Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8750)
The short title of Republic Act No. 8750 is the "Seat Belts Use Act of 1999."
The State's policy under RA 8750 is to secure and safeguard its citizenry, particularly drivers and passengers of motor vehicles, from the harmful effects of vehicular accidents through mandatory enforcement of seat belt use.
A "motorist" refers to the driver of a motor vehicle.
The term "motor vehicle" excludes tricycles and motorcycles.
The driver and front seat passengers of both private and public motor vehicles are required to use seat belt devices while inside a vehicle with a running engine on any road or thoroughfare.
A passenger who refuses to wear a seat belt shall not be allowed to continue his/her trip.
No, infants and children aged six years and below are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of any running motor vehicle.
Car manufacturers, assemblers, and distributors must ensure that seat belt devices are properly installed before selling or distributing vehicles, with specific provisions for jeepneys allowing pelvic or lap belts.
Penalties range from a minimum fine of P100 up to P1,000 for the first violation, increasing to fines and possible suspension of the driver's license for repeated violations.
Penalties include fines ranging from P5,000 to P50,000 and suspension of license to manufacture, assemble, import, or distribute for periods from one year up to five years depending on the number of violations.
The Land Transportation Office (LTO) is responsible for enforcing and implementing this Act.
New motor vehicles must be equipped with necessary seat belt devices to be allowed for initial registration and renewal.
Seat belts must comply with standards established by the Bureau of Product Standards in consultation with the LTO and must include pelvic restraints, lap belts, shoulder straps, or combinations thereof.
Vehicles are given one year from the issuance of implementing rules by the LTO to retrofit appropriate seat belt devices.
Fines collected shall be used exclusively for the implementation of the Act's provisions, including public promotion campaigns for seat belt use.