IRR on Seat Belt Installation and Use 1999

"Motorist": driver of a motor vehicle.
"Seat belt device": strap/webbing securing persons in vehicles; includes pelvic restraint, shoulder strap, buckles, fasteners, hardware/anchorage.
"Lap Belt/Two-Point (2PT)" and "Shoulder Harness/Three-Point (3PT)" with definitions.
"Child restraint system": seats for babies and children.
Definitions on various seat types, passenger seat locations, types of motor vehicles (private, public), retrofit, vintage cars, in-use vehicles.

Applies to wearing seat belts by drivers and passengers except certain public utility vehicles.
Installation and sale apply to manufacturers, importers, assemblers.
Retrofitting applies to registered owners/operators.
Posting signage applies to drivers/operators.
Exemptions for folding seats, certain three-wheelers, sidelong seats, seats near emergency exits.
Medical exemptions for persons with disabling conditions duly certified.

Prohibits importation of vehicles without appropriate operational seat belt devices.

Mandatory for drivers, front and back seat passengers of private cars, SUVs, for-hire vehicles except specified public vehicles.
Front seat passengers in for-hire vehicles must be instructed to wear seat belts.
Retrofitting of in-use vehicles required by Oct 31, 2000; illegal to operate without seat belts thereafter.

Children 6 years and below prohibited from front seats.
Optional use of child restraint systems.
Children under 6 can sit in front only if no back seat and child restraint is installed per international standards.
Responsible party: vehicle owner.

Manufacturers/assemblers/body builders/dealers must install appropriate seat belts and anchorage prior to sale.
Retrofitting responsibility on vehicle owners for in-use vehicles.

Must comply with Philippine National Standards (PNS) No. 1891, 1892 & 1893.
Required seat belts on forward-facing passenger seats.
New vehicles must have 3PT belts on front outboard seats (except jeepneys with 2PT allowed).
Other seats to have 2PT belts; special public service vehicles require 3PT on outboard back seats.
Buses have specific requirements; no sidelong seat on right beside driver.
Details of prescribed seat belt types by vehicle and seating position.

Installation of seat belts/anchorage is a prerequisite for registration.
Effective May 1, 2000: no initial registration without proper seat belts.
Effective Nov 1, 2000: no renewal of registration without seat belts.
LTO officials must enforce provisions and indicate compliance in inspection reports.

Fines for drivers/conductors/operators for failure to wear/require seat belts from P250 to P1,000 plus license suspension.
Fines for failure to post signage: P300.
Fines for owners failing to retrofit: P1,000 to P3,000 plus suspension of Certificate of Registration.
Manufacturers/assemblers/importers/distributors fined up to P20,000 plus suspension or revocation of licenses.
DOTC/LTO employees liable to disciplinary action for improper registration.

LTO with PIA, DECS, private agencies to conduct regular information, education, communication (IEC) campaigns.
Cooperation with LGUs, citizen groups for public safety promotion.
Collected fines directed exclusively to implementation and promotion of seat belt use.

Any conflicting orders, rules, or regulations are repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

Effective 15 days after receipt by ONAR, U.P. Law Center and publication in two national newspapers.