The abolition of child car seats has become a reality thanks to amendments to the traffic rules that entered into force on July 12, 2017. Now for the transportation of children from 7 years old without a restraining device will not be fined.
Can we do without a belt?
The amendments to the traffic rules that have come into force not only declare the abolition of car seats for children over 7 years old, but actually transfer seven-year-olds and older children to the category of adult passengers who are required to fasten seat belts when in a vehicle.
The head of the Road Safety Administration, Vladimir Kuzin, when discussing the amendments that have entered into force, reasonably noted that “children are quite tall”, so it is difficult to “shove” them into a small chair. He recalled that seat belts in all modern cars are equipped with lifts to adjust the latch to the physiological parameters of the passenger.
For preschoolers, you will still have to choose a restraint for their weight and height - the rules insist on this. An exception is made in only two cases:
if the child is seriously ill and cannot move in a car in a sitting position;
if there are a lot of kids in the cabin, then only the smallest ones need to be put in a car seat, while the rest should be fastened with child seat belts.
Kuzin explained that the inspector would not compare the weight and height of the young passenger with the characteristics of the car seat. Attention will be paid to age, while parents are not required to carry certificates with the date of birth and present it when the car is stopped. So the traffic police will have to take their parents' word for it.
If yes if…
If the law on the abolition of child car seats came into force earlier, then the Yekaterinburg resident would not have to prove his case in the Supreme Court. It was there that he managed to appeal the verdict of the district and regional courts, which left the fine of 3,000 rubles for improper transportation of a child unchanged.
The man insisted that his 12-year-old son did not fit in any child seat, but always fastened with seat belts with special adapters. Only in the last resort did they agree with his arguments. The judge pointed out that it is also allowed to transport children using other means that securely fix the body of a minor in a car.
About adapters, boosters and straps
At the press conference on the abolition of car seats and other changes in traffic rules, many questions were asked about various frameless structures that have the status of restraints. Can they be used?
Vladimir Kuzin explained: if a manufacturer of adapters, straps and other structures has received a certificate that its products can be used as a child restraint, then until the document has expired, it is possible to ensure the safety of children in a car using them. They will not be punished for it.
In practice, it turns out that most designs for 3-4-year-old children are not suitable, and at an older age they are no longer necessary, therefore, Kuzin is sure that frameless fasteners will leave the market in the near future.
Armchair chair strife!
Earlier it was reported that over the past 5 years, the consciousness of Russians has grown markedly: if earlier only 32% of parents bought a special chair for their child, now 81%.
Despite the abolition of car seats for children, the traffic police recommends using the devices as long as possible. Rigid design with bumpers and headrest protects the child in a side impact more effectively than a seat belt. The risk of spinal injury or concussion during sudden braking is also reduced.
And when discussing the pros and cons of using car seats, Natalya Agre, President of the Movement without Danger Center, recalled that it is important to purchase certified products (the product must have special international marking) and the correct selection of the product class according to the weight and age of the child:
with a weight of up to 10 kg up to a year - class 0;
up to 13 kg up to 15 months - class 0 Plus;
9-18 kg per year-four - class 1;
15-25 kg up to 7 years - class 2;
22-36 kg (until reaching a height of 1.5 m) - class 3.
The cancellation of car seats in 2017 has given many parents a chance to save money. But is it worth using it when it comes to the safety of the child?
According to the rules of the road, the driver must wear seat belts when driving a car and not transport unfastened passengers. Particular attention is paid to the safety of transporting children. Let's understand in detail:
- what are the rules for transporting children in a car;
- what is a "child restraint";
- what devices are available for transporting children;
- what are the requirements for child restraints;
- what are the rules for installing restraints;
- what is the penalty for improper transportation of children;
- what changes in the rules await us.
What is a "Child Restraint"
The concept of a child restraint is given in GOST R 41.44-2005 ().
According to this standard, a child restraint is a set of elements consisting of:
- straps or flexible elements with buckles;
- control devices;
- fastening details;
- and, in some cases, an accessory (such as a carrycot, removable child seat, booster seat and/or impact shield) that is attached to the inside of the vehicle body.
