Motorcycles can lane split/filter through traffic under NCAP
Just last month, the Supreme Court partially lifted the TRO against the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), giving the MMDA the power to use its high-definition CCTVs to help manage traffic in 22 major thoroughfares within Metro Manila.
Having been reinstated on May 26, 2025, the 2025 version of NCAP is still in its nascent phase, with the MMDA actively working to fine-tune its operational details. While we already know that there are no “late fees” on an unsettled NCAP violation (because it will reflect against the vehicle come registration renewal), its recent reintroduction naturally sparks many more questions from both drivers and motorcycle riders.
To answer some of these questions, MotoPinas.com reached out directly to MMDA’s No Physical Contact Policy Program department by calling their office at (02) 8898-4200 Local: 7011.
Lane filtering/splitting
Like many of you, I’m also a regular on EDSA, whether on a car or a motorcycle. One change I’ve noticed is that many riders, whom I presume used to lane split/filter through traffic, are now staying strictly in their lanes, which, in turn, contributes to the congestion. This isn’t entirely their fault, though, due to a couple of reasons. First, lane splitting and filtering are technically prohibited under the existing LTO Administrative Order No. AHS-2008-015 (Section IX, subsection C). Second, and perhaps more pressingly, riders are trying to avoid being caught by NCAP.
So, the question: Is motorcycle lane filtering/splitting prohibited under MMDA’s NCAP on slow-moving or standstill traffic? The MMDA says NO, on roads without the MC Lane policy.
According to the MMDA’s NCAP department, motorcycle lane filtering and lane splitting are “currently not being viewed as violations under the program.” While further specifics were not provided, this position appears to be a practical consideration on the MMDA’s part, acknowledging the potential for significantly worse traffic congestion on major thoroughfares should a “one motorcycle, one lane” policy be enforced to the letter of the law.
No demerit on driver’s license
Another question was raised by our readers: Does the NCAP result in a demerit on a driver’s license? The MMDA says NO.
The MMDA’s NCAP department also informed MotoPinas.com that since NCAP violations are linked to vehicle registration, the ‘hit’ will only apply to the vehicle itself, regardless of who was driving at the time of apprehension. Should the violation remain unsettled, it will simply appear on your vehicle or motorcycle’s record at the LTO, requiring settlement before registration renewal is permitted.
This is definitely welcome news, especially for motorcycle riders. It really gets to the core of what motorcycles are built for: to efficiently navigate and beat traffic. This practical allowance by the MMDA is a nod to the huge role motorcycles play in keeping our cities moving and supporting the economy, letting them cut down on congestion instead of adding to it.
