DOTr: Full implementation of child car seat law to be deferred amid Covid-19

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Tuesday said they will postpone the full enforcement of the Republic Act (RA) No. 11229 or the Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act during the coronavirus disease pandemic as it finalizes enforcement protocols for the law.

“Currently, the LTO [Land Transportation Office] is in the process of finalizing enforcement protocols, considering that special training is needed due the involvement of children,” read the statement.

“Both the DOTr and LTO are in agreement that a deferment of the full implementation/enforcement of this new rule is warranted, especially given our current economic situation amid this still raging pandemic,” it added.

DOTr noted that the LTO was supposed to conduct an Enforcement and Communications Planning Workshop on the implementation of RA 11229 last March 19, 2020 but it was canceled due to quarantine restrictions.

Earlier, LTO Deputy Director for Law Enforcement Roberto Valera said they will not apprehend motorists who will violate the mandatory child car seat law within six months. He said they will prioritize first in educating drivers and parents by distributing flyers regarding the requirements of the law.

The Child Safety in Motor Vehicle Act was approved last Feb. 22, 2019. The law’s implementing rules and regulations was approved last December 23, 2019 and takes effect this Tuesday.

EXPLAINER: The Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act

LTO Director Clarence Guinto previously apologized for his remark about suggesting drivers with tall children to use bigger cars to follow the child car seat law, which drew criticisms from social media users.

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