Definition of Terms
- "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.
Coverage
- 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.
Importation
- Prohibits importation of vehicles without appropriate operational seat belt devices.
Mandatory Use of Seat Belts
- 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 Prohibited to Sit in Front Seat
- 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.
Provisions for Seat Belt and Anchorage
- Manufacturers/assemblers/body builders/dealers must install appropriate seat belts and anchorage prior to sale.
- Retrofitting responsibility on vehicle owners for in-use vehicles.
Type of Seat Belt Devices Required
- 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.
Condition Precedent to Registration
- 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 and Penalties
- 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.
Nationwide Public Information Campaign
- 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.
Repealing Clause
- Any conflicting orders, rules, or regulations are repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.
Effectivity Clause
- Effective 15 days after receipt by ONAR, U.P. Law Center and publication in two national newspapers.