QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8750)
RA 8750 is the “Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.” Its policy is to protect passengers and drivers from the injurious effects of vehicular accidents through mandatory enforcement of seat belt use.
A “motorist” refers to the driver of a motor vehicle.
It is any strap/webbing (pelvic restraint/lap belt, upper torso restraint, or shoulder strap, or combination) designed to secure a person in a motor vehicle to mitigate accident results, including buckles, fasteners, and all hardware for installation.
Tricycles and motorcycles are not included in the term “motor vehicle” under RA 8750.
It requires the driver and front seat passengers of a public or private motor vehicle to wear/use seat belt devices while inside a vehicle of running engine on any road or thoroughfare.
Yes. For private vehicles, except for jeeps, jeepneys, vans, buses, and other private vehicles as may be determined by the IRR, front and back seat passengers are required to use seat belts at all times.
The driver must immediately inform and require front seat passengers upon boarding to wear the prescribed seat belts; refusal means the passenger shall not be allowed to continue the trip.
For special public service vehicles as determined by the IRR, seat belt devices should be provided and used by the driver, front seat passengers, and the first row passengers immediately behind the driver at all times while inside a running engine vehicle.
Operational motor vehicles, public and private, not equipped with required seat belt devices are given one (1) year from the issuance of the IRR by the LTO to retrofit appropriate seat belts.
Infants and/or children aged six (6) years and below are prohibited to sit in the front seat of any running motor vehicle.
It applies to drivers and front seat passengers of public and private motor vehicles and other vehicles as may be determined by the IRR.
They must ensure seat belt devices are properly installed before distribution and sale, as determined by the IRR.
Yes. Jeepneys may install a pelvic restraint or lap belt only for the driver’s and front seat passengers’ seats, and this is considered substantial compliance.
It is unlawful to import or cause importation of any vehicle without appropriate and operational seat belt devices required by the Act and the IRR.
They must comply with standards and specifications established by the Bureau of Product Standards (DTI), in consultation with the LTO of the DOTC (as stated in the text). Imported second-hand vehicles must also conform for purposes of importation and registration.
No new motor vehicle shall be allowed initial registration and succeeding renewal unless equipped with the necessary seat belt devices. Renewal of in-use vehicles without seat belts is not allowed one (1) year after the passage of the IRR as specified in Section 11.
The LTO imposes fines against drivers, operators, owners of vehicles, and manufacturers/assemblers/importers/distributors for violations. Penalty amounts and escalations are specified as bases for IRR provisions, including possible suspension of licenses.
The Act takes effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation.