Many drivers (even experienced ones) cannot give a definite answer regarding whether it is allowed to transport children in a vehicle other than the front passenger seat. In this article we will look at the rules for transporting children in the front seat according to traffic regulations in 2018.
Is it even possible to transport a child in the front seat?
Contrary to the opinion of most motorists who believe that children are only allowed to be transported in the back seat, the traffic rules indicate that children are allowed to be transported in both the back and front seats. Only the rules of transportation themselves depend on the age of the child.
At what age can you transport a child in the front seat?
The traffic rules do not provide for a minimum age from which children can be transported in the front seat, however If the child is under 12 years old, a special child car seat is required. Thus, in legal terms, children can be transported in the front seat from the moment they are born.
New as of July 12, 2017: Up to 7 years of age, a child must be transported in a car seat not only in the front seat, but also in the back seat. From 7 to 12 years of age, a child can be transported in the back seat either in a car seat or using standard seat belts.
Should I put a car seat in the front seat?
Based on the fact that the child is allowed to be transported in the front seat, a special car seat can be installed in this place. In this case, in the car Airbag needs to be turned off, since its activation can cause even more harm to the child.
Many people believe that the safest place in a car (including for installing a car seat) is the back seat behind the driver. However, experts point out that the safest is the central rear seat and it is best to install a child seat on it.
The front passenger seat is the most dangerous possible in a car (according to statistics), but this is not reflected in the traffic regulations.
Classification of child car seats
Child seats have different classifications depending on the age and weight of the child:
- A child under one year old, weighing no more than 10 kg. In this case, the seat is equipped with a special car seat, in which the child is horizontal. There are no restrictions on installing a car seat, but due to its design, it can only be located in the back seat.
- A child up to one and a half years old, weighing up to 13 kg. A cocoon chair is installed, which has a design midway between an infant seat and a child seat. It is installed on both the rear and front seats. The seat should be turned with its back towards the road traffic.
- Child from 9 months to 4 years, weighing 9-18 kg. A car seat that can be installed in both the rear and front seats. The design of such a seat provides for installation with the back to the traffic, however, in practice, children of this age are transported in seats installed in the direction of travel; traffic police officers do not give a clear explanation of whether this is a violation.
- Child from 3 to 7 years old, weighing 15-25 kg. Transported in a child car seat, which is installed only in the direction of travel. Along with the protective belts provided by the design of the chair, it is fastened with car seat belts.
- Child from 6 to 12 years old, weighing 22-36 kg. In this case, it is transported in a car seat and fastened with a vehicle seat belt.
Upon reaching the age of 12, the person continues to be considered a child, but can be transported in the front seat without a car seat, only with protection in the form of a seat belt. In this case, the airbag must be activated.
Video: Updated rules for transporting children in a car
Responsibility
The Code of Administrative Offenses stipulates that the fine for a child in the front seat (transportation without a car seat, improper installation of a car seat, etc.) in 2018 is fixed an amount of 3 thousand rubles. Until 2013, the fine was less and amounted to 500 rubles. This fine remained in the Code of Administrative Offenses only for the incorrect transportation of adults.
The front passenger seat of a car is considered the most dangerous place in the event of an accident. Transporting a child on it is quite risky, but according to current legislation as of 2016, it is not prohibited provided that certain requirements are met. Such transportation must ensure the safety of the child, taking into account the design of the particular vehicle. To do this, parents must weigh all the advantages and disadvantages of installing a child seat in the front seat, as well as take care of the quality of the product and its secure fit.
How can you carry a child in the front seat?
The main law containing requirements for drivers and passengers of vehicles on the road is the traffic rules. The procedure and standards for transporting children in the front seat of a car are prescribed in clause 2.29, namely:
- It is allowed to carry a child under 12 years of age in the front passenger seat of a car with special restraints. Thus, the law does not contain the term “chair”, which means that other restraints can be used for restraint.
- According to the Rules, such devices are subject to special requirements, among which the main thing is compliance with the child’s weight category.
- Passengers over the age of 12 are permitted to use seat belts in the front seat.
