Small children will no longer allowed to ride motorcycles starting May 19, 2017

Starting this Friday, May 19, small children will no longer be allowed to ride as passengers on motorcycles, as authorities will begin fully implementing Republic Act 10666, otherwise known as the Children's Safety on Motorcycles Act of 2015.

Under its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), only children whose feet can reach the foot peg and are able to fully wrap their arms around the rider's waist will be allowed to ride motorcycles. Of course, said children must wear protective gear, and must be with an adult. Sitting in front of the rider will not be allowed as well. The only exception will be in cases where the child being transported requires immediate medical attention.

Violators will face a penalty of P3,000 for the first offense, P5,000 for the second, P10,000 and a one-month suspension of his or her license for the third, and the automatic revocation of his or her license for any violation past that.

The law will be implemented mainly by the Land Transportation Office (LTO), which has the authority to deputize members of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and local government units (LGU).

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), this is "a proactive and preventive approach to secure the safety of child passengers."