MANILA – Within six months, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will not conduct apprehension or issuance of tickets against drivers who violates the Republic Act No. 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.
Edgar Galvante, LTO chief and transportation assistant, eased the public’s concern, saying they will be focusing first on the intensified information drive on the measure.
“Ang ginagawa natin ngayon ay pinapalawak ang kaalaman ng madla. ‘Pag may nakita na lumalabag dito pinapaalalahanan lang ang mga concerned. Hindi magpe-penalize agad,” Galvante said on Tuesday.
Department of Transportation (DOTr) assistant secretary Goddess Libiran, meanwhile, stated LTO were tasked to conduct information, education and communications campaign before strict implementation of the law.
In a separate statement, Transportation secretary Art Tugade said there should be consideration given the pandemic we have right now.
The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act took effect on Feb. 2. Under the law, it mandates that children aged 12 and below should use the child restraint systems or car seats. They are only allowed to take the front seat if they meet the 4’11’ height requirement, on top of using the regular seat belt.
Based on the directive, drivers who fail to comply will be fined P1,000 for the first offense; P2,000 for the second offense; and P3,000 and a one-year suspension of the driver’s license for the third and succeeding offenses.
The exemptions are those cases that would put the child in greater danger such as medical emergencies, when the child transported has a medical or developmental condition or other similar circumstances.
Moreover, manufacturers, distributors, importers, retailers, and sellers who violate the law – in terms of safety standards and the regulation and requirements – will be fined from P50,000 to P100,000 for every CRS product sold without prejudice to other penalties. /PN
