Since 2007, a new requirement for the carriage of small passengers in cars has appeared in the Traffic Rules of the Russian Federation. The requirement was the mandatory use of car seats for children. In some cases, it was allowed to replace car seats with boosters and seat belt pads installed by the manufacturer. Let's try to find out what the law says about this in 2018.
Transportation of children according to the rules (legal information)
In 2017, some changes were made to the traffic rules, including those related to the carriage of passengers. The amendments were approved by the Government Decree No. 761. The decree is dated June 2017. Among the approved changes are the amendments to Article 22 of the Road Traffic Regulations entitled “Carriage of People”. Clause 22.9 of this article now clearly distinguishes children by age: from birth to the age of seven, from 7 to 12 and over 12 years of age.
This paragraph clearly states that until children reach the age of 7, they can only be transported in a car or truck using a child restraint device (RL) or a child restraint system. It is important that the restraint is appropriate for the height and weight of the small passenger. For children from 7 to 11 years old inclusive, the rules are generally similar, that is, they can be transported using a child restraint or by wearing the standard seat belts installed by the car manufacturer if children are transported in the back seat. But there is also an addition: if the child is planned to be transported in the front seat, then only with the help of a remote control. That is, a baby 7-12 years old cannot be transported in the front seat without a remote control.
It is especially noted that the system used must be suitable for height and weight and must be installed in the vehicle in accordance with the recommendations of the manufacturer of this system. At the same time, the rules do not explain at all what kind of "restraining devices" they are, their characteristics and list are not given. And there are a great many of them. Which ones belong to restraint systems and which ones do not? Car seats and boosters immediately come to mind. But there are also frameless car seats and guide straps. Which devices are allowed by the rules?
What are the restraints (European standard)
For questions regarding restraint systems for children transported in vehicles, there is a standard number 44/04. It was developed by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe. It defines a restraint. Child restraints or systems are devices that are made up of a number of elements. These can be shoulder straps, straps with buckles, carrycots, removable chairs, seats, shockproof screens. These elements are usually removable and secured in addition to the vehicle's standard belts. The components of such systems can be used both as a complex (several at once), and separately. For example, a shock shield and an extra seat can be used together. The remote control system can be mounted in the car, either with standard belts or using the ISOFIX system, depending on the design.
The described European standard divides all child restraints into five groups according to the weight of the baby. Group "0" - up to 10 kilograms, "0+" - up to 13 kilograms, in group 1 the weight should be from 9 to 18 kilograms, in the second - from 15 to 25, and in the third - from 22 to 36 kilograms. The concepts of "car seat" and "booster" are not included in these rules. There is the concept of "safe seat for children", which includes the seat itself (the same "booster"). There is the concept of "seat" - an integral part of the restraint system on which a small passenger sits (the same "car seat").
There are two other types of restraint systems compared with the concept of "car seat": "baby cot", in which the baby is transported in a recumbent position perpendicular to the direction of movement of the vehicle, and "removable child seat", which is installed against the movement. Seat, bassinet and removable child seat are comparable to the familiar name of car seat, but differentiated by age. In addition, another important criterion for restraints is their design class.
There are two types of construction: one-piece and one-piece. The one-piece design includes shoulder straps, buckles, an additional seat, the ability to tension the belts, that is, a structure that itself protects the child regardless of the presence or absence of other devices. The non-fit design may include a partial restraint, the functionality of which is dependent on the vehicle's seat belts.
Probably, judging by the definition, all types of car seats (in the usual sense) will belong to solid structures, and a seat (that is, a booster) will be non-integral structures. In more detail the possibility of using one or another holding device can be studied in the table, which is located in the standard 44/04. The use of a child safety seat (booster) is possible in groups 2 and 3. That is, if the passenger weighs more than 15 kilograms, then you can consider using a booster.
Quick guide: how to choose and use a booster
After examining the European standard, we found out that the booster can be used instead of a car seat. Having systematized all the information, we will present point by point how to choose the right booster and use it. Before choosing, it is worth remembering that a child car seat is much safer than a booster. But a booster is cheaper than a car seat and in some situations the car seat cannot be used. This may be the case when the child is not yet 12 years old, but he is very tall, while he can weigh less than 36 kilograms (the maximum weight for child car seats). In this case, using a classic car seat simply will not work.
It is also worth remembering that it can only be used if the child is tall enough to properly fasten him sitting in this booster. If the child is short and weighs more than 15 kilograms, then it will not be safe for him to sit in the booster, and it does not matter that he is already 7 years old. It is this moment that is implied in the SDA in the phrase "the restraint device must necessarily correspond to the weight and height of the child." Indeed, in the instructions for car seats there is no indication of the growth of the baby, there is only an indication of its weight. This moment is taken into account already in place: is the headrest of the chair conveniently located, is it convenient for the baby in the device, fastened with a regular belt, where the belt is located, etc.
- You need to choose a booster by weight. There are two options: 15 to 25 kilograms and 22 to 36 kilograms.
- We choose the material from which the seat is made. The cheapest and most unreliable material is polystyrene. Average in cost and price - plastic. And the most expensive and durable is metal (or rather, there is only a frame made of metal, the rest is made of plastic).
- We check the availability of a certificate of conformity.
- The best are the seats produced by Graco, Chicco, Heuner, Clek Ozzi. They meet all international standards.
- The seat and armrests should be comfortable.
- It is better to try on the seat on the spot. The child needs to be seated, fastened. The belt must be positioned correctly. The upper part should pass through the middle of the shoulder, and the lower one should tightly wrap around the pelvic part. The child's head should rest against the headrest. The seat should not raise the child too high.
- To transport children under 7 years old, it is imperative to use a restraint system. Considering the table, the use of a booster for groups "0", "0+" and "1" is unacceptable. If the child has grown from group "1" by weight (weighs more than 18 kilograms), then it is necessary to purchase a car seat with a permitted weight of up to 36 kilograms. It is important that the maximum allowed weight of the child indicated in the instructions corresponds to the actual weight of the child.
- It is better to place the seat behind the passenger (not behind the driver).
- For the transportation of children over 7 years old, but under 12 in the back seat, according to the new rules, the restraint system may not be used. But this does not mean that a child who has reached a certain (seven years old) age, but has not grown to comfortable and safe fastening with car belts, needs to be fastened with them as needed. Therefore, if the child's height does not allow you to fasten it correctly with regular belts, you must definitely purchase a booster.
- To transport children 7-12 years old in the front seat, either a car seat or a booster is also purchased.
These are the complex rules. But you need to spend a little time to study, understand and remember all drivers and parents. After all, the safety of the child is much more important than our time.
