Law Banning Small Children from Riding Motorcycles to Take Effect on May 19

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The law banning small children from riding motorcycles as passengers shall be implemented starting on May 19, Friday.

Under Republic Act 10666 or Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, two-wheeled motorcycle riders may not be allowed to drive a motorcycle with a small child on board. The Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) stipulate that only children whose feet can reach the foot peg, could wrap their arms around the driver’s waist, and wears protective gear such as a helmet may be allowed to ride on a motorcycle with an adult.

The law covers all public roads, including roads where there is a heavy volume of vehicles, where there is a high-density of fast-moving vehicles, or where the speed limit is more than 60kph. An exception applies only to cases where a child to be transported requires immediate medical attention.

Violators will be fined PHP 3,000 on their first offense, PHP 5,000 on their second offense, and PHP 10,000 on their third offense and suspension of driver’s license for a month. Beyond the third offense, violators will have their licenses revoked.

The Department of Transportation believes that this proactive and preventive approach will secure the safety of passengers, especially children. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) shall be the lead implementing agency and may deputize traffic enforcers and Local Government Units (LGUs) to implement the law.

RA 10666 was signed on July 21, 2015 but was only implemented now upon the aggressive push of Secretary Art Tugade.

According to the World Health Organization, in its 2015 Global Status Report on Road Safety, 53% of reported road fatalities in the Philippines involved motorcycle riders.