RA 11229, officially titled the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, is a Philippine law enacted in 2019 to protect child passengers by mandating the use of Child Restraint Systems (CRS) in motor vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of its key provisions and implications:

What RA 11229 Requires

  • Mandatory Use of CRS: Children aged 12 years and below must use a Child Restraint System appropriate to their age, height, and weight when riding in private motor vehicles.
  • Rear Seat Requirement: Children are not allowed to sit in the front seat of a vehicle unless they are at least 13 years old or the vehicle has no rear seats.
  • CRS Standards: Only CRS units that meet international safety standards (e.g., UN regulations) and are certified by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) are allowed.
  • Prohibition of Substandard or Expired CRS: Using expired or uncertified CRS is prohibited, even if they appear to be in good condition.

Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs)

  • The law initially applies to private vehicles, but the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is tasked with studying how CRS can be implemented in PUVs like taxis, vans, and buses.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • First offense: ₱1,000 fine
  • Second offense: ₱2,000 fine
  • Third and subsequent offenses: ₱5,000 fine and possible suspension of driver’s license.

Why It Matters

RA 11229 was introduced in response to alarming statistics: over 5,960 children died in road crashes in the Philippines between 2006 and 2014. The law aims to reduce injuries and fatalities by ensuring children are properly restrained during travel.