The device must be designed in such a way that in the event of a collision or sudden braking of the car, the risk of injury to the child is reduced, and its mobility is limited.
Child restraints are divided into five weight groups:
group 0 (group 0) - for children weighing less than 10 kg;
group 0+ (group 0+) - for children weighing less than 13 kg;
group I (group I) - for children weighing 9-18 kg;
group II (group II) - for children weighing 15-25 kg;
group III (group III) - for children weighing 22-36 kg.
What devices can be used
The device can be used if:
- it corresponds to the weight and height of the child;
- its design complies with GOST R 41.44-2005.
Child restraints can be of two types: solid and non-solid.
One-piece holding devices. They are a set of all the elements necessary to fix the child in the device. Examples: bassinets, car seats.
Non-solid holding devices. Includes a partial restraint that is used in combination with an adult seat belt and together form the child restraint in the set. Examples: boosters and seat belt adapters.
Rules for installing restraints in a car
According to statistics, the safest place is the middle seat in the back row. The most dangerous is the front passenger seat. Consider this information when positioning restraints in your vehicle.
Car seats can be installed both in the front passenger seat and in the back.
If you are installing a seat in the front, be sure to consider the design of your car. If it has a front passenger airbag, it must be disabled for rear-facing child seats.
What rules for transporting children were in effect until July 2017
It is possible to transport children in a car provided that their safety is ensured. In this case, the design features of the vehicle must be taken into account.
Children under 12 years of age can only be transported in vehicles equipped with seat belts. using child restraints, which correspond to the weight and height of the child, and also other means, which allow you to fasten the child with the seat belt provided in the car.
In the front seat of a car, transportation is allowed only with the use of child restraints (clause 22.9 of the Russian traffic rules).
New rules for transporting children 2017-2018
(Addendum as of 07/03/2017)
On July 10, 2017, amendments to the Rules of the Road of the Russian Federation regarding the requirements for the transportation of children, approved by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated June 28, 2017 No. 761 (), come into force.
Now, in accordance with the new requirements: transportation of children in under 7 years of age in a car and a truck cab must be carried out using child restraint systems (devices) appropriate for the weight and height of the child. In other words - only in a car seat.
Transportation of children aged 7 to 11 years (inclusive) in a passenger car and the cab of a truck must be carried out using a car seat or using seat belts, and in the front seat of a car - only in a car seat.
In addition, according to the new rules, it is forbidden to leave a child under the age of 7 in the car while it is parked in the absence of an adult (paragraph 12.8 of the SDA of the Russian Federation).
Is it possible to use a "booster" when transporting children
Boosters can be used when transporting children if the device meets the requirements of GOST R 41.44-2005 (Russian PCT standard) and is selected in accordance with the weight and height of the child being transported. In preparing this material, a request was sent to the traffic police to clarify this issue. The answer is attached below:
What is the penalty for improper transportation of children
Violation of the requirements for the transportation of children established by the traffic rules entails the imposition of an administrative fine on the driver in the amount of 3,000 rubles, on officials - 25,000 rubles, on legal entities - 100,000 rubles (part 3 of article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
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Transportation of children in a car has always been of interest to motorists, both in terms of the safety of such transportation, and in terms of punishment for violating the established rules. In July 2017, the amendments made to the Rules of the Road of the Russian Federation (hereinafter referred to as the SDA of the Russian Federation) come into force and relate to the requirements and rules for transporting children in a car. They were approved by Decree of the Government of Russia dated June 28, 2017 No. 761. Our new article is intended to acquaint motorists with new changes in the rules for transporting children in a car in 2017.
Every driver has a duty to ensure the safety of his passengers. Especially if there are children in the car. To do this, the driver must be very careful on the road and follow the established rules of the road. According to the traffic rules of the Russian Federation, when in a car, the driver must perform certain actions aimed at creating safe operating conditions for the car. When hit in - it will save human lives.
Children are allowed to be transported only in the cabin of a car or in the cab of a truck. Transportation in the body or trailer of a vehicle is strictly prohibited. It is important to remember that in a car that is equipped with seat belts, children under 12 years of age can only be transported in the front seat using a car seat that matches the weight and height of the child being transported.
