What is The Height Requirement For Child to be Exempted To Use Child Restraint System (CRS)?
What is The Height Requirement For Child to be Exempted To Use Child Restraint System (CRS)? Let’s get straight to the point. According to Republic Act No. 11229, otherwise known as the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, child restraint systems, child seats, or booster seats are required for children aged 12 or younger who are 4’11” (150 cm.) or shorter. It should be noted, however, that if your children are younger than 13 years of age and already taller than 4’11” or 150 cm, then they are exempt from the requirement to use a booster seat or child restraint system. Despite this, they will still have to sit in the backseat of the vehicle.
In 2017, the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act was passed in response to the call to action by the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the alarming number of children who are killed in traffic accidents. Upon passage of this law, the government has now created a special protection for child passengers while traveling in private motor vehicles.
What is Child Restraint System (CRS)?
A child restraint system (CRS) falls under the category of a device that has been approved by law pursuant to Section 6 of Republic Act No. 11229. The child seat or booster seat is a system designed to accommodate the comfort of the child occupant whether the child is seated or reclining.
The CRS is mandatory for motor vehicle owners who transport children as it is designed to reduce the risk of injury to the children, twelve (12) years or younger, by limiting the body’s mobility in the event of a collision or a sudden deceleration of the vehicle, thereby reducing the risk of injury.
RA 11229 and Child Restraint Systems (CRS)
Republic Act No. RA 11229 (RA 11229), officially known as An Act Providing for the Special Protection of Child Passengers in Motor Vehicles and Making Appropriations. Funds Therefore or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, is a law intended to ensure children’s safety while aboard any form of motor vehicle by providing the use of safe, dependable, quality, and affordable child restraint systems in motor vehicles in addition to providing easy accessibility to safe, appropriate, quality and affordable child restraint systems that pass the international standards accepted by the United Nations.
It was reinforced by the implementation Rules and Regulations of RA 12299 jointly prepared by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Health (DOH), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Council for the Welfare of Children (CWC) and other coordinating agencies to guarantee that the provisions are appropriate and completely reasonable and safe.
Height Requirement for Exemption from CRS
According to Republic Act No. 11229, a child may be exempted from using a CRS only if the child is above 150 cm (4 feet 11 inches) in height.
| Age | Height | CRS Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| 12 years old or below | 150 cm (4’11”) or less | CRS Required |
| 12 years old or below | Above 150 cm (4’11”) | CRS Not Required |
In simple terms, if a child is taller than 150 cm, even if they are under 12 years old, they may be allowed to use the regular seatbelt instead of a CRS. However, children below 150 cm in height must use a CRS, regardless of their age.
The Provisions for the use of child restraint systems (CRS)
The following are some provisions relating to the use of child restraint systems in cars when transporting children:
Mandatory Use of Child Restraint Systems in Motor Vehicles
According to the Road Traffic Act of 1972, children between the ages of zero (0) and twelve (12) must be restrained in a child restraint system (CRS) while they are aboard a closed motor vehicle with the engine running. The age requirement is applicable to all children, except if the child does not measure at least 4’11” (150 centimeters or 59 inches) in height.
Likewise, children who are over 150 cm tall (59 ins) are considered very tall. There is no longer a requirement that children under the age of 3-years-old be restrained inside a motor vehicle while it is in motion. The child cannot, however, be left alone inside a closed motor vehicle, regardless of his or her height or circumstances, as long as he or she is twelve (12) years old or younger.
Children in the rear seats
If a child is under the age of twelve (12) years old and a motor vehicle has a running engine, it is not allowed for them to sit in the front seat. This applies regardless of whether the child is being transported on a road, street, or highway, or if they are taller than 4’11” or 150 centimeters or 59 inches.
Child restraint systems safety standards
A child restraint system (CRS) must also meet the minimum safety standards set forth by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in accordance with the standards detailed in the United Nations Regulation 44 and 129 as well as other acceptable international standards when it comes to the approval or disapproval of child restraints. Prior to manufacturing, selling, distributing, and using a CRS legally in the Philippines, it must be stamped with the logo and certifications of the Bureau of Product Standards (BPS), the Philippine Standards (PS) mark license, or the Import Clearance Certificate (ICC).
Child restraint systems (CRS) that are substandard or expired are prohibited
RA 11229 also states that it is unlawful to manufacture, use, import, sell, distribute, donate, lease, advertise, promote, or otherwise market the use of substandard or expired child restraint systems, whether it is a person, company, partnership, sole proprietorship, manufacturer, distributor, or importer. Likewise, such CRS are illegal to use, regardless of whether they appear to be legal.
Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act In PDF
Child Restraint System – Video Guide
How to Choose the Right Child Restraint System (CRS)
Choosing the right CRS depends on your child’s age, height, and weight. There are different types:
| Type | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Infant Car Seats | Newborns up to 12 months / 10 kg |
| Convertible Seats | Infants to toddlers up to 18 kg |
| Booster Seats | 4–12 years old / Up to 36 kg / Under 150 cm |
| Combination Seats | From toddlers to school-age children |
Always look for the Philippine Standard (PS) mark or International safety certification when purchasing a CRS.
Importance of the CRS Law
This law isn’t just a regulation it’s a life-saving measure. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), correctly used CRS can reduce infant death risk by 70% and child deaths by 54% in car crashes. That’s a huge margin of safety that cannot be ignored.
By understanding and complying with this law, Filipino parents and guardians are not only avoiding fines they are actively protecting their children’s lives.
FAQs About Height Requirement For Child to be Exempted To Use Child Restraint System
What is the age and height requirement for using a Child Restraint System (CRS) in the Philippines?
Ans: Under Republic Act No. 11229, children 12 years old or younger and below 150 cm (4’11”) in height must use a CRS while inside a private motor vehicle. Children taller than 150 cm may be exempted but must still sit in the backseat.
Are there penalties for using expired or substandard CRS devices?
Ans: Yes. RA 11229 strictly prohibits the use, sale, or distribution of expired or substandard child restraint systems. Violators including importers, retailers, and users may face fines or legal consequences. Always look for the Philippine Standards (PS) mark or Import Clearance Certificate (ICC) on CRS products.
Can a child taller than 150 cm still sit in the front seat?
Ans: No. Even if a child is taller than 150 cm, they must still sit in the backseat if they are 12 years old or younger. The law strictly forbids children under 13 from sitting in the front seat while the vehicle engine is running.
How do I choose the right type of CRS for my child?
Ans: Choosing the right CRS depends on your child’s age, weight, and height. Here is a reference table:
| CRS Type | Recommended For |
|---|---|
| Infant Car Seat | Newborns up to 12 months / Up to 10 kg |
| Convertible Seat | Infants to toddlers / Up to 18 kg |
| Booster Seat | 4 to 12 years old / Up to 36 kg / Under 150 cm |
| Combination Seat | Toddlers to school-aged children |
Why is Republic Act No. 11229 important?
Ans: The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act was enacted to prevent child fatalities and injuries in car crashes. CRS use has been proven by WHO to reduce infant deaths by 70% and child deaths by 54%. This law ensures children are protected by certified restraint systems that meet international safety standards.
Conclusion
The Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act (RA 11229) represents a vital step forward in protecting children on the road. By mandating the use of certified child restraint systems (CRS), the law not only promotes safety but also aligns with global standards. Filipino parents are encouraged to understand the law, invest in proper CRS devices, and commit to backseat safety, ultimately reducing preventable injuries and saving young lives on Philippine roads.
