Law Summary
Definitions
- Motorist: Driver of a motor vehicle.
- Seat belt device: Strap or similar restraint securing an occupant to prevent injury during accidents.
- Motor vehicle: Private and public vehicles excluding tricycles and motorcycles.
- Private motor vehicle: Owned by individuals, government agencies, or diplomatic entities for private or official use.
- Public motor vehicle: Public utility vehicles or vehicles for hire.
- Motor vehicle of running engine: A vehicle operating or standing with engine running on road.
- Front seat passengers: Occupants seated beside the driver (specific seating arrangements vary with vehicle type).
Mandatory Seat Belt Use
- Drivers and front seat passengers must wear seat belts when inside a motor vehicle with a running engine.
- In certain private vehicles (excluding specific types like jeeps, jeepneys, vans, buses), all front and back seat passengers must use seat belts.
- Public utility vehicle drivers must inform and require front seat passengers to wear seat belts; non-complying passengers cannot continue trip.
- Special public service vehicles must provide and enforce seat belt use for drivers, front seat passengers, and first row passengers behind the driver.
- One-year grace period for vehicles lacking seat belts to retrofit upon issuance of implementing rules.
Children Seating Restriction
- Children aged six years and below are prohibited from sitting in the front seat of running motor vehicles to enhance safety.
Coverage of the Act
- Covers drivers and front seat passengers of public and private vehicles.
- Other vehicles may be included based on implementing rules.
Manufacturer and Importer Requirements
- Manufacturers, assemblers, and distributors must install seat belt devices in all vehicles before distribution and sale.
- Jeepney manufacturers are considered compliant if they install pelvic or lap belts in driver's and front passenger seats.
- Importation of vehicles without required seat belts is prohibited.
Seat Belt Standards
- Seat belts must conform to the standards set by the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) and in consultation with the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
- Imported second-hand vehicles must comply with BPS standards for registration.
Vehicle Registration Compliance
- New vehicles cannot be initially registered or have their registration renewed without seat belts.
- Renewal of registration for existing vehicles lacking seat belts is disallowed one year after implementation of rules.
- LTO to enforce compliance through registration systems.
Implementation and Enforcement
- LTO designated as the primary agency for enforcement and regulation.
- LTO to issue implementing rules within 60 days of law's effectivity.
- LTO may mandate special car seats for infants where necessary.
Penalties and Fines
- Drivers who fail to wear or require seat belts face tiered fines and license suspension for repeat offenses.
- Public utility vehicles must display seat belt use signage; non-compliance incurs fines for drivers and operators.
- Manufacturers, importers, and distributors face escalating fines and license suspensions for failure to install seat belts.
- Six months grace period given for public information campaign before penalties take full effect.
Public Information Campaign
- LTO to coordinate with Philippine Information Agency, Department of Education, and private groups for nationwide seat belt awareness.
- Local government units and community organizations to assist in promoting seat belt use.
- Fines collected under the law to be used exclusively for public safety campaigns and implementation costs.
Legal Provisions
- Separability clause ensures that invalid provisions do not affect the remainder of the law.
- Repealing clause modifies conflicting laws and regulations to conform with this Act.
Effectivity
- The law takes effect 15 days after publication in two national newspapers.