The Land Transportation Office (LTO) reported that in 2016, Republic Act 8750 or the “Seat Belts Use Act” was the most violated traffic law. In 2021, there were more than 110,000 violators of this law, indicating that many Filipinos still do not wear seat belts!
Could this be because many motorists think that wearing a seat belt is uncomfortable and limits their movements? Probably. But this does not negate the fact that wearing seat belts in a moving vehicle is necessary, and that seat belts — in fact — help to save lives!
Why Wear a Seat Belt?
Imagine driving or riding in a car that’s moving really fast — around 60 kilometers per hour or more. If the car suddenly swerves or crashes and you are not wearing a seat belt… the consequences could be very serious, even fatal. The accident could be happening so fast that you do not have time (or awareness) to brace yourself!
For safety reasons, seat belts are designed and installed in cars, buses, and other vehicles. For one thing, it helps to keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle during an accident. Secondly, it helps prevent you from hitting other passengers or other parts of the vehicle, like the dashboard, windows, or windshield.
Finally, in cases of vehicle collisions, the seat belt helps to distribute the impact of the crash to the chest and pelvis, which happen to be two of the strongest parts of the human body.
What is R.A. 8750?
Republic Act 8750 is also known as the “Seat Belts Use Act of 1999.” Its long title is “An Act Requiring the Mandatory Compliance by Motorists of Private and Public Vehicles to Use Seat Belt Devices, and Requiring Vehicle Manufacturers to Install Seat Belt Devices in all Their Manufactured Vehicles.” The law was approved on August 5, 1999, and became effective on May 1, 2000 nationwide.
Basically, this law requires all public and private vehicles, except motorcycles and tricycles, to have their front seats equipped with seat belts. Section 10 also states that “no new motor vehicle shall be allowed initial registration and succeeding renewal of registration unless it is equipped with the necessary seat belt devices.”
Seat Belts Required
R.A. 8750 requires the use of seat belts by drivers and front seat passengers of public and private motor vehicles that are running on any street, road, or highway. Passengers who are seated at the back row (behind the driver) are also required to wear seat belts.
For Private Vehicles
The law states that in a private vehicle, the driver, front seat passenger, and back seat passengers should wear seat belts every time the vehicle is running.
For Public Vehicles
For public vehicles, the driver is required to immediately inform front seat passengers to wear seat belts upon boarding a vehicle with a running engine. If the passenger refuses to wear a seat belt, he/she may be directed to another seat (that doesn’t require seat belts); otherwise, he/she will not be allowed to continue the trip. Furthermore, the passenger be informed that in case of an accident, no insurance can be recovered.
For special public service vehicles (e.g. school bus), seat belts must be used by the driver, front-seat passengers, and the first row of passengers behind the driver inside a vehicle with a running engine.
NOTE: For clarity, the law states that “front seat passengers” refer to persons seated at the right side beside the driver for public utility jeepneys (PUJs). Meanwhile, the term refers to passengers seated at the right side beside the driver and at the first row behind the driver for public utility buses (PUBs).
Law Exemptions
As cited earlier, R.A. 8750 applies to all public and private vehicles, except motorcycles and tricycles. That being said, we must remember that these vehicles have their own safety rules and regulations (e.g. helmets for motorcycle drivers and back riders).
As for the use of seat belts in cars or buses — the law applies to everyone except for persons who have a physical ailment or medical condition that prevents appropriate restraint in a seat belt. In this case, a certificate from a licensed physician, surgeon, or chiropractor should be presented. The certificate should state the nature of the patient’s condition, and why restraint is not appropriate.
Penalties and Fines
R.A. 8750 imposes penalties and fines for drivers, as well as vehicle manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and distributors who do not follow the rules.
For Drivers
For drivers of private vehicles, the penalty for failing to inform or require their passengers to use seat belts are as follows: (a) first offense — PHP 100 but not exceeding PHP 1,000; (b) second offense — PHP 200 but not exceeding PHP 2,000; and (c) third and succeeding offense — PHP 500 but not exceeding PHP 5,000, plus suspension of the driver’s license for one (1) week.
Meanwhile, drivers of public vehicles should immediately instruct front-seat passengers to wear seat belts. They should also post signages instructing passengers to do the same. Failure to do so would result in a penalty with a minimum fine of PHP 300 but not exceeding PHP 3,000 for every violation.
For Manufacturers, Assemblers, Importers, and Distributors
The law states that manufacturers, assemblers, importers, and distributors should ensure that seat belts are properly installed before the distribution and sale of vehicles. For every vehicle found without seat belt devices prior to its distribution, the penalty will be:
First Offense. A fine of PHP 5,000 but not exceeding PHP 10,000, plus suspension to manufacture, assemble, import, and distribute vehicles for one (1) year.
Second Offense. A fine of PHP 10,000 but not exceeding PHP 20,000, plus suspension to manufacture, assemble, import, and distribute vehicles for two (2) years.
Third and Succeeding Offense. A fine of PHP 20,000 but not exceeding PHP 50,000, plus suspension to manufacture, assemble, import, and distribute vehicles for not less than five (5) years.
No Children in Front Seat
Section 5 of R.A. 8750 states that children who are six (6) years old and below are not allowed to sit in the front seat of any running motor vehicle, even if the child is wearing a seat belt.
Notably, this rule goes in line with R.A. 11229 or the “Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act.” This law requires the use of special car seats or child restraint systems (CRS) for children who are below 13 years old and/or shorter than 4’11” in height.
Those who violate R.A. 11229 shall face stiff penalties: (a) first offense — PHP 1,000; (b) second offense — PHP 2,000; and (c) third and succeeding offense — PHP 5,000 plus suspension of the driver’s license for one (1) year.
NOTE: Once again, the only exception to this rule is if the child is in a medical emergency or has a disability that prevents appropriate restraint in a seat belt. In such cases, a certificate from a licensed physician should be carried at all times.
Final Thoughts
Wearing a seat belt has been proven to be effective when it comes to safety during travel. It helps to minimize the risk of injuries (and death) in case of a vehicle collision or accident. Let us remember to wear seat belts; otherwise, our very lives could be in danger!
For more information about the Seat Belt Law, please visit the LTO’s official website. Meanwhile, to learn more about road safety and traffic rules, read this article about the Road Safety Interactive Center (RSIC), which is located at the LTO Central Office.