The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) for the Republic Act 11229 or “Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act” has already been signed and approved.
The aforementioned RA mandates the use of Child Restraint Systems or CRS for children below 12 years old on private motor vehicles, to ensure the safety and welfare of child passengers, as well as prevent traffic-related deaths and injuries.
Further, no child shall be allowed to sit in the front seat of a motor vehicle with a running engine or while such child is being transported on any road, street, or highway.
For the Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs), the DOTr shall conduct a study on the feasibility of requiring the use of CRS and subsequently recommend to Congress whether the use of CRS is feasible. Otherwise, other necessary legislative measures for the safe and secure transportation of children in PUVs shall be recommended.
The mandatory compliance of the CRS shall be enforced only one year after the effectivity of these rules or the transitory period, or February 2021, to provide a sufficient time for information education campaign and preparation of concerned agencies.
