If you’re a motorcycle rider who regularly hauls a dirt bike (or any motorcycle) outside Metro Manila, chances are you either load it onto the bed of your pickup or mount it on a hitch-mounted carrier behind your SUV. It’s a common sight among riders heading to trails and race tracks, and for years, it’s never really been an issue.

That may be changing, at least on Skyway.

A video that recently went viral shows a motorcycle enthusiast being flagged down while driving along Skyway Stage 3, simply because he was carrying motorcycles on the bed of his Toyota Tamaraw.

Screen shot of the traffic stop. | Courtesy of FPJ Blogs

In the video, the security officer told the driver that the policy stemmed from an earlier incident where a motorcycle reportedly fell off a pickup truck. According to the officer, motorcycles carried on pickup beds and hitch-mounted carriers are now prohibited from using the elevated expressway.

When the driver, who was also recording the encounter, asked to see the memo supporting the policy, the officer was unable to produce one. The traffic stop still continued, although the driver was eventually allowed to proceed after being told that the restriction supposedly did not apply to the Toyota Tamaraw, but only to other pickup trucks.

After seeing the video recorded by fellow rider and content creator Paul Fajardo, better known as FPJ Blogs, we sought clarification from the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), and San Miguel Infrastructure (SMC).

LTO: No prohibition

According to LTO Assistant Secretary, Markus Lacanilao, there is currently no law, memorandum, or regulation prohibiting motorcycles from being transported on pickup beds or hitch-mounted motorcycle carriers.

He said the only concerns are compliance with existing road safety regulations. The motorcycle must be securely fastened, and the vehicle’s license plate, tail lights, and brake lights must remain visible.

MPTC: No issues if it’s safe

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), which operates NLEX, SCTEX, NLEX Connector, CALAX, CAVITEX, C5 Link, and CCLEX, confirmed that it has no issue with motorcycles being transported on pickup beds or hitch-mounted carriers, provided they are properly secured and do not pose a safety risk to other motorists.

SMC still checking

We likewise sought clarification from San Miguel Infrastructure, which operates SLEX, the Skyway System, NAIAX, STAR Tollway, and TPLEX.

As of press time, the company said it was still checking the matter and had yet to issue an official response.

An example of a hitch receiver.

HitchPro: Clear rules are needed

We also spoke with Joma Manas of HitchPro Philippines, a respected fabricator of custom hitch receivers and hitch-mounted accessories, as well as a fellow rider.

He echoed the LTO’s position, saying hitch-mounted accessories such as motorcycle carriers, bicycle racks, and cargo baskets are generally allowed, provided the license plate and rear lights remain visible. If the plate is blocked, it should simply be relocated, while additional lights or reflectors may be installed if necessary.

Manas said he fully supports regulations that improve road safety. What concerns him is the lack of clear, consistent rules governing accessories that are widely used around the world.

“Hitch receivers, bike racks, and cargo carriers are standard equipment in many countries. They encourage people to travel, ride, camp, support local tourism, and explore more of the Philippines,” he said.

“We absolutely need safety standards, but those rules should promote responsible use instead of creating confusion or unnecessary barriers. The goal should be safer roads and better compliance, not making it harder for people to enjoy the outdoors.”

Hopefully, SMC can provide a clear answer soon. While pickup trucks carrying motorcycles are often associated with weekend trail rides and recreational trips, they also play an important role in rescuing fellow riders who suffer mechanical breakdowns or are involved in minor crashes. Many riders rely on their pickups to transport motorcycles safely, and with Skyway serving as one of Metro Manila’s main transport corridors, clarity on the policy would go a long way in avoiding confusion (and delay) among motorists.