Carrying a child in the front seat and airbag
Parents carrying a child in the front seat must be aware of the role of the airbag located in front of him. Many are convinced that it is capable of protecting a small passenger in the event of an accident without the use of additional devices. But in reality, the facts you need to know about the front airbag are:
- When airbags fall out during an accident or in a critical situation, they often do not save, but rather harm the child sitting in the front seat.
- When installing a child car seat in the front seat, the airbag ejection mechanism is disabled. This is especially true for those who place a cradle for infants in front, which is installed backwards.
Is it possible to put a child seat in the front seat of a car?
It is not prohibited to install a car seat for a child in the front seat, but this should only be done in an emergency or unforeseen situation. The passenger seat is the most dangerous zone in a car during an accident, and whenever possible to place a child in the back, you need to use it. You can minimize the danger of transporting a baby in the front seat by following these recommendations:
- If you decide to transport children in the front seat, be as careful, careful and attentive as possible when driving than usual.
- Before driving, check that the front airbag is turned off so that it does not harm the child in an emergency.
- Before installing the chair in the front seat, move it as far back as possible.
- When moving, never pick up a child in your arms, as this increases the risk of injury, primarily for the child.
- Do not use the bassinet of a baby stroller, as it does not have the necessary fastenings and safety belts. If a traffic police officer stops and finds an unsuitable seat with a child in the front seat, he has the right to issue a fine.
- Do not exclude the possibility of attempts by traffic police officers to issue a fine for a child seat installed in front, despite its compliance with the rules and necessary standards. Typically, the inspector refers to the “special supporting devices” specified in the traffic regulations, without referring to the chair as such. You need to be prepared for this, and there are pre-made decisions of the courts in which such cases were considered.
Requirements for a child car seat
When purchasing a car seat that can be installed in the front seat of a car, you need to make sure that it can be securely fastened in this place and that the product matches the age and weight category of the child. Car seats are classified as follows:
- The child is less than 1 year old and weighs less than 10 kg. For this age there is a special car seat where the baby is in a horizontal position.
- The child is less than 1.5 years old, weighs up to 13 kg. This category corresponds to a cocoon chair, which is attached with its back towards the movement.
- Age 9 months-4 years, weight 9-18 kg. This category is suitable for a universal car seat, which is suitable for installation both in the front and rear of the car.
- Age 3-7 years, weight 15-25 kg. A car seat designed for forward-facing installation.
- Age 6-12 years, weight 22-36 kg. Car seat with the ability to use car seat belts.
Advantages and disadvantages of transporting a child in the front seat
Carrying your baby in a front seat has the following advantages:
- The driver controls everything that happens to the child and can influence his behavior.
- The baby sees one of the parents next to him and behaves more calmly. For an older child, the ride in front seems more exciting.
- A child who does not tolerate the road well is less likely to get sick in the front of the car.
- The front seat is the only one that can accommodate a seat that does not have seat belts or anchors compatible with the Isofix system.
Disadvantages of placing a child seat in the front:
- The ability of a child to influence the controls of a car, which can provoke an emergency.
- The front seat is the most dangerous area in a car in the event of an accident.
- A child can block the side view mirror and create an emergency situation.
- The child distracts the driver from driving.
Installing a child seat in the front seat
Before installing the seat in the front seat of a car, carefully study the instructions for the product. The machine must be equipped with three-point inertial belts. Two-point ones are not suitable, as in the event of an impact they can aggravate the injury. The front airbag must be turned off; if this option is not provided, it is not worth installing a seat and risking the life of a child. The rules for installing a child seat in the front seat of a car are as follows:
- The chair must be firmly fixed: do not ride on the seat or wobble. Before each child is seated, the secure fastening is checked.
- For children, the seat is installed with the back to the windshield. This allows you to avoid injury to the cervical spine during sudden braking.
- Closer to 12 years, when the child grows up, the inner part of the seat along with the fixing belts is pulled out, and car seat belts are used to hold it in place.
- The upper part of the belt must go over the chest, and the lower part over the hips.
- Even when transporting short distances, the child must be restrained.
