Hit Parade of dangerous restraint devices: seat belt adapters.

State traffic inspectorate requirements

To transport a child in a car, you must adhere to certain rules. They clearly stipulate that the child must be securely secured in a device that is suitable for him in terms of physical parameters. As soon as the child reaches the age of seven, parents have the right not to use the seat, but to use standard belts. But their design is such that if you are less than 150 cm tall, one belt passes in the neck area, which does not improve the safety situation during sudden braking or a collision.

But the tests have confirmed that it is the standard belt that provides the best protection for the passenger at the time of an accident. As a result, design engineers thought about an alternative to this device that would fit the small parameters of children. Thus, two products entered the market for children's restraint devices:

• Booster. A chair without a back, which is designed to raise the teenager above the seat and thereby ensure the correct passage of the belt.
• FEST child restraint system. It is an adapter that adapts the seat belt to the child's needs.

It is enough to have one of these devices in your car, because the tasks they solve are the same.

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Legal issues and amendments to laws

In order to understand the basis, it is necessary to cite some legislative acts that regulate child care systems. First of all, the Code of Administrative Offenses should be highlighted. This code makes it clear that any transportation of a child in a vehicle without the provision of certified restraints is punishable.

Also, on the territory of a country such as Russia, there are general principles for transporting children’s categories of passengers, which are regulated by traffic rules at the federal level. And the third aspect is GOST standards. It is on the basis of GOST that a decision can be made whether a certain adapter or chair meets the quality standard or not.

When studying the content of the above sources, one can draw objective conclusions about the general provisions of the rules, which every motorist must know:

1. First of all, you should answer the question at what age is it legal to transport children in the front seat. From 7 to 11, but only taking into account the use of special child restraint systems. The same conditions apply to transportation in the rear seats, but with an adjustment – ​​from 7 years.
2. The FEST child restraint system itself must comply with GOST and all available parameters of its passenger.
3. In the event that a motorist does not use an adapter during transportation, or uses items from an unscrupulous manufacturer with no certification, he will be held accountable and given a fine of 3,000 rubles.

Amendments made to the Russian Code of Administrative Offenses and Traffic Regulations starting in 2021 do not allow the use of such a popular definition as “other child restraint systems.” Although until the last moment many tried to use them under a standard seat belt.

That is, now various homemade devices in the form of pillows, etc. illegal and if discovered, the traffic police officer will definitely issue a fine, which is useless to appeal.

Important Concepts

To understand the basic norms of legislation, it is very important to understand in detail the basic terminology that is used in regulations and protocols. Let's look at it in more detail:

• A car seat is a special device that is installed in a vehicle and secured with additional fasteners or standard belts, designed for the safe transportation of children.
• A seat belt is a passive safety device used to hold a driver or passenger in place in an accident.

Is it necessary to use such means when transporting children?

The issue of transporting children in vehicles is regulated by current legislation and traffic rules.
Government Decree No. 761 establishes that during the transportation of minors, special restraint systems must be used to ensure the safety of the baby.

Devices used for this purpose must have a special certificate of compliance with GOST. It is prohibited to use child restraint systems that have not been certified. Likewise, it is prohibited to transport children without any restraint systems.

That is, when transporting minors, citizens are required to use special devices, one of which is the “FEST” children’s triangle. Violation of this rule entails a fine of 3,000 rubles.

Follow the link “Methods of purchasing government. numbers on the car."

Classification of devices for transporting children

Let's look at the most popular types of devices shown in the figure above:

• Baby cradle - designed for transporting children in a lying position.
• Child seat - designed for transporting children while sitting. It is a full-fledged chair equipped with seat belts for the child. This design allows you to securely secure the child. The seat also protects the child from the side.
• Booster is a seat itself, without a backrest. Raises the child relative to the car seat and allows the child to be fastened with a standard seat belt.
• The adapter (most often from the FEST company) is a triangular pad that is installed on standard seat belts. Allows the top of the belt to be moved away from the child's neck.

