Salient Provisions of Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015

Republic Act No. 10666 or the Children’s Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015 was enacted to provide a more proactive and preventive approach in securing the safety of passengers, especially children, by regulating the operation of motorcycles along roads and highways.

DEFINITION OF TERMS

Motorcycle – Any two (2)-wheeled motor vehicle having one  or two riding saddles

• Saddle means supportive structure for a rider or other load.

Public roads – Roads designed by the national government or local government units as roads for public use such as, but not limited to:

1. National highways,
2. Provincial roads,
3. City, municipal and barangay streets;

Foot peg – A flat form attached to the motorcycles on which to stand or brace the feet

Rider – Driver of a motorcycle

PROHIBITED ACT

It shall be unlawful for any person to drive a two (2)-wheeled motorcycle with a child on board on public roads where:

1. There is heavy volume of vehicles,
2. There is a high density of fast moving vehicles or
3. There is a speed limit of more than 60/kph imposed

EXCEPTIONS: (where rider/operator is not liable)

FIRST EXCEPTION: When all of these are satisfied:

1. The child passenger can comfortably reach his/her feet on the standard foot peg of the motorcycle;
2. The child’s arms can reach around and grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider; and
3. The child is wearing a standard protective helmet referred to Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009.

SECOND EXCEPTION: In cases where the child to be transported requires immediate medical attention.

PENALTIES

QUALIFYING CIRCUMSTANCE