Fine for transporting children without a seat
Violation of clause 22.9 of the traffic rules by drivers transporting a child under 12 years of age without a car seat or in the front seat in a seat that does not correspond to their height or weight, as well as transporting an unfastened child and failure to comply with other requirements of this clause of the rules, is punishable by a fine. So, in 2016, his size for incorrectly transporting a child sitting in the front seat, according to Art. 12.23, part 3 of the Administrative Code, amounts to 3 thousand rubles. The same violation, applied to officials, is punishable by a fine of 25 thousand rubles, and for legal entities - 100 thousand rubles.
Some parents prefer to carry their child in the front seat of the car. Let's try to figure out whether this is a traffic violation, what needs to be taken into account when placing a child in the front seat and, most importantly, how to protect the life and health of the child in the event of an accident or sudden braking.
Traffic rules
The main law that guides drivers on the road is the rules of the road. Therefore, if you have any doubts regarding the transportation of passengers, it would be logical to contact them. The issue of transporting children in the front seat is clearly stated in the corresponding paragraph of rules 22.9. According to them, children under 12 years of age can be transported in the front seat of a car only if special restraint devices are used.
The rules do not specifically refer to a child seat, although it refers to special devices. However, it is permissible to use other devices that are specifically designed to safely hold a child in an emergency (for example, boosters).
One of the important requirements for special devices is compliance with the child’s weight category.
If a child is over 12 years old, traffic rules do not prohibit him from being transported in the front seat, fastened with a regular seat belt.
Traffic regulations do not prohibit transporting children in the front seat. However, the legislation regulates mandatory compliance with safety requirements. In particular, it is necessary to use special restraint devices.
Requirements for devices and basic characteristics depend on the specific age and weight of the child. This is the only way to provide him with a sufficient level of comfort and safety in any situation.
The airbag installed in modern cars often raises questions about its safety in relation to children sitting in its area of effect (in the front seat).
Traffic rules clause 22.9 (transportation of people, 22.9 in particular children) for 2015-2016
22.9. Transportation of children is permitted provided that their safety is ensured, taking into account the design features of the vehicle.
Transportation of children under 12 years of age in vehicles equipped with seat belts must be carried out using child restraints appropriate for the weight and height of the child, or other means that allow the child to be fastened using seat belts provided for by the design of the vehicle, and in the front seat passenger car - only with the use of child restraints.
It is prohibited to transport children under 12 years of age on the back seat of a motorcycle.
Front airbags and children
If you have placed a child seat in the front seat, you should pay attention to the airbag. It is widely believed that deploying airbags during an accident clearly improves the safety of passengers, regardless of their height and weight. Some people think that the presence of airbags ensures the safety of the child even without the use of additional devices that require traffic rules. Are these beliefs true? The facts suggest otherwise.
During an accident, an airbag does not improve the safety of a child in the front seat. A sudden expansion of the pillow can even cause additional injuries to the child.
After attaching a child seat to the front seat, you must ensure that the airbag deployment mechanism is turned off. This advice is especially important for parents who fix a cradle for babies in the front seat. It is placed rear-facing, which reduces the space between the child and the airbag. Such close proximity increases the impact when the airbag deploys during an accident.
If possible, roll the seat with the child seat (especially the carrycot) back as far as possible. This will help in the event of an airbag deployment and provide additional “safety space” in a frontal collision.
Car seat manufacturers also recommend turning off the airbag mechanism while transporting children to reduce the likelihood of injury.
You can verify this by reading the instructions for child seats from well-known manufacturers.
Why it is better to avoid transporting children in the front seat
The law does not prohibit transporting children in the front seat of a car if special devices are used to improve safety. However, there are many arguments against carrying a child in the front seat, regardless of the presence of a car seat, bassinet or other device.
- Most motorists rightly believe that traveling in the front seat is unsafe even for adults, not to mention children. Therefore, despite legislative permissions and the availability of special car seats, many drivers do not allow the thought of driving out onto the road with their child seated in the front. This opinion is quite reasonable. There are enough reasons to fear for the safety of your child:
- There are research data in the field of road safety conducted by independent expert bureaus in different countries. According to them, in almost 50% of the studied cases of accidents involving children placed in front of a child seat, the cause of injuries and deaths was the location of the seat next to the driver. If the children had been sitting in the back seats, they would not have been harmed.
