You Need to Know about The Motorcycle Act 2015 to Keep Children Safe

In the Philippines, motorcycles are a common means of transportation, and many parents sometimes even have young children on the back of their motorcycles.

The State prioritizes children's rights to care, nutrition, and protection from harm. It actively promotes passenger safety, particularly for children, by regulating motorcycle operations on roads.

In fact, as early as 2015, the country formulated safety guidelines for children riding motorcycles. It is hoped that through this article the public will be reminded of these conditions and the fines for non-compliance.

Republic Act No. 10666: Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015

RA 10666 states that “It shall be unlawful for anyone to drive a two -wheeled motorcycle with a child on board on public roads when a) there is a heavy volume of vehicles; b) there is high density of fast-moving vehicles; or c) the speed limit imposed is more than 60/kph”. Certain conditions must be met to ensure children’s safety as passengers, and these are lined up below:

• 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 referred to under Republic Act No. 10054, otherwise known as the “Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.”
   

Exception. – Notwithstanding the prohibition provided in the preceding section, this Act shall not apply to cases where the child to be transported requires immediate medical attention.

Penalties 

• First offense ： PHP 3,000
• Second offense ： PHP 5,000
• Third and succeeding offenses ： PHP 10,000; suspension of Driver’s License on third offense, and revocation beyond third offense

Violating the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act can lead to severe consequences. If a violation results in death or injury, the motorcycle rider faces a one-year imprisonment. This is in addition to penalties under the Revised Penal Code of the Philippines (Act No. 3815).

If a child passenger gets hurt or dies due to a breach of RA 10666, the driver faces jail time.

For safety, motorcycle riders must avoid carrying children against regulations. This also ensures better child protection.