Riding motorbike with kids? LTO restrictions on

A big no-no on the road.

Starting today, motorcycle users who have a small child as a passenger shall be penalized under the Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act of 2015.

The law—also known as Republic Act No. 10666—bans minors from sitting in front of a motorcycle rider. It applies to public roads nationwide and shall be implemented by the Land Transportation Office.

Children will be allowed as backriders only if they could comfortably reach the foot peg of the motorcycle and reach around the waist of the rider. They should also wear standard protective helmet.

Violators face a fine of P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second offense, and P10,000 plus one month suspension of driver’s license for the third offense.

A fourth violation will automatically result in the revocation of the driver’s license.

The LTO can deputize members of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Philippine National Police, and local government units to carry out the enforcement.

According to the LTO, the measure is a proactive and preventive approach to ensure the safety of child passengers. —ERIKA SAULER