Child Restraint Systems: Installation, Age, and Height Requirements

In 2017, the Philippine Congress approved RA 11229, commonly known as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act. This legislation aims to provide special protection to child passengers in motor vehicles by mandating the use of car seats or child restraint systems. The law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte on February 22, 2019, but its full enforcement was delayed due to COVID-19 lockdowns. Finally, on February 2, 2021, the act officially came into effect.

The primary objective of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, or RA 11229, is to maximize the safety of children traveling in motor vehicles. The motivation behind this legislation stems from the alarming number of deaths resulting from road accidents. In 2018 alone, a total of 12,487 deaths were recorded, emphasizing the urgency to prioritize road safety measures.

The United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) have long been advocating for road safety laws to protect children, and the Philippines has lagged behind in implementing these measures compared to other countries. The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act aligns with these international standards, bringing the Philippines up to par with global child safety regulations.

To ensure compliance with the law, several rules and regulations govern the use of child car seats.

1.RA 11229 Age Requirement: 

Children under the age of 12 are prohibited from occupying the front passenger seat.

2. RA 11229 Height Requirement:

Children below 150 cm (4'11" or 59 inches) in height must be secured in a child seat or restraint system unless they are taller than this measurement. Passengers taller than 150 cm must be properly secured using a regular seatbelt.

3. Certifications:

Child seats must conform to United Nations Regulations 44 and 149. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers are required to obtain the Philippine Standard (PS) Safety Certification Mark License or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) certificate before selling the child restraint system.

For parents who purchased child seats before the implementation of the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, they must seek clearance from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to continue using their child restraint systems, as stated in section 13 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 11229.

The law covers both public and private motor vehicles. However, tricycles and motorcycles are yet to be included, as the Department of Transportation (DOTr) is currently studying their feasibility for implementing child restraint systems. Furthermore, the DOTr is required to conduct a study on the use of child restraint systems in public transport vehicles such as jeeps, buses, taxis, vans, and other forms of public transportation on the road.

Non-compliance with the law will result in fines and penalties for the driver of the vehicle:

- First offense: P1,000
- Second offense: P2,000
- Third offense: P5,000 + 1-year driver's license suspension

These penalties also apply if substandard child seats or child restraint systems are used.

While the law is to be implemented without exceptions, certain circumstances allow for exemptions. These exemptions include situations where using a child seat could potentially worsen a child's medical condition or developmental condition, causing more harm than good.

Now, the question arises: Do child seats really matter? The answer is a resounding yes. Car crashes are the leading cause of injury or death for children. Regular seatbelts in motor vehicles are not designed to accommodate children properly. Child restraint systems can reduce the risk of injury by up to 71% to as high as 82% and lower the risk of death by 28% compared to regular seatbelts. Booster seats, specifically, reduce non-fatal injuries among 4- to 8-year-old children by 45%.

It's important to recognize that seat belts are primarily designed for adults, and without proper restraint, children are at a significantly higher risk of injury or death, regardless of the vehicle's safety rating. The law addresses this concern by prohibiting children below 150 cm (4'9") and aged 12 and below from sitting in the front passenger seat of a running motor vehicle.

By enforcing the use of child restraint systems, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act prioritizes the safety of children and aims to reduce the devastating consequences of road accidents. It is crucial for parents, motorists, and stakeholders to comply with these regulations and ensure that children are protected while traveling in motor vehicles.

How to install Child Seats

When it comes to child car seats, the variations in car seat designs, seat belts, and anchorages can often lead to incorrect installations. This issue has been consistently identified through surveys. However, Isofix seats offer a more secure and user-friendly method of attaching child seats in cars. This article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of Isofix seats, including their features, installation process, and compatibility.

1. What are Isofix Seats?

Isofix seats are designed with specific fitting points that are integrated into both the child car seats and cars during manufacturing. By plugging the Isofix child seat into the corresponding fitting points in the car, the need for using seat belts to secure the seat is eliminated. Additionally, an additional top tether or support leg is used to prevent tilting or rotation of the child seat during an impact.

2. Identifying Isofix Points:

To determine if a car has Isofix points, one should look for Isofix labels located between the base and back of the car seats. Alternatively, the vehicle's handbook, manufacturer, or dealer can provide this information. Similarly, to ensure the compatibility of an Isofix child seat with a specific vehicle, one can consult the child seat manufacturer or retailer, who often provide lists on their websites indicating approved seats for different cars. Visiting a retailer with the car to try out the seat before purchasing is also recommended.

3. Top Tether:

A top tether is a fabric strap that secures the child seat to a tether point behind the rear car seat. The exact location of the top tether point can be found in the car's handbook. Rearward-facing car seats may require attaching the top tether to the car's front seat. Any Isofix child seat equipped with a top tether should be compatible with any car featuring a top tether anchor point.

4. Support Leg:

A support leg is a feature in some Isofix child seats that extends to the floor of the car between the back seat and the front seat, or between the front seat and dashboard. It prevents the child seat from tipping over forwards during a collision. Support legs are easier to use than top tethers, but caution must be exercised to ensure they do not rest on hollow storage compartments in the car's floor, as these compartments may collapse under the impact forces.

5. Fitting Isofix Child Seats:

To install an Isofix seat correctly, the following steps are recommended:
- Ensure that the Isofix seat is approved for use in the specific vehicle.
- Carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.
- Consult resources such as the Child Car Seat Fitting and Compatibility page for guidance on choosing a compatible seat and installing it in the vehicle.
- Locate the Isofix points in the car by referring to the car's handbook or the Isofix label on the rear seats.
- Identify the Isofix connectors on the child seat or base, which are usually two prongs sticking out of the back.
- Insert the connectors into the Isofix slots in the car seat, ensuring an audible click or a visible indicator turning from red to green to confirm secure attachment.
- If using a top tether, connect it to the designated tether point in the car, avoiding attachment to other weak points.
- When using a child seat with a support leg, adjust it correctly to brace the seat against the floor, while avoiding placement over underfloor storage compartments.

6. Isofix Booster Seats:

Isofix connectors are also used to secure booster seats in cars. In addition to the connectors, the child and seat are held in place by the adult seatbelt. It is essential to thread the seat belt through the designated guides or slots provided by the booster seat manufacturer to ensure correct positioning across the child's pelvis, chest, and shoulder. Adjustable backs or headrests should be raised or lowered accordingly based on the child's height.

Isofix seats provide a safer and more convenient solution for securing child car seats. By eliminating the complexities associated with seat belts and offering standardized fitting points, Isofix ensures correct installation and reduces the risk of improper use. It is crucial for parents and caregivers to familiarize themselves with the specific Isofix points in their vehicles and choose compatible seats that meet safety requirements. Following manufacturer instructions and seeking expert advice will help maximize the benefits of Isofix seats and enhance child car safety.