The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Wednesday clarified that the penalty for violation of the rule on child restraint system (CRS) is being imposed based on the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, not on Single Ticketing System (STS).
The MMDA made the clarification following an online report attributing the CRS penalty to the STS.
“The set traffic violation penalty for failure to use a child restraint system (CRS) or use of a substandard child restraint system (CRS) is not imposed by the STS, per se, but is in accordance with Republic Act No. 11229, or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act,” the MMDA expla ined.
Under RA 11229, drivers caught violating the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act will be fined P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third and succeeding offenses.
The same penalties apply for using substandard or expired child restraint systems, as well as products that do not bear the Philippine Standard mark, ICC Sticker, or LTO clearance.
The MMDA stated that all listed traffic violations and penalties under the STS, which are the product of a series of consultations and were agreed upon by all Metro Manila traffic enforcement agencies and local government units, were integrated into the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023, which serves as the guideline for the STS.
Enumerated in the Metro Manila Traffic Code of 2023 are the most common traffic violations as well as other special laws, including the protection of children for road safety.
All traffic violations or penalties stipulated in the traffic code were adopted in accordance to the existing laws, and no new ones are to be imposed.
The STS is set to be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) this coming April.