Republic Act 10666: Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act Philippines

The Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Republic Act No. 10666: Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015, has always been concerned about children’s safety on motorcycles.  In a bid to defend the children’s right to special protection, the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act, a proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of passengers, especially children, by regulating the operation of motorcycles along roads and highways, was enacted. 

Toward this end, the DOTr, along with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Philippine National Police (PNP), ensures that no child will bear the risks of being squashed between driver and pillion, while riding as passengers on motorcycles. The law also states the conditions that need to be met for children to be able to ride motorcycles, along with the accompanying fines should they violate the rules.

republic act 10666 children safety on motorcycles philippines

What is RA 10666?

The Republic Act 10666 is a law in the Philippines also known as the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015. The law is the manifestation of the government’s attempt to offer protection to children on the road. It prohibits any person from driving a motorcycle on public roads with a child on board and offers a clear guideline for children passengers on motorcycles.

According to RA 10666, it is unlawful for anyone to drive a two (2)-wheeled motorcycle with a child on board on public roads. While there are exemptions, the rule applies to every child, as long as they are below the age of eighteen (18). Violations of the law may result in hefty fines or even suspension and revocation of the driver’s license. In worse cases, or in cases of injuries and accidental death, the driver may also be sent to jail. 

Coverage and Exemptions under the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015

The Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act it is unlawful for any child below 18 years old to be transported aboard a motorcycle or any two-wheeled motor vehicles with either one or two riding saddles. However, like any other law, there are some exemptions to this rule as well.

Coverage

According to the provisions of the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act, the act is effective on all motorcycles traversing all kind public roads nationwide, such as, but not limited to the following:

  • National highways
  • Provincial roads
  • Municipal streets
  • Barangay streets
  • Roads with a heavy volume of vehicles
  • Roads with a high-density of fast moving vehicles
  • Roads with a speed limit of more than 60 kph 

This is especially true during the following situations: 

  • when there is a heavy volume of vehicles; 
  • when there is a high density of fast-moving vehicles; or 
  • when the speed limit imposed is more than 60/kph.

Exemptions

Notwithstanding the prohibition provided for in the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act, no child shall be allowed to board a motor vehicle with a running engine or be transported on any road, street, or highway, unless they meet the following conditions:

  • The child, of any age, requires immediate medical attention and must be transported right away. 
  • 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.

Just to clarify the preceding information on coverage and exemptions, this law covers motorcycles defined as “any two (2)-wheeled motor vehicle having one (1) or two (2) riding saddles” riding along public roads. The foot peg, referred to in the Act, which is one of the prerequisites for children’s safety and ability to ride as a motorcycle passenger, is defined as “a flat form attached to the motorcycles on which to stand or brace the feet.”

Penalties and Fees for Violating the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015

Another provision in the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act details the hefty penalties, fees, and punishments associated with any case of violations, regardless if it results in serious or less serious injuries or accidental death. 

  • First offense: P 3,000.00
  • Second offense: P 5,000.00
  • Third and succeeding offenses: P 10,000.00; plus the suspension of the driver’s Driver’s License on third offense, and revocation
    • Beyond third offense: P 10,000.00; plus the revocation of the driver’s Driver’s License

The law also states that, 

If, in violation of the provisions of this law, death shall have resulted or serious or less serious injuries shall have been inflicted upon the child or any other person, a penalty of one (1) year imprisonment shall be imposed upon the motorcycle rider or operator of the motorcycle involved without prejudice to the penalties provided for under Act No. 3815, otherwise known as “The Revised Penal Code of the Philippines”.

Simply put, if a child passenger is injured or dies following a violation of RA 10666, then the driver will have to serve jail time.

Important Reminders

For tour reference, here are some important reminders worth taking note of: 

  • RA10666 finally gave law enforcers the teeth to penalize erring motorcycle riders who continue to transport small children onboard motorcycles.
  • Some people believe it to be the legacy of the late President Benigo Aquino III. 
  • The law offers protection to the riders and their children.
  • After all, motorcycle injuries are among the top causes of road crash deaths, comprising 56% of the total identified transport cases nationwide.
  • The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is the lead implementing agency of the law in the Philippines.

Video: Understanding the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act. 

For more information on the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act, watch this explainer video from DriveSafe Ph.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

For more information, you may check out this list of the most common questions and answers regarding the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act or RA 10666:

1. What is RA1066 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015?

RA1066 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. Is this law important?

Yes. It is quite important as this is a proactive and preventive attempt by the government to secure the safety of child passengers in accordance with the national policy to protect the children’s right to a safe and secure environment.

3. Who will enforce the law?

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

Summary

In a nutshell, RA 10666, also known as the Children Safety on Motorcycles Act, makes it unlawful for anyone to have a child on board while driving any two (2)-wheeled motorcycle and on public roads. This is especially true when there is a heavy volume of vehicles, there is high density of fast-moving vehicles, or the speed limit is more than 60/kph. The law not only serves as a reminder and a regulation that entails penalties when violated, but it is actually one that invokes the call to “think of the children” in an attempt to protect those little lives we all value so much. 

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