- Children are very impressionable and riding in the front seat can cause an overly emotional reaction. Children under 6 years old are often frightened when they see huge cars rushing towards them. This causes sleep disturbances and loss of appetite. Fear can even cause neuroses and hysteria.
- According to physiologists and pediatricians, children under 5 years of age should be transported backwards in a car. This is explained by the structural features of the children's skeleton. In young children, the head is disproportionately large and heavy in relation to the body, and the muscles and vertebrae of the neck are weak. During an accident, the greatest load falls on the cervical region: the head continues to move forward, while the shoulders, fastened with seat belts, come to an abrupt stop. Such overloads are especially dangerous for children. Therefore, it is better to follow the recommendations of doctors and carry a small child exclusively backwards, so that in an extreme situation the cervical vertebrae do not have to take on most of the load.
The last point is reflected in the traffic rules of some European countries, where it is prohibited to transport children otherwise than backwards. We don’t have a ban, but no one has canceled biological features and laws of physics. It is better to draw conclusions and worry about the safety of your child in advance, without exposing him to additional risk.
Analyze each of the listed points and answer whether placing a child in front of you is worth all the additional risks. It is better to seat the baby in the back seat with one of the relatives. The child will be supervised, safe and will not be distracted from the road.
The safest place to seat a child is in the middle of the rear seat. At this point, it will be maximally protected in both frontal and side collisions.
Why do you have to seat children in the front?
Despite the disadvantages of transporting children in the front seat, many people place the little passenger there. Each family may have its own arguments and reasons for this.
- Lack of space. When moving or on a long trip, you have to take a lot of necessary things, for which there is not enough luggage compartment to accommodate them. I have to pack my things in the back seat. The child seat takes up a lot of space, so you have to install it next to the driver to free up space in the back seat;
- Parents are forced to seat their child in the front when traveling alone. Leaving your baby alone unattended in the back seat is inconvenient. It is safer if the child is in sight so that you do not have to be distracted by him while moving. Wipe the nose, give the bottle, entertain the baby if he is naughty - it’s easier when he is nearby. Of course, all this cannot be done on the go. We also read: Traveling with children by car - what is important to know;
- From a certain age, children, regardless of gender, begin to dream of traveling in a car “like adults, in front.”
This allows them to assert themselves, experience new experiences and feel older. It is advisable to explain to children about the dangers of such a trip. However, not all parents are able to convince their child; sometimes they have to capitulate. A capricious child can use his entire “arsenal of warfare,” including tears and hysterics, to achieve what he wants. If parents do not have enough experience and patience, they have to give in, following the child’s demands. It is especially difficult to justify a refusal if you previously had to seat the child in the front seat for objective reasons (see points 1 and 2).
There are other reasons why the child should be seated in the front. Personal judgments, the baby’s moods, and unforeseen circumstances influence decision making. If the situation really requires placing your child in the front seat, it is worth knowing how you can keep your child as safe as possible during the trip.
How to make traveling with your baby safe
- If, despite the above arguments, you had to install a child seat in the front seat, remember the recommendations of experienced drivers and safety experts. Following them will allow you to protect your child as much as possible from sad consequences in the event of an accident.
- If you can not seat the child in the front, but put the seat in the back seat, do it immediately. Do not teach your child to ride in the front seat. Remember - Installing a car seat in the front is only permissible in an emergency situation when it cannot be avoided.
- Such trips should not become the rule.
- Try to be as concentrated and careful as possible, try to predict any change in the road situation when you are carrying a baby in the front seat. However, this applies to travel in general.
- Be sure to check whether the airbag mechanism is disabled.
- Prepare for a meeting with traffic police officers who may try to issue a fine, despite the presence of a child seat. Sometimes they may argue that the car seat is not a “special support device.” Stress resistance and legal literacy are important here. Printouts of court decisions regarding similar situations will also help.