In this article we will not go into detail about which devices protect the child better. This topic deserves a separate discussion.

The main question for today is which of the listed devices are child restraints, i.e. Are children allowed? Is it possible to use boosters and triangles when transporting children and will this not entail a fine?

Proper transportation of children in cars

At the beginning of 2021, further amendments were made to the traffic rules. The changes affected the requirements for transporting children in cars. Let's take a closer look at the general rules:

1. Children under 7 years of age are allowed to be transported in cars only with the use of special securing devices. If a child is transported in the front seat, then the use of adapters and car seats is necessary until he reaches 11 years of age.
2. The fixing device is selected in accordance with the height and weight of the small passenger. It is forbidden to buy adapters “for growth”.
3. It is important that the fixative used meets the standards and is certified in the Russian Federation. We are talking about compliance with GOST requirements.

In case of violation of the above requirements, the motorist may be subject to administrative liability. The amount of the fine in this case is fixed and amounts to 3 thousand rubles.

What is a FEST belt?

As you know, the standard car seat belt is three-point and consists of a lumbar and shoulder section. It is designed for a minimum passenger height of at least 150 centimeters.

If we are talking about children, then under no circumstances should you fasten them with such a belt, since the strap will pass dangerously close to the neck.

FEST is essentially an ordinary adapter.

The adapter fits onto a standard seat belt and moves the strap away from the neck area, closer to the chest.

That is, the idea is quite simple. In addition, when fastened, the adapter takes on a triangular shape and in the event of a frontal collision, the load will be equally distributed over the body.

The Kostroma enterprise produces two main models:

• with a branded FEST strap (designed for additional girth of the baby’s hips) - designed for a weight of 9-18 kg;
• without strap - 18-36 kg.

Why it’s worth buying (here are excerpts from the manufacturer’s advertising):

• compactness - in comparison with a car seat, they take up significantly less space;
• versatility - can be used in any car that has seat belts (that is, you don’t need to look for Isofix fasteners and think about how to attach a seat);
• ease of use - follows from the previous point.

The most important thing that the manufacturer appeals to is reliability and safety.

According to the results of tests carried out at AvtoVAZ, the use of this adapter reduces the risk of death by 50% and the risk of severe injury by 90%.

And of course, we didn’t forget to mention that FEST is much cheaper - for many, this fact is the main incentive to make a purchase.

Devices in law, or what is FEST?

Every motorist knows perfectly well what the standard device is for an ordinary seat belt. Any standard device consists of two sections, shoulder and lumbar, that is, it is three-point. Due to the fact that the standard seat belts provide for a passenger of at least one and a half meters, it is strictly forbidden to fasten a child with them. Why?

Because the belt with a strap will definitely be in close proximity to the child’s neck and, accordingly, in the event of an accident, it can create an additional health hazard.

The FEST strap in this case becomes the optimal way out of the situation. That is, in essence, the adapter performs a normal function. When used, it usually takes on a simple triangular shape, which is why many people call it a triangle.

This form is also positive in that during DT, the load on the child’s body is distributed throughout the body, and not separately, as is the case with seat belts.

On the territory of the Russian Federation, certified products are produced in 2 types:

1. With a FEST strap for children. This device is intended for a child from 9 to 18 kilograms.
2. No strap. This type is intended for taller children, approximately from 18 to 36 kilograms.

Many car owners actively use such devices. Firstly, it is cheap compared to chairs, and secondly, they are more comfortable for a child.

If we turn to numerous tests, FEST has repeatedly proven that if this adapter is not used, the risk of injury occurs by approximately 90% and death by as much as 50%.

What is this

A child car seat is a device for transporting children in cars. It is installed on a stationary seat and secured with standard seat belts. Some car seats have additional seat belts. This is the main device for transporting children in accordance with the law.

This device belongs to the category of child restraint devices (RCD). Depending on the weight and height of the child, he needs one or another type of child seat. Infant children ride in cradles in a reclining position, and older children ride in a sitting position.

