LTO postpones implementation of child car seat law

MANILA: The Land Transportation Office (LTO) clarified that authorities will defer the full rollout of Republic Act No. 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.

It was supposed to start yesterday, February 2, but the LTO and the Department of Transportation (DOTr) decided to defer it as they are planning to conduct an information campaign first together with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA), the Department of Education (DepEd), and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to properly educate the people about the the law.

RA 11229 requires the installation of a child restraint system (CRS) on private vehicles for children below 12 years old whose height is below 4’11”. The child car seat must pass the quality standards by the DTI. There will be designated fitting and installation areas for the approved car seats. All CRS must be placed on the rear seat.

LTO Chief Assistant Secretary (Asec.) Edgar Galvante stated in a virtual press conference that the agency is now working on disseminating the information about the new law. He explained that the goal is to enhance the safety of the children on the road. He added that LTO is seeking the cooperation of the private motorists for a successful execution of the law.

Asec. Galvante encouraged the public to immediately contact their office if there is any divergence in the implementation of the law.

Also read: Why is a child car seat important?