- Do not try to transport a child in the front seat while holding him in your arms. It’s hard to imagine a more dangerous way to transport a small passenger.
- Do not try to use a carrycot from a regular stroller to transport your baby. It does not provide for the possibility of secure fastening to the seat and cannot ensure the safety of the child. This method of transportation is contrary to traffic regulations, so traffic police officers may impose an administrative fine for violating the rules.
Compliance with this list of rules will reduce the likelihood of risk when transporting a child to a minimum. Think carefully before deciding on car seat placement. If you really can't secure it in the back seat, use better car seats and be extra careful when traveling.
Which car seats are suitable for children of different ages?
A child car seat (or other restraint device) must be fully appropriate for the age and height of the child. They differ in size, method of seating the child and mounting device.
- A child under one year old weighing less than 10 kg needs an infant carrier that ensures the child’s horizontal position. We also read: Is a car seat necessary for a newborn baby up to 1 year old?
- A child under one and a half years old weighing up to 13 kg - a child cocoon seat, turned with its back against the direction of travel;
- A child 1-4 years old weighing 9-18 kg – a universal child car seat with the ability to attach to any seat;
- A child 3-7 years old weighing 15-25 kg - a car seat installed facing the direction of travel;
- A child 6-12 years old weighing 22-36 kg - a car seat that uses standard car seat belts.
Typically, the manufacturer of car seats indicates in the instructions the age for which the model is designed.
Correct selection and installation of a car seat will ensure the safety of your family trips and allow you to comply with traffic regulations regarding the transportation of children. Try not to save money when buying a child car seat, because such savings can cost the health, even the life of the child!
We also read: 5 True Facts and Misconceptions About Child Safety in the Car
New rules for transporting children in cars
Is it really necessary to carry your child next to you in the front seat? This question arises before mom or dad when there is only one driver and there is no one to look after the baby sitting behind them. After all, it’s better when the baby is in front of your eyes. This makes it easier for the mother and more fun for the baby. However, is this not prohibited by traffic rules? And is it safe? In the article you will find answers to:
What do traffic regulations say about transporting children in the front seat?
According to traffic rules, transporting children under 12 years of age near the driver is strictly prohibited. This is described in paragraph 22.9 of the Regulations and is punishable by a fine of about 100 USD. However, in some cases this is allowed. Namely: if the baby is secured with a special fixing device and the airbag function is disabled.
As such, the word “car seat” is not found anywhere in the traffic rules; it is replaced by the phrase “restrained devices” and includes a car seat, belts, buckles, boosters and seat belt adapters. Such adapters, as a rule, do not pass crash tests, so it is better not to save money and buy a car seat.
For forward transportation, a number of requirements must be met:
- The chair must comply with ECE R 44.04 standards or Russian GOST. The European regulations for the use of child car seats ECE R 44.04 are based on numerous crash tests, during which the main requests for such securing devices were identified. These standards have been implemented since 2009 and are currently the most stringent. GOST R 41.44-2005 is an analogue of ECE R 44.03, the previous revision. Therefore, European ones are much tougher than Russian ones; when choosing and installing, it is advisable to focus on them.
- Be of a universal type, comfortable, safe, match the weight and age of the child, and fit a specific car.
- The vehicle must be able to disable the front seat airbag. If it operates during a collision, it could cause injury or even death. This is especially important for rear-facing car seats.
How to properly install a car seat in a car?
When purchasing each car seat or infant carrier, instructions are included. Therefore, they must be installed strictly according to the rules.
Usually the seats are installed in the rear seat, but they can also be installed in the front.
The vehicle must be equipped with three-point inertia belts. Installing the seat using two-point belts is prohibited, as this will increase the risk of injury.
It cannot be installed in a place where it is not possible to turn off the airbag.
The chair must be firmly fixed. This is achieved by passing the car seat belt through special guides located on the seat.
According to the operating rules, children weighing up to 9 kg must ride with their backs against the direction of travel. The same position is recommended for children up to 13 kg. In some countries it is believed that it should be preserved until 3-5 years of age, because... When braking sharply, the head jerks forward with acceleration, which leads to serious injuries to the cervical spine.