In addition, depending on the age of the child and the child restraint system, it becomes somewhat easier. For example , children aged 10 - 12 years old can ride on boosters or use a triangle.

This is a special seat that does not have a backrest, but is also attached to a stationary seat with seat belts.

The "Triangle" is an alternative to a child seat for older children. This device is completely legal and can be used not only in your own car, but also in someone else’s. Using a triangle, you can drive any vehicle without breaking the law.

Important! This device cannot be used alone. three-point seat belts .

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What is an adapter

The main advantage of the adapter is its mobility. The device looks like a small triangle that can be used in any car. Due to its versatility, the adapter can be installed in a personal vehicle or taken with you when traveling by taxi.

An adapter is a special retention device designed to fix standard car seat belts. Using this device, the motorist will be able not only to avoid claims from traffic police inspectors, but also to provide his child with the necessary level of safety.

The adapter is a good replacement for a more expensive and bulky car seat. It provides a secure three-point fixation.

The current version of the traffic rules prohibits the use of standard seat belts for passengers whose height is less than 150 cm. The problem is that the securing belt will be located in the child’s neck area. Accordingly, with a strong push, suffocation may occur. The adapter allows you to fix the seat belts at the level of the child’s chest.

Legislative regulation

In accordance with current legislation, children under the age of 12 can be transported in a car only with the help of a child restraint system.

This standard is established by the current road safety rules.

Namely:

• Federal Law of December 10, 1995 No. 196-FZ “On Road Safety”;
• Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation;
• Federal Law of 02/07/2011 No. 3-FZ “On Police”;
• Criminal Code of the Russian Federation;
• Civil Code of the Russian Federation part 1 and part 2;
• Traffic rules of the Russian Federation.

Product advantages

In addition to its low price and ease of use, the FEST restraint system has a number of advantages, which is why parents traveling by car with children choose it:

• The load on the body is redistributed due to the presence of a sufficiently voluminous pad in the form of a trapezoid. According to the parents, the child does not experience abdominal pain when stopping abruptly, and the neck is also not affected.
• Children can independently fix themselves while moving; the fastenings are quite simple, but reliable.
• It is possible to use it in the front seat, but then the child must be over twelve years old and not 150 cm tall.
• The device is compact and lightweight. You can take it with you and use it, for example, in a taxi.

How to use a child restraint system and the opinions of motorists?

The adapter is very easy to use. For those who still have difficulties, each device comes with instructions in which the entire description is described in detail. If you unfold this children's device, you can see a rather simple shape in the form of a trapezoid with several buttons.

These fasteners help you select the desired position of the belt depending on the child’s age and height. The triangle is fastened to regular belts using the same fasteners, and another strap can be used to wrap around the child’s legs at the hips.

Identified deficiencies

As for other common opinions among motorists, they are somewhat at odds with the manufacturer’s recommendations and test results.

Many people attribute the lack of protection in the event of a side collision to the objective disadvantages of the special child restraint device.

In addition, it is defined:

1. If the child is small, he involuntarily seems to dive down.
2. Depending on the year of manufacture of the car, application is not always possible in principle. For example, on older vehicles, the car seat belt is positioned differently.
3. Also, a negative point is formed with the horizontal strap in the form of specific folds, which prove that in the event of an accident, an increase in load may occur.

Some argue that despite the lack of opportunity, you can protect your child from diving. You just need to use the auxiliary strap .

On the other hand, even the traffic police remind you that if an accident occurs, there is a very high probability of getting serious injuries in the abdominal area. This is explained by the fact that the main pressure will be on the stomach.

Why should you take the certificate with you?

According to clause 2.1 of the traffic rules, a traffic police officer does not have the right to demand a certificate of conformity as confirmation of the legitimacy of the triangle. However, its presentation will confirm that the adapter belongs to child restraint devices. This will serve as an argument in favor of the illegality of the fine for driving without a child restraint system.

