The seatbelt law has taken effect nationwide. 

The most important things to remember are:

1) The driver and front seat passengers are required to wear 3-point seatbelts.

2) The rear seat passengers are required to wear at least lap belts.

3) No child under 6 years of age are allowed to occupy the front seats.

4) The law applies even if a vehicle is stuck in traffic, i.e., whenever the vehicle is in circulation on a public or private street and not just when the vehicle is in motion.

5) The above provisions apply to all drivers and passengers in taxis, to the front seat and middle row passengers in private and public AUVs (FXs, Hi-Landers and Adventures) and SUVs with the passengers in any rear bench seats exempt and to the drivers and passengers in the front seats of jeepneys and buses.  All drivers and passengers in vans are likewise required to wear seatbelts.

6) All non-complying vehicles are required to install seatbelts within one year of the effectivity of the law, i.e., by 15 November 2000, prior to scheduled renewal of registration.

   Since this is a nationwide law, all properly deputized traffic personnel and local official in any part of the country can enforce the law.

   By deputization, it means that the traffic authority or local official is authorized to issue traffic violation receipts (TVRs) when confiscating a driver's license for a violation such as non-compliance with the seatbelt law.  The TVR serves as a temporary driver's license until the fee for the violation is paid and the original driver's license is retrieved.

   Therefore, do not surrender your driver's license for any traffic violation unless a TVR can be issued and you have ascertained where the fine should be paid and the where the original driver's license can be retrieved.

   Always remember to buckle up, not only is it the law but it may save your life as well!