Question & AnswerQ&A (LTO ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. BGC-AO-99004)
The short title is the "Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) on the installation and use of seat belt devices."
A "motorist" refers to the driver of a motor vehicle.
The IRR defines lap belts or two-point (2PT) seat belts, shoulder harness or three-point (3PT) seat belts, and child restraint systems such as beds for babies and seats for infants and school children.
The IRR covers drivers and passengers of public and private motor vehicles except private jeeps, jeepneys, passenger vans/wagons, AUVs, buses, trucks, and vintage cars where the rule applies only to drivers and front seat passengers.
Infants and children six years old and below are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of any running motor vehicle, except if the vehicle lacks back seats and is equipped with a child restraint system.
Effective May 1, 2000, no new motor vehicle shall be allowed initial registration unless equipped with the necessary seat belt devices.
The fines are: P250 for the first violation, P500 for the second, and P1,000 plus a one-week driver's license suspension for the third and subsequent violations.
Yes, manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and distributors face fines starting at P5,000 and suspension of their license to manufacture, assemble, import, or distribute for periods ranging from one to five years depending on the number of violations.
Retrofitting refers to the installation of seat belt devices and/or anchorage that were not included at the time of manufacture and assembly as original equipment.
A fine of three hundred pesos (P300) for every violation.
Persons with medically certified disabling ailments preventing appropriate restraint in a safety belt are exempt, provided the certification is by a licensed physician, surgeon, or chiropractor.
The term excludes tricycles and motorcycles.
They must be fitted with three-point (3PT) seat belts, except for jeepneys which may have two-point (2PT) seat belts.
Owners must retrofit and properly install required seat belt devices by October 31, 2000, or one year from the IRR's effectivity date.
The passenger must be directed to take another seat where seat belts are not required or be denied continuation of the trip and informed of the lack of insurance coverage in case of an accident.