A few months ago, a bill requiring owners of private vehicles to install child restraint devices (also known as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act of 2017 or SB 1447) was brought to the House of Representatives. Earlier this week, the proposed measure was passed the House Committee on Transportation, and first-time violators will be penalized with P5,000.
The bill was ratified by a vote on Monday, September 18. At least 11 officers of the committee voted for it, while only two officers didn’t approve it. The new law is the consolidated version of 2 previous House Bills (HBN): HBN-5595 and HBN-1319.
The still-unnumbered law stresses the importance of installing child restraint devices to ensure the safety of kids – who are the most vulnerable group to the risk posed on local roads. Realizing that, the State wants to protect them as well as increase awareness and impacts valuable lessons towards preparing children – along with their parents – to become responsible adult road users.
The still unnumbered law stresses the importance of installing child restraint devices to ensure the safety of kids
Representative Mariano Michael Velarde, one of the authors, said although our country has enacted road safety legislation requiring the use of seat belts for both front and rear passenger (the Philippine Seat Belt Law), it does not mandate the installation of restrain devices for kids in running motor vehicles.
Under the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act of 2017, it would be unlawful for parents or owners of private vehicles not to ensure the safety of a kid in a child restraint system. The new law also forbids leaving a child occupant under 12, in such system unaccompanied by a mature person. Moreover, the approved law bars these kids to occupy the front seat.
First-time violators will face a fine of P1,000 while P2,000 fine will be meted on the second offense, and a P5,000 penalty and the revocation of the franchise will be end result for the third offense.
See also:
