The Land Transportation Office (LTO) revealed on January 8 that over 134,000 motorists were apprehended nationwide in 2024 for violating Republic Act 8750, also known as the Seat Belts Use Act of 1999. This intensified enforcement drive highlights the agency’s commitment to road safety, collecting over ₱179.9 million in fines from violators.
LTO Steps Up Seatbelt Enforcement
LTO Chief, Assistant Secretary Atty. Vigor D. Mendoza II, emphasized the agency’s no-nonsense approach to implementing the Seatbelt Law. “Kung noon ay kaya pang lusutan, ngayon ay hindi na,” Mendoza said, underscoring the seriousness of the campaign. He appealed to motorists to prioritize their safety and comply with the law, aligning with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime J. Bautista’s advocacy for road user safety.
“This is for their safety and part of the government’s efforts to ensure the well-being of all road users,” Mendoza added.
Regional Breakdown of Violators
According to LTO data, the CALABARZON region topped the list with 32,485 violators apprehended in 2024. It was followed by Region 3 with 10,774 violators and Region 6 with 10,270 cases.
Out of the 134,147 violators apprehended nationwide, 124,712 have already settled their penalties. Meanwhile, 53 motorists are contesting their violations, and others are yet to pay the fines.
Aggressive Campaign for Safer Roads
The intensified campaign is part of LTO’s broader “Stop Road Crash” initiative. Asec. Mendoza vowed to sustain the agency’s strict enforcement efforts while also launching an aggressive public information campaign to raise awareness about the importance of seatbelt use.
“Our approach will be two-pronged,” Mendoza explained. “Strict enforcement will be complemented by a massive information drive to help motorists understand the life-saving importance of wearing seatbelts.”
Collaboration with Stakeholders
The LTO plans to partner with local government units, community organizations, and citizen groups to promote road safety awareness. Transport groups, schools, and other stakeholders will also play an integral role in spreading the message.
By engaging these organizations, the LTO hopes to foster a culture of compliance and responsibility among both drivers and passengers.
Why Seatbelt Use Matters
The Seat Belts Use Act of 1999 mandates that both drivers and passengers wear seatbelts while on the road. The law aims to reduce injuries and fatalities in traffic accidents by ensuring that road users take basic safety precautions.
Despite the law’s existence for over two decades, many motorists remain non-compliant. The LTO’s data-driven approach and collaboration with enforcement agencies aim to address this gap and make roads safer for everyone.
Road Ahead: Sustained Enforcement and Awareness
Looking ahead, the LTO is determined to maintain its momentum in 2025. Beyond enforcing penalties, the agency aims to educate the public about the risks of non-compliance. Studies have shown that seatbelts reduce serious injuries in car crashes by 45-50%, making them a crucial component of road safety.
“We are not just enforcing laws; we are protecting lives,” Asec. Mendoza reiterated. “By combining strict enforcement with widespread awareness, we can significantly reduce road crashes and fatalities.”
The LTO’s crackdown on seatbelt violations in 2024 is a strong reminder for motorists to comply with traffic laws. With over 134,000 apprehended and ₱179.9 million collected in fines, the agency is sending a clear message: road safety is a shared responsibility.