If your child is under the age of 7, it can only be transported in the back seat using a child car seat.
For older minor passengers, concessions have been made. Children between 7 and 12 years of age may only ride in the back seat of the vehicle with a seat belt fastened.
Another of the most important changes in the transport of children in a car was the provision on the prohibition of leaving children under the age of 7 alone, unaccompanied by elders, in a vehicle while parking. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia, this change will help prevent cases when children were in danger due to fear, overheating, or, conversely, hypothermia.
In cases where the number of children is more than eight people, then such transportation is an organized group and is allowed only on the bus. Before driving, the driver must obtain the appropriate permit. In addition, the traffic rules of the Russian Federation strictly prohibit the transportation of children under 12 years old in the back seat of a motorcycle.
Expert commentary "New rules for transporting children in cars"
Transportation of the smallest passengers by car
Transportation of infants in a passenger car has some features. For them, a special car seat is provided, mounted on the rear row seats. It is fastened with standard car belts perpendicular to the movement of the vehicle. Inside the cradle, the fixation of a small passenger is carried out with the help of belts holding the child.
Due to the design features of the restraint, the child's position in it is horizontal, which normalizes the infant's breathing and warns its fragile bones from excessive loads. The car cradle is intended for transportation of children up to six months of age. Such a device needs a lot of space, so a car seat can serve as an alternative to it.
Inside such a chair, the child is additionally held by special belts. The seat itself is fastened with brackets or car seat belts that come with the kit. The backrest tilt level can be adjusted, it should be within 30-45 degrees. In the event of a frontal collision, the protection of the child will be maximum. In this position, the chair perfectly holds the baby's head and minimizes the load on the neck.
What is a child car seat for?
In accordance with the introduced changes in the transportation of children in cars, each driver must install a child seat. This need arises from some design features of vehicles. The safety system provided by regular seat belts in any car is effective only for passengers who are over 150 centimeters tall. When using such fasteners for shorter people, the straps will put pressure on their neck.
It is strictly forbidden to carry small children in your arms. From a collision, even at low speed, the weight of a child can increase tenfold, and it will be very problematic to keep him. This means that the little passenger is in extreme danger. The twelve-year-old age specified in all requirements for the carriage of children is chosen for the reason that it is by this age that children grow up to 150 centimeters. If you are taller, you can use the car's standard seat belts.
Infographic "How to choose a child car seat?"
Where should a child car seat be installed?
The car seat for the child can be installed both in the rear and in the front seat. The adopted changes in the transportation of children in a car do not prohibit this. However, a prerequisite is to turn off the airbag, since if activated, it can cause irreparable harm to the child. If a passenger who has reached the age of twelve is transported in the front seat, then the airbag must be active. The main element of protection here are seat belts. The most suitable place for a child car seat is the center rear seat. According to statistics, it is the safest, so it is perfect for transporting children.
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Administrative fine for violators of the rules for transporting children
Violation of changes in the transportation of children in a car, established by the new version of the traffic rules of the Russian Federation, entails the imposition of an administrative:
- the driver is issued a fine in the amount of 3000 rubles;
- officials must pay 25,000 rubles;
- legal entities - 100,000 rubles.
Drivers who leave small children in a car while parking without adult supervision may be subject to an administrative fine of 500 rubles.
The full text of Decree of the Russian Government dated June 28, 2017 No. 761 on amendments to the rules for transporting children in a car can be found on our website by downloading it from the link below:
Government Decree on amendments to the rules for transporting children in a car New data!!! Please note that the text refers to a bill that was to be adopted and come into force from January 2017. However, to date (January 10, 2017), despite wide publicity, the bill has not been adopted. Therefore, the old norms and rules for transporting children are now in effect.
Since in order to improve road safety, new amendments can be adopted and approved that will require the driver to perform certain actions to protect minors in the car. Many of the changes will seem too strict. However, all of them are aimed at a good cause - to protect the life and health of small passengers.
With child seat or without?
According to the updated traffic rules of 2017, transportation of children in a car without a special seat is possible already when they reach the age of 7. Previously, this was only allowed if the child was 12 years old. However, the new amendment requires that the baby must be in the back row of seats and be fastened with a seat belt.
