Republic Act (RA) 8750 or the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 mandates motor vehicle drivers and front passengers to wear their seatbelts “while inside a vehicle of running engine on any road or thoroughfare”. Last year, according to the Land Transportation Office (LTO), 134,147 drivers were ticketed for violating the Seatbelt Law.

“Our approach on this matter will be two-pronged: the first is on strict enforcement through the deployment of our enforcers and coordination with other law enforcement agencies. The second one is a massive information drive to make motorists realize the importance of wearing a seatbelt,” said LTO Chief, Atty. Vigor Mendoza II.

Based on LTO data, LTO-CALABARZON (Region IV-A) had the most Seatbelt Law violators apprehended in 2024 with 32,485. This was followed by LTO-Region III (Central Luzon), with 10,774 violators, while LTO-Region VI (Western Visayas) saw 10,270 apprehensions.

Of the 134,147 drivers apprehended for violating the Seatbelt Law from January 1 to December 31, 2024, 124,712 have already settled their penalties. However, 53 drivers are still contesting the violation, while the remaining 9,382 drivers have yet to settle their fines with the LTO.

Under the campaign to promote seatbelt use, the LTO will coordinate with local government units and use the services of citizen groups and community organizations to promote public safety awareness.

Transport groups, schools, and other stakeholders will also be tapped to maximize the information and communication drive to increase awareness about the importance of seat belt use among drivers and passengers.