In terms of safety indicators, triangle adapters are inferior to car seats and boosters. The use of a child restraint system of this type is permissible only if there is a certificate of conformity. Penalties for driving without a child restraint in this case are unlawful, but it is recommended to carry the certificate in the car.

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Is it possible to fasten a child with a triangle fest in 2020

• For children weighing from 9 to 18 kilograms. Such systems are also equipped with special straps for the hips.
• For babies weighing from 18 to 36 kilograms. These devices can come with or without the previously mentioned straps.

Before answering the question - “Is the FEST child restraint device allowed by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate in 2021?”, it is important to consider the basic legislative provisions relating to the transportation of children in a car. This aspect of drivers’ life is regulated by several legislative acts:

Terms of use

Securing a passenger using a corner is quite simple. In its expanded form, FEST is a trapezoidal overlay. To secure the straps, you must use the existing buttons.

When using such an adapter, several important rules should be taken into account:

• it is impossible to record several passengers using one control system;
• the corner is not intended for carrying children in arms;
• It is important that the device fits correctly.

The baby needs to be secured as tightly as possible. The triangle is made of soft material, so it does not cause discomfort or friction.

According to the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, small children can be transported in a car only with the use of special child restraint systems. One of them is the triangle, which ensures the correct position of the seat belts.

Interesting Facts

The child seat belt triangle passed all the necessary crash tests and, judging by the results, passed them successfully. However, some evidence suggests that the tests were conducted using mannequins that did not yet have neck sensors installed. Namely, injuries to this department are most likely when using such a system. After all, a seat belt for children in the form of a triangle moves it away from the neck, thereby providing a dual situation. On the one hand, the tender part of the body does not suffer from the cutting of the straps, on the other hand, there is a sharp thrust of the head forward.

In any case, parents should understand the full responsibility of using FEST and know what their child may face in an accident even at low speeds (60-70 km/h):

• rib fracture;
• rupture of internal abdominal organs;
• damage to the cervical vertebrae and head.

That is why the best choice for children whose height has not reached 150 cm and whose weight has not reached 36 kg is a product for a special age category.

Prices and popular triangle models

• Ganen is a company that has been producing triangles for cars for quite some time. However, during this time she has proven herself to be the best. Every year a huge assortment of a wide variety of devices designed for children aged 4 years and older is produced, the approximate cost is 350 rubles,
• Fest produces the most expensive adapters with standard sizes for several age categories. Such triangles are distinguished by their saturation. The cost for one product is about 600 rubles,
• “Krokha” guarantees the safety of the child to a greater extent. The adapter is made of a special layered material that reduces the load on the child’s organs. You can buy it for 420 rubles.

What does it look like

The “triangle” is a “patch” on the seat belt, which allows you to adapt the standard seat belt to a smaller person.

A standard seat belt in a car consists of shoulder and lumbar sections, which are designed for a passenger height of 150 cm.

Naturally, such belts are not only unsuitable for a child, but also become life-threatening in the event of an emergency.

For this purpose, an adapter was developed, called “triangle”. It distributes standard seat belts so that they do not harm the child in an accident, but, on the contrary, protect him.

But in order for this adapter to become a means of safe movement, you must adhere to the instructions for use, which say:

• several children cannot be fastened at the same time with one seat belt together with an adapter;
• the device must not be torn, cut with cutting objects or other negative measures applied to it;
• If a child is riding in a car in the arms of an adult, then using the “triangle” is prohibited. But the rule allowing children to be carried in their arms has already been abolished. Therefore this rule does not apply.

gena158 › Blog › Traffic police: “FEST” ADAPTERS ARE OUTLAW!

From now on, the issue of child safety in car interiors has been put to rest.

No more FEST adapters, only child restraints! And all the indignant drivers who saved time when purchasing a device are now obliged to replace the FESTs with those products that have passed crash tests and strength tests.

