EXPLAINER: The Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act

MANILA, Philippines —  The Republic Act No. 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, which was signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte in February 2019, will be fully enforced this month after its implementing rules and regulations were approved and published two weeks ago.

Here are some things you need to know about this law:

What is the Republic Act No. 11229, or the Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act?

Under the law’s implementing rules, children 12 years old and below who are shorter than 4’11 are no longer allowed to sit in the front seat or to be left unattended inside a private vehicle.

The law also requires children to use child restraint systems (CRS) or child car seats that are appropriate for their age, height, and weight.

When will this law be fully implemented?

The Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act will take effect on February 2, 2021.

Why is this law implemented?

The law was created and implemented to prevent injuries and deaths for children in an accident.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), car seats, if installed and used correctly, can reduce the risk of death for infants by 70 percent and 47 to 54 percent for children aged 1 to 4 years old in an accident.

Are there any fines for violators?

Yes. Violators will be penalized with a P1,000 to P5,000 fine and a one-year suspension of driver’s license for third and succeeding offenses.

Manufacturers, distributors, importers, and retailers who will be found negligent in selling substandard or tampered car seats would also be fined between P50,000 and P100,000.

However, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will only start apprehending and ticketing violators three to six months from now.

Who is covered by the law?

For now, only private vehicles are required to install and use a child seat. Motorcycles, bikes, and tricycles are not affected by the law.

Are public utility vehicles (PUVs) also required to install CRS?

PUVs like buses, jeepneys, and taxis are not yet covered by this law. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is set to conduct a feasibility study to determine whether PUVs should follow the CRS use.

Can someone use just any type of CRS?

No. Private car owners should purchase and install car seats that are approved by DTI and follow the acceptable universal standards stated in the UN Regulation No. 44 and 129.

Will there be accredited CRS fitting and installation areas?

Yes. According to LTO Director Clarence Guinto, they will set up fitting and installation areas at different LTO district offices starting this month.

JE