, because, according to the LTO, lights that are too bright, colored, or flashing can confuse drivers, cause accidents, and slow down emergency responders.  

If you are thinking of upgrading your motorcycle by installing LED lights/strips or flashing or blinking colored lights, then this guide offers insights on the most updated LTO policies detailing what you can and cannot install, and what to do to stay on the safe and legal side of the law with your motorcycle. 

What Does the Law Say?

Under Administrative Order 2024-001, PD 96, and the LTO Memorandum on Motorcycle Lights, the following are prohibited on any regular motorcycle:

• Blinkers and/or any flashing lights of any color
• Any colored light facing forward (especially red or blue)
• Any signaling or flashing device that may confuse traffic
• Red lights facing forward
• Blue lights
• Roof-mounted blinkers
• Strobe lights
• Any device that looks like police or ambulance lights
• Sirens, bells, whistles, and loud signaling gadgets
• Any similar gadget not listed under the allowed lights below

What Lights are Allowed on Regular Motorcycles

The rules also state that only the following LED light colors are allowed for regular motorcycle lighting:

• Headlight
  • White or yellowish only
  • Must point downward
  • No blinking mode
• Taillight
  • Red only
  • No blinking
• Signal/Turn lights
  • Yellow, amber, or orange only
• Brake light
  • Only one
  • Turns on only when brakes are applied
  • Must glow stronger than the taillight
• Parking lamps
  • Front: white/yellow/amber
  • Rear: red
  • Can be used when engine is off
  • Must not be used while moving
• Fog lamp
  • Only one
  • White or selective-yellow
  • Must be below the headlamp
  • Must have its own switch
  • Only for heavy rain, thick fog, etc.
• Number plate lights
  • Two white lights
  • Must automatically turn on with headlights
• Auxiliary / Additional LED lights
  • Allowed
  • Max of 2 units
  • Max of 6 bulbs each
  • Must have separate switches
  • Must point downward
  • Never point toward the left
  • Must be below the handlebars
  • Must not be used on well-lit streets or when facing oncoming vehicles
  • Cannot replace the main headlamp

Note: LED and HID lights are allowed as long as they follow all the above rules.

Likewise, all other colors — blue, green, purple, pink, rainbow, multi-color, neon, strobe effects — are not part of the list of allowed lights. Because they are not included in the authorized list, they are automatically considered illegal accessories under DOTr (formerly DOTC) Joint Administrative Order 2014-01.

Penalties for Illegal Lights

In case you get caught violating the rules on the proper use of LED/colored lights on motorcycles, here are the penalties that you can expect:

• ₱5,000 fine
• Impound of motorcycle
• Confiscation of illegal accessories

Note: Only LTO officers and deputized agents may issue violations.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For your reference, here are some common questions and answers regarding the legal use of LED/colored lights on motorcycles:

1. What motorcycles are allowed to use colored or flashing lights?

The following motorcycles are the only ones allowed to use colored or flashing lights:

• Police (red/white/blue)
• Fire trucks (red/blue)
• Ambulances (blue)
• Tower service and wreckers (yellow only)
• Official marked patrol vehicles of AFP, NBI, PNP, LTO
• DOH-marked ambulances

2. Are colored LED strips used only for “design” allowed?

No. Even if they are not facing forward, not blinking, or used only for aesthetics, they are still not allowed.

This include:

• LED strips under the seat/chairs
• LED lights on the footrest area
• LED strips along the side panels
• Neon underglow lights
• RGB lights that change colors
• Lights that glow on the body or ground

Take note that because the LTO rules are very specific and only allow specific colors and types of lights — anything else that is not specified is considered unauthorized.

Yes — you can legally use a wide-body kit in the Philippines, but only if the modification is safe, does not change the vehicle’s chassis or structural design, and is properly declared to the Land Transportation Office (LTO). Wide-body kits that only add exterior trimmings are generally allowed, but kits that alter the body dimensions or require cutting into the chassis are not allowed under LTO rules. This means you can enjoy a wider, sportier look as long as the modification stays within safety, LTO policy, and roadworthiness requirements. If the kit changes the original dimensions, you must go through the LTO inspection and registration update process.

Many car owners feel confused because online opinions vary, but the LTO’s rules are clear once simplified. Here’s a detailed guide to help you avoid penalties, protect your insurance, and keep your car road legal even with the mods.

What Are Wide Body Kits

A wide-body kit is an exterior modification that makes a vehicle wider by adding extended fenders, bumpers, side skirts, and other custom body panels. It’s popular among car enthusiasts who want a more aggressive look and improved performance, but it also comes with practical considerations and risks.

Why Car Owners Use Wide Body Kits

Some of the benefits associated with using wide body kits include:

• Gives the car a bold, race-inspired sporty aesthetic.
• Wider wheels improve traction, handling, and cornering stability.
• Some kits include aerodynamic enhancements that reduce drag and increase downforce.
• Enhances uniqueness; great for car shows, builds, and personal branding.
• Better stance and wider look
• Improved tire clearance
• Can improve stability when properly installed

Risks and Downsides

Using wide body kits also comes with the following risks and downsides, hence the regulation:

• Illegal if it alters chassis or body dimensions
• Insurance may reject claims if you did not declare the modification
• Extreme overhangs may be flagged by authorities
• High-quality kits and professional fitting can be costly.
• May require cutting stock fenders which is irreversible and can reduce resale value.
• If the width exceeds allowable limits or affects safety, it can violate local vehicle modification laws.
• Some kits add weight, slightly affecting performance.
• Incorrect installation can cause tire rubbing, clearance issues, and damages.

What the LTO Says  

When it comes to mods such as those involving the use of wide body kits, the LTO follows Department Order 2010-32, based on UN-ECE safety standards. 

Under this DO these items are banned because they can affect safety:

• Axle modification
• Chassis modification
• Extended chassis or extended body
• Extended overhang
• Reconfiguration of body dimension and design
• Change of rim size
• Modification of handlebars or mufflers

Wide-body kits are tricky because:

• Some kits are purely cosmetic, so these are usually fine.
• But kits that require cutting metal, widening the chassis, or changing body dimensions fall under “reconfiguration of body dimension and design,” which is prohibited unless the manufacturer issues a Certificate of Road Safety.

This means:

• Bolt-on wide-body kits are usually allowed
• Wide-body kits that change dimensions are usually not allowed
• Any modification requiring cutting chassis or altering structure are absolutely prohibited

So if your goal is to simply enjoy a cleaner, wider look without the hassle, it’s best to stick to exterior-only kits and follow the LTO registration process. This keeps your car safe, stylish, and road legal.