Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 11229)
The Act shall be known as the 'Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act'.
The Act aims to ensure the safety of children while being transported in any form of motor vehicle by requiring the use of child restraint systems and providing special protections for child passengers.
A child refers to any person twelve (12) years old and below.
Covered vehicles refer to any private motor vehicle or public motor vehicle as determined by the Department of Transportation in accordance with Section 12 of the Act.
It is unlawful for the driver of a covered vehicle not to properly secure a child in a child restraint system while the engine is running or while transporting the child on any road unless the child is at least 150 centimeters or 59 inches in height and properly secured using the regular seat belt.
Yes, exceptions include circumstances where the child restraint system would put the child in greater danger such as during medical emergencies and other analogous circumstances prescribed under the implementing rules and regulations.
For the first offense, a fine of Php 1,000; second offense, Php 2,000; third and succeeding offenses, Php 5,000 and suspension of driver's license for one year.
The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) approves child restraint systems using standards set forth in United Nations Regulation 44 and 129 and other acceptable international standards.
A fine of not less than Php 50,000 but not more than Php 100,000 for each product manufactured, distributed, imported, or sold, plus other penalties under the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
No child twelve years and below shall be allowed to sit in the front seat of a motor vehicle with a running engine unless the child meets the height requirement and is properly secured with a regular seat belt.