MANILA, Philippines - Effective today, May 19, children below 18 years old are now prohibited from riding motorcycles particularly those traversing major public roads in accordance with Republic Act No. 10666 or “Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015.”
Although it was signed into law by former President Benigno Aquino III on July 21, 2015, authorities such as the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and other law enforcement agencies will start apprehending motorcycle drivers with small children today.
Under the said law, motorcycle drivers are not allowed to carry small children as passengers especially those plying on roads where there are heavy volumes of fast-moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 60kph are enforced.
However, children who are able to reach the motorcycle’s foot peg and can embrace the waist of the driver will be allowed to ride a motorcycle. Still, child passengers will be required to wear the standard protective gear for riding motorcycles and will not be allowed to sit in front of the motorcycle or between riders.
A child will only be allowed to ride on motorcycles when he or she is being transported due to immediate medical attention.
Those who will be proven guilty of violating the law will be fined P3,000 on the first offense; P5,000 on the second offense; and P10,000 as well as one-month suspension of the driver’s license on the third offense. Those who will be caught beyond third offense will have their licenses revoked by the LTO.
Motorcycle drivers will be put behind bars for one year in addition to the penalties provided for in the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines in case of accidents resulting to injuries or death of the child passenger.
--Mini, The Summit Express
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| PHOTO CREDIT: Inquirer |
Under the said law, motorcycle drivers are not allowed to carry small children as passengers especially those plying on roads where there are heavy volumes of fast-moving vehicles or where a speed limit of more than 60kph are enforced.
However, children who are able to reach the motorcycle’s foot peg and can embrace the waist of the driver will be allowed to ride a motorcycle. Still, child passengers will be required to wear the standard protective gear for riding motorcycles and will not be allowed to sit in front of the motorcycle or between riders.
A child will only be allowed to ride on motorcycles when he or she is being transported due to immediate medical attention.
Those who will be proven guilty of violating the law will be fined P3,000 on the first offense; P5,000 on the second offense; and P10,000 as well as one-month suspension of the driver’s license on the third offense. Those who will be caught beyond third offense will have their licenses revoked by the LTO.
Motorcycle drivers will be put behind bars for one year in addition to the penalties provided for in the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines in case of accidents resulting to injuries or death of the child passenger.
--Mini, The Summit Express
