MANILA (1 February 2021) - The use of car seats for children 12 years old and below is now required by law in the Philippines and will be enforced starting February 2. Republic Act 11229, or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, requires that children up to 12 years of age or up to 4’ 11” in height should each be buckled up in a car seat, also called a child restraint system (CRS) while inside a covered private motor vehicle. The car seat used must be suited to the child’s age, height, or weight. The law further requires that children do not sit in the front seats of vehicles and are never left unaccompanied by an adult, even if strapped in a child car seat. Private motor vehicles include covered vehicles such as cars, SUVs, AUVs, and vans including those for hire. The law does not cover tricycles, jeepneys, and other public utility vehicles. Details of the enforcement were discussed in a press conference held online last Friday, January 29. Mr. Bob Valera, deputy director for