To travel with children weighing 15-25 kg, you need to remove the soft inner part with securing straps, in this case a car seat belt will be used. Its chest part passes through the chest, pressing it against the back of the chair, and the thigh part should be drawn around the hips.
Before placing the child in the car seat, parents should check that it is securely secured.
Be sure to fasten your seat belts, even if the journey is short.
Car seat straps should be tight and not twisted.
You should not allow anyone to play with the belts or the lock to avoid accidental damage, which will make it impossible to quickly and easily remove the baby in an emergency.
Why is it better not to transport children in front?
If traffic rules do not prohibit transporting children in the front seat, then let's turn to common sense. Let's consider all the advantages and disadvantages of this method of transportation.
Advantages:
- the parent sees and controls what is happening;
- if the baby is capricious without his mother, sitting in the back, but next to her he is calmer;
- It is much more interesting for a baby to look at the road ahead than to look at the chair in front.
Flaws:
- according to harsh statistics, more often than not, fatalities in road accidents lie in wait for the person sitting next to the driver;
- a seat placed in the center behind will not be crushed in a direct collision. This depends on the severity of the collision, of course, but at least it keeps the threat to a minimum;
- a baby next to the driver can distract him from the road. This is dangerous for both of them, as well as for pedestrians.
As you can see, the disadvantages are much more significant, because on the one hand, the whims of the baby are at stake, and on the other, a threat to his life.
Transporting a child in the front seat of a car is, in any case, a risky activity, since it is the front passenger seat that is considered most at risk in the event of an accident. Nevertheless, the current 2020 traffic rules do not prohibit transporting children in the front seat of a car, but there are a number of significant nuances with such transportation. Let's look at all the questions about transporting a child in the front seat of a car!
So, the traffic rules have a special clause 22.9, which prescribes the correct transportation of children in front. Let's take a closer look at this point:
22.9. Transportation of children is permitted provided that their safety is ensured, taking into account the design features of the vehicle.
Everything here is quite simple - we can transport a child in a car only if we ensure his safety, taking into account the design of our car. This paragraph does not prohibit driving a child in the front seat. Let's go further:
Transportation of children under 12 years of age in vehicles equipped with seat belts must be carried out using child restraints appropriate for the weight and height of the child, or other means that allow the child to be fastened using seat belts provided for by the design of the vehicle, and in the front seat of a car - only with the use of child restraints.
As you can see, children must be carried in the rear seats either using child restraints, which must correspond to the height and weight of the child, or using other means that allow the child to be fastened with a seat belt. But in the front, the so-called other means are no longer suitable - only a child restraint system. Moreover, in any case, all this should ensure the safety of transporting the child, as follows from the first paragraph of clause 22.9.
So, a child under 12 years old can be transported in the front seat car, but only using a child restraint system.
How to transport a child in the front seat with an airbag?
If you are using a car seat and have airbags, it is prohibited to transport a child with the car seat installed rear-facing. This is required by the Technical Regulations" About the safety of wheeled vehicles"(clause 3.2.5 of section 3.2), and the same clause 22.9 of the traffic rules, as you remember, tells us that it must be ensured, and in this case the airbag can do a bad job.
But paragraph 3.2.6 of Section 3.2 of the same regulations does not prohibit transporting a child in the front seat in a rear-facing car seat if the airbag deployment system is equipped with a sensor that allows it to detect a rear-facing car seat and thus disables the airbag deployment.
In the case when a child is traveling in the direction of travel (like an ordinary passenger, but in a car seat), then opinions regarding turning off the airbags vary. Some argue that you should never turn them off, while others explain that the pillow is designed to withstand the impact of an adult. In addition, a child in a car seat usually sits much higher than an adult, and therefore the pillow can cause harm to his legs.
