The Children’s Safety On Motorcycles Act of 2015–10 Things You Need To Know, And More

Patrick Everett Tadeo • May 18, 2017 • 2 • 10.7k

Children below 18 years old will no longer be allowed to ride on motorcycles starting today, May 19, as Republic Act 10666, or the the Children’s Safety On Motorcycles Act of 2015, is officially in effect. This comes a day after the Anti-Distracted Driving Act took effect on May 18.

Under the law, it is illegal to operate a two-wheeled motorcycle on public roads if a child is on board, specifically if there’s a heavy volume of vehicles, there’s a high density of fast moving vehicles, or where there’s a speed limit of more than 60 kph is imposed. The exception here is if the child’s feet can comfortably reach the motorcycle’s foot peg for the pillion rider, the child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider, and the child is wearing a standard protective helmet. Another exception is if the child being transported requires immediate medical attention.

“The Department of Transportation believes that this proactive and preventive approach will secure the safety of passengers, especially children,” the agency said in a statement.

The Children’s Safety On Motorcycles Act of 2015 10-Point Guidelines

1. What is RA 1066 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015?

RA 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 prohibits any person from driving a motorcycle on public roads with a child on board.

2. When will the law be implemented?

The law will take effect on May 19, 2017 (Friday).

3. What are the roads covered by the law?

The law covers all public roads nationwide such as but not limited to national highways, provincial roads, and municipal and barangay streets. This also includes roads where there is a heavy volume of vehicles, there is a high-density of fast moving vehicles, or where a speed limit of more than 60 kph is imposed.

4. What type of motorcycles are covered by the law?

This covers any two-wheeled motor vehicles having one or two riding saddles.

5. Are all children covered by the law? What are the exemptions?

A child refers to any person below 18 years old. However, a child may be allowed to board a motorcycle on public roads if: the child passenger can comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot peg of the motorcycle; the child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider; and the child is wearing a standard protective helmet or gear.

6. Are children allowed to ride in front of the rider?

Sitting in front of the rider is not allowed.

7. How about medical emergencies?

The law does not apply to cases where the child to be transported requires immediate medical attention.

8. What are the penalties for violators?

First Offense – P3,000 fine

Second Offense – P5,000 fine

Third Offense – P10,000 fine and a one-month suspension of driver’s license

Violation beyond the third time – Automatic revocation of driver’s license

9. Who will enforce the law?

The DOTr – Land Transportation Office (LTO) is the lead implementing agency of the Act. The LTO also has the authority to deputize members of the PNP, MMDA, and LGUs to carry out enforcement functions and duties.

10. Why is this law important?

This is a proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of child passengers. It is the policy of the State to protect children.

2 Comments

Dojie

July 19, 2017 at 12:58 pm — Reply

Nahuli po ako kanina lng ra 10666 lto po nakahuli sken pwede ko po kya icontest kc alam ko exempted na anak ko kc grde5 student n sya abot nya ang footrest ng motor ko at kaya na nya akong yakapin habang nakaangkas sken…tnx po
Aurea Rodriguez

May 7, 2019 at 8:09 pm — Reply

Does a baby with months-old allowed to ride a motorcycle with a carrier?