LTO tells families with bigger, taller kids: Use bigger cars

Photo from Land Transportation Office-Philippines Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — Land Transportation Office (LTO) Director Clarence Guinto on Monday advised bigger families with tall children to use bigger cars in compliance with Republic Act No. 11229, or the Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act.

In an interview over DZMM Teleradyo, Guinto was asked about what to do if the car has only limited space for car seats and raises concern about the safety of taller children who are also required to use booster seats.

“Siguro ma’am laki-lakihan mo ang sasakyan mo. We will take note of that,” Guinto said.

(Maybe you should use a bigger car.)

The Child Safety In Motor Vehicles Act prohibits children 12 years old and under to sit in the front car seat. Under the law, children are also required to be secured in a car seat appropriate to their age, size, weight, and height.

“Kahit naman na kung more than 12 years old at mababa pa rin siya, meron na siyang capacity to react to a situation. Pero ‘yung 12 and below talagang dapat mayroon tayong child restraining seat,” Guinto explained.

(Those who are older than 12 years old and but still short [in terms of height], they still have the capacity to react to a situation. But children 12 years old and below should really use a child restraining seat.)

According to Guinto, the law will take effect on Tuesday, February 2. Violators will be fined from P1,000 to P5,000.

“This is for the protection of the children, 12 years old and below, kaya we are seeking the cooperation of the public na makiisa dito sa pagpapatupad ng batas na ito,” the LTO official added.

(This is for the protection of the children, 12 years old and below, that is why we are seeking the cooperation of the public to comply with the law.)