Moreover, if, according to their physiological parameters, a young passenger fits in a car seat, then it is recommended to use it for transportation. Also, experts advise paying attention to the growth of the child. When the baby is much lower than 150 cm, then regular belts are ineffective and uncomfortable, putting pressure on the neck.
If you want a 7-year-old passenger (and older - up to 12 years old) to sit in the front seat next to the driver, then you will have to put him in a child restraint. Since 2017, all children under 7 years of age must be transported only using a car seat or infant carrier, which are installed exclusively in the back row. Moreover, the design of such fixing devices should take into account the weight and height of the young passenger.
Why did the traffic rules decide to lower the age to which the use of a child seat is a prerequisite? And for five whole years - from 12 to 7. There are several reasons for this:
- Specialists of the Central Research Institute of the Automobile and Automotive Institute conducted a series of tests and tests that showed that children over 7 years old are often safer to be in a regular seat, but to be fastened with a reliable belt.
- In addition, many modern children are tall, dense complexion. Therefore, it can be difficult to seat a child of 7-11 years old in a child seat. It's all about physiology - an 8-year-old passenger today can easily match a teenager of 12-14 years old and vice versa. Thus, parents will have to decide on their own how best to transport children over 7 years old, focusing on their figure.
By the way, initially the developers of the law wanted to introduce a special table indicating the height and weight of the child, in which you can not use restraints, but limit yourself to seat belts and landing on the back row of seats. However, due to the inability to control such physiological parameters, it was decided to stop at the age mark of 7 years. After all, it would be strange if the road patrol of the traffic police, when stopping the vehicle, could weigh the kids and measure them with a tape measure.
Can I leave my child alone in the car?
Another important change, which may come into force on 01/01/2017, prohibits leaving a preschooler alone in the vehicle. Even if an adult needs to leave for only a few seconds, he must take it with him. The logic of such an innovation is clear - a person under 7 years old is absolutely defenseless in the event of a critical situation:
- For example, it's summer and it's hot outside. The child is alone in the closed cabin of the car, where fresh air does not enter, where he can easily get a heat stroke, which has a lot of consequences for the health and even the life of the baby.
- Do not forget about the bad crime situation in our country. Intruders may try to get into the vehicle.
- In addition, your parked car, in the cabin of which a child has remained, may become a participant in an accident, or even catch fire due to a short circuit.
- For megacities, another problem is also relevant, when the baby remains in a tinted car, and it is taken away by a tow truck due to violation of parking rules.
Penalties
Those parents who decide to leave their children in the car alone without the presence of an adult nearby are entitled to a fine of 500 rubles. Moreover, this measure can be tightened. In the near future, they want to introduce even more punishment for leaving a minor in a vehicle in the administrative code:
- A fine in the amount of three to five thousand rubles;
- Deprivation of a driver's license for a period of 12-24 months in case of a repeated violation.
For those who do not comply with the rules for transporting children under 12 years of age and ignore the use of child restraints, no less substantial fines of up to 3 thousand rubles are provided. At the same time, it will be considered an offense not only to drive a car in the cabin of which there is a child, but there is no car seat. Incorrect fastening of such a device will also begin to punish with a monetary payment in favor of the state.
What else is prohibited when transporting children?
From the beginning of January 2017, there is also a ban on the use of boosters and various adapters for special fastening of seat belts. Now the car transporting children should be equipped only with car seats and infant carriers. This is due to the fact that boosters do not protect against side impacts, and in a head-on collision there is a high chance of damage to internal organs.
Educational organizations will also need to take into account one more amendment to the traffic rules. It refers to the carriage of a group of children, to which only a vehicle less than 10 years old can be admitted.
What other innovations can we expect in 2017?
In addition, the Russian government is seriously concerned about the quality of child car seats. Manufacturers and distributors of such devices will be constantly checked by Rospotrebnadzor, the Customs Service and other departments for the availability of appropriate quality certificates. This is due to the fact that about 90% of child car seats on the Russian market do not meet all safety standards and requirements.