A familiar situation: a car on the side of the road, a child looking out of the window, and his father next to a traffic cop, arguing until he is hoarse? A traffic police inspector issues a fine for not having a child restraint system, and the man points to the seat belt adapter and promises to challenge the fine of three thousand rubles.

Our drivers buy adapters in order to save money - they cost from 500 rubles, and car seats - from 3 thousand and more, depending on the weight and height of the child. In stores you can find chairs and cradles for newborns for 12 and 20 thousand rubles. But the health and life of your own children are priceless, right? “Yes, but something is expensive. We could use something cheaper,” adults argue and are looking for a replacement for expensive chairs.

The FEST adapter has become such an alternative - it seems to be allowed in Russia, and ten times cheaper. But is it really safe?

SOLD - MEANS ALLOWED

“We were faced with massive complaints from drivers who protested administrative protocols in the courts,” reported the traffic police of the Kazan Ministry of Internal Affairs. – Everyone has the same argument – ​​“FEST” has a certificate, which means it can be used.

The company that produces these devices also supported car enthusiasts.

— The FEST child restraint system has been produced at the enterprise since 2007. It is designed to ensure safety when transporting children in vehicles and is used in conjunction with standard car seat belts with three-point fastening. The FEST child restraint system has been tested in Europe and Russia, is certified, meets modern safety standards, is a compact, reliable and affordable device, an alternative to a child car seat, says the manufacturer on its official website.

And this, as traffic cops say, misleads consumers.

“These adapters do not guarantee the main thing - limiting the mobility of the child’s body,” explains the traffic police of the Kazan Ministry of Internal Affairs. – And this condition is necessary to reduce the danger in the event of a collision or sudden braking of the vehicle. And for us, of course, these certificates raised certain doubts about the legality of their issuance. FESTs are illegal in the producing country, and now here too. INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATORS FOR RUSSIAN DISPUTES

To resolve the dispute between drivers and traffic police officers, law enforcement agencies turned to specialists at the State Scientific Center of the Russian Federation, Federal State Unitary Enterprise “NAMI,” for clarification. And they were surprised: “What are you talking about, what kind of adapters? They have not passed any tests, the legality of their use is still in doubt, and no one has recommended them as an alternative to child restraint systems.”

Regulatory framework and who fines

Paragraph 2.1.2 of the traffic rules prescribes two mandatory points related to the use of a belt:

• the driver must wear a seat belt;
• The driver must ensure that passengers are wearing their seat belts.

The following categories of citizens are exempt from the need to use a belt:

• driving school instructors during a training session;
• employees of operational services, in vehicles equipped with special signals and signs;
• disabled drivers, but only on old-style vehicles for wheelchair users, where belts are not provided by the design.

Responsibility for this traffic violation occurs in accordance with clauses 121.6 and 12.29 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

Recording the fact of an offense does not require the use of special instruments and the collection of evidence. The violation can be recorded by photo and video surveillance cameras or by the inspector who stopped the car.

Upon the fact of a violation, the traffic police inspector draws up a protocol. He is not obliged to invite witnesses when drawing up a document.

Based on the rules for determining a violation under paragraph 2.1.2, if the car is stopped by a traffic police officer, you should unfasten the seat belt only after the car has stopped moving

Is it possible to use a triangle instead of a child seat?

Paragraph 22.9 of the Traffic Regulations states that parents are required to transport children in the car using child restraints. This must be done until the child is 12 years old.

Upon reaching this age, he can already ride in a stationary seat. But he must wear seat belts. In addition, a child who has reached the age of 12 can already ride in the passenger seat next to the driver.

Does the "triangle" refer to a child restraint system? By law, transporting a child in a car must be safe. But, this article does not contain an exact description of what a child restraint system should look like. Therefore, if the adapter is used in accordance with the instructions and ensures the safety of the child in the car, then it can be used.

The next question arises: at what age can a triangle be used instead of a car seat?

From what age

When choosing a child restraint system, you need to rely not on height and age, but on weight.

