Starting in April, drivers in Metro Manila will face stiff penalties under the newly unified traffic ticket system, imposed by the Metro Manila Council (MMC). According to the traffic code approved on February 1st, drivers of cars may be fined up to P5,000 for failing to use a child seat, while motorcyclists can face fines of up to P10,000 for violating children’s safety regulations.
This new and unified traffic ticket system aims to ensure stricter enforcement of traffic rules and regulations to promote safer roads in the capital region.
New Traffic Ticket System in NCR Imposes up to P10,000 Fine on Drivers
Under the new system, fines for violation of traffic laws and regulations are uniform across Metro Manila, including those imposed by special laws such as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act and the Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act, the Inquirer reported.
The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act requires the use of Child Restraint System (CRS) or a child seat for children below 12 years of age, and imposes a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
The penalty for using substandard CRS is similarly structured, with P1,000, P3,000 and P5,000 imposed on the first, second and third and subsequent offenses, respectively.
The Children’s Safety on Motorcycle Act, on the other hand, imposes a fine of P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second offense, and P10,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
This act prohibits children from riding motorcycles unless they can reach the standard foot peg of the motorcycle, grasp the waist of the motorcycle rider, and wear a standard protective helmet.
Other fines for traffic violations under special laws include P1,000 for failure to use a seatbelt, P1,500, P3,000, and P5,000 for motorcyclists who do not wear a helmet for the first, second, and third offenses, respectively, and P10,000 for subsequent breaches.
Motorcyclists who wear helmets without an Import Commodity Clearance or ICC will be fined P3,000 for the first offense and P5,000 for subsequent offenses.
Under the new unified traffic ticket system, violators can settle their penalties remotely and online. The MMC has expressed its hope that this new system will help reduce the number of traffic violations and promote safe driving in Metro Manila.
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