What is RA 8750?

The Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 is a Philippine law that requires the use of seat belts in vehicles to reduce injuries and deaths from road accidents. It makes wearing seat belts mandatory for both drivers and passengers, whether you are in the front or back seats.

The law also regulates the importation and manufacturing of vehicles, requiring them to have proper seat belts installed.

Why Was the Seat Belts Use Act Created?

• Every year, thousands of Filipinos are injured or killed in car crashes.

• Studies showed that seat belts can reduce death risk by 45–50% for front passengers.

• Before this law, many vehicles did not have seat belts, and even if they did, people often refused to wear them.

• The government passed RA 8750 to save lives and promote a culture of road safety.

Who Must Wear Seat Belts?

Vehicle Type Seat Belt Rules

Private Vehicles (cars, SUVs, pickups, etc.) Driver and front seat passenger must always wear seat belts. Back seat passengers are also encouraged.

Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) — like taxis, vans, tourist buses Driver and front seat passenger must wear seat belts.

Trucks and Cargo Vehicles Driver and front passenger must wear seat belts.

School Transport Vehicles (vans, coasters) Seat belts should be available for all passengers if possible.

Rules for Children

• Children aged 6 years old and below are not allowed to sit in the front seat even with a seat belt.

• They must be seated at the back seats where it is safer.

• Proper child restraints or car seats are recommended for very young children (although RA 11229, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, further strengthened this in 2019).

Purpose: To protect small kids from airbag injuries and direct collision impacts.

Rules for Vehicle Importers and Manufacturers

• All new vehicles imported, manufactured, or assembled in the Philippines must have seat belts installed.

• At least two seat belts in the front seats must be properly designed and functional.

• No vehicle should be sold or registered without mandatory seat belts.

Even secondhand imported vehicles must meet this rule before being registered with LTO.

Penalties for Not Following the Law

Violation Penalty

Driver not wearing seat belt Fine of ₱1,000 (first offense), 

₱2,000 (second offense), 

₱5,000 (third offense) + possible suspension of driver's license.

Front passenger not wearing seat belt Same fines apply to the driver.

Allowing a child under 6 in front seat Fines and possible driver's license suspension.

Selling or importing a vehicle without seat belts Heavy fines and cancellation of business licenses.

Enforcement Agencies

Agency Responsibility

Land Transportation Office (LTO) Main enforcement agency — checks seat belt compliance during registration and inspections.

Philippine National Police – Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) Conducts random roadside checks for seat belt use.

Local Government Units (LGUs) Traffic enforcers can issue tickets for violations in cities and municipalities.

Why Seat Belts Are Very Important

• Keeps you inside the vehicle during a crash (you won't be thrown out, which often causes death).

• Distributes crash forces over stronger parts of your body (like your chest and pelvis).

• Protects your head and spine by controlling sudden movements.

• Prevents secondary impacts inside the car (hitting the dashboard, windshield, or other passengers).

Seat belts are your first defense in road accidents — even better than airbags alone!

Important Facts to Remember

1. You can be pulled over and fined just for not wearing a seat belt — even if you are obeying all other traffic rules.

2. Wearing the seat belt properly is important:

• • Lap belt should go over your hips (not your stomach).

  • Shoulder belt should go over your chest (not under your arm or behind your back).

3. Pregnant women must also wear seat belts, but adjusted to fit safely (lap belt under the belly).

Conclusion

The Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 is not just about avoiding fines — it’s about keeping Filipino families safe on the road. By following this law, you protect yourself and your loved ones from serious injuries or death. Wearing a seat belt is simple, quick, and lifesaving — every trip, every seat, every time.

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