You can use the triangle from the moment the child’s weight exceeds 19 kg. This is the weight of a child about 100 cm and about 4 years . But these are approximate figures.

The main condition is a weight of more than 19 kg. Additionally, you can use a booster if the child already weighs 19 kg or more and is slightly shorter.

The rating of children's car seats is presented in the article: the best children's car seats.

Don't know how to secure a child seat in a car? Read here.

Prices in the Russian Federation

The prices for these adapters are much more affordable than for children's car seats.

4 in Russia that present these adapters on the child restraint market.

This:

• Ganen.
  

  This company offers models that have fairly low prices on the Russian market. Child restraint systems are easy to use, made of high-quality and durable material, and fully meet the safety requirements for transporting children. Designed for children 4 – 12 years old. Average cost - 400 rubles;

• Baby.
  

  Adapters from this company can be washed in a washing machine, they are durable and their material does not wear out for a long time. Age range – from 4 years and up. Approximate cost: about 300 rubles ;

• Antey.
• Fest.
  

  The most popular Russian adapters that have passed all tests of strength and reliability. But there is a significant drawback - they are mainly adapted for use in domestically produced cars. Cost 490 rub.

Can the triangle be used to transport children?

According to the traffic rules of the Russian Federation, transportation of children is allowed only if the following conditions are met:

• children under 12 years of age must be secured in child restraints;
• it is possible to use other means that ensure secure fastening of the child using a seat belt;
• protective structures must correspond to the height and weight of the passenger;
• Children over 12 years old must wear a seat belt.

A child triangle in a car is considered a restraint device that helps to correctly install a standard seat belt for children and thereby provide protection. The adapter is often used when traveling in a car that is not equipped with a child seat, or the child is already large, but his height is less than 1.5 m.

Its use is especially important for families with several children, for whom the installation of additional bulky structures in the car is undesirable . Of all similar devices, this one is the leader in terms of compactness and space saving in the cabin. The triangle is used to transport children in both front and rear passenger seats.

How many years has it been used?

Children's adapters are aimed at ages from 3 to 12 years. At the same time, the weight of the child who is fastened with it is also taken into account. On average, it should be between 9-36 kg, depending on the model. For example, in the fest adapter there are several varieties that are designed for three groups of children according to the child’s weight: 9-18 kg, 15-25 kg and 25-36 kg.

There are various modifications that are designed for younger or older children. This device is most often used from about 4-5 years of age to 12 years , until the child’s height reaches 1.5 m . In the future, you can fasten your seat belt without an adapter.

Advantages and disadvantages

When choosing an adapter from a particular company, a parent should understand that each model has its own advantages and disadvantages. But they can be combined.

The advantages of the “triangle” include:

• compactness. Compared to a car seat, this restraint will not take up much space in the car;
• versatility. Can be used in any vehicle that has standard seat belts;
• ease of use;
• price policy. Such adapters cost much less than car seats. The savings are especially visible if there are several children in the family;
• Can be used in both rear seats and front passenger seats.

But there are also some disadvantages:

• The main pressure is on the baby's stomach. For many this causes some discomfort;
• the child does not reach the floor, and therefore, if there is a head-on collision, he will simply “dive” up to the belt and can seriously injure his neck;
• cannot be used in domestic cars of outdated models;
• there is no additional head protection, as in a car seat;
• the child’s body is somewhat less protected;
• You will need to prove your case to the traffic police inspector.

Is it possible to do it yourself?

You can make such a device with your own hands. To do this, you need to make a drawing, then transfer it to high-quality material and cut it out.

Be sure to choose the correct position of the buttons. For a homemade device to be safe, it must be sewn using all recommendations.

Another question is whether it is possible to use an independent invention?

It is possible, since child restraint systems are not subject to mandatory strength testing.

But there is another aspect - will the parent be sure that his triangle is safer than the factory one?

All the features of children's car seats are described in the article: how to choose a child seat for a car.

It is written here what liability a driver faces for transporting children without a child seat.

All about frameless children's chairs, see here.