There is, however, an experiment (unfortunately, of an unknown source) indicating that you can leave the airbag on, but in this case the front seat in which the child is sitting must be moved back. Look at the table of experiment results below.
| Time since collision | Correct - the front seat is moved back | Incorrect - front seat too close to cushion |
|---|---|---|
| 0 ms | There was a collision - the car critically reduced speed | |
| 35 ms |
The pillow has opened and does not reach the child. |
The cushion of probability hits the child's face. There is no damage to the skull, no concussion. But there is a risk of a broken nose. |
| 50 ms |
The pillow is fully expanded before the child begins to move forward as a result of inertia. |
The pillow expanded completely while it was on the child's face, resulting in scratches. |
| 120 ms |
|
The child's pressure on the pillow is maximum. |
| Result and critically affected body parts. |
|
|
Is it possible to carry a child in the front seat in a booster seat, FEST or with a pillow?
So, we already know that children in the front seat under 12 years of age must only ride in a child restraint. Now we should find out what a child restraint is. According to GOST R 41.44-2005:
2.1.3 Child restraints can be of two designs:
- whole(integral class), which includes a set of straps or flexible elements with a buckle, an adjustment device, fastening and, in some cases, an additional seat and/or an impact shield that can be attached using its own integral strap or straps;
- not whole(non-integral class) comprising a partial restraint which, when used in combination with an adult seat belt around the child's torso or a child restraint, forms a complete child restraint.
2.1.3.1 Partial restraint: A device, such as a booster cushion, which, when used in combination with an adult seat belt around the child's torso or a child restraint, forms a complete child restraint.
2.1.3.2 Booster cushion: A resilient cushion that can be used with any adult seat belt.
2.1.3.3 guide strap: A strap that holds the shoulder strap of an adult seat belt in a position where it can be used for children, and the actual position at which the shoulder strap changes direction can be adjusted by means of a device that can be moved up or down the strap depending on the location of the shoulder and fixed in this position.
The guide strap should not be subjected to significant dynamic load.
The cited paragraphs of GOST list all kinds of child restraint devices, and, as we see, this includes:
- car seats;
- so called frameless car seats:
- Adapters (FEST) And boosters.
So, the child is in the front seat can be carried in a car seat (including frameless), with FEST and in a booster. Again, the main thing is to ensure the safety of the child during transportation.
At what age can you carry a child in the front seat?
Neither the Traffic Rules, nor the Technical Regulations, nor anything else regulates the age at which a child can be transported in the front seat of a car in a child car seat. There is only a maximum age limit up to which it is mandatory to use a car seat or other device to ensure the safety of a child - 12 years. That is, from the age of 12, a child can be carried in front without any restraints, but simply by fastening a seat belt. At the same time, take into account the child’s height so that the belt does not pass over his neck area.
However, it should be borne in mind that infants are transported in special infant carriers, which are always positioned against the direction of travel (with the child’s back facing forward), and in this case, when transporting a child in the front seat, one should keep in mind the possibility of the same airbag triggering, as mentioned was written above.
In general, often both experts and experienced parents themselves, answering the question of at what age to carry children in front, advise doing this starting from the age of two or three.
What is the fine for incorrectly transporting a child in the front seat?
In any case: whether transporting a child under 12 years of age without a car seat or any other child restraint device, transporting a child in front in a seat that does not correspond to the height and weight of the child, transporting an unbelted child and any other violation of clause 22.9 of the traffic rules will lead to a fine of one and the same size, not a small one, it should be noted.
In our case, the fine for incorrectly transporting children in the front seat for 2020 is 3,000 rubles under Article 12.23, Part 3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation:
3. 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 three thousand rubles; for officials - twenty-five thousand rubles; for legal entities - one hundred thousand rubles.
Three thousand rubles is on average half the cost of a good car seat... Just think about it!
Meanwhile, the inspector can check that the car seat matches the child’s height and weight. You should not interfere with him, since this is a direct fulfillment of the duties assigned to him.
How to transport a child in a truck and on a motorcycle?
According to traffic regulations, a truck is subject to the same requirements as a passenger car, except that other devices can be used in the front seat, ensuring, of course, the safety of transporting a child.
But regarding motorcycles, the traffic rules in the same paragraph 22.9 clearly regulate the rules of transportation - children under the age of 12 are prohibited from being transported on a motorcycle:
It is prohibited to transport children under 12 years of age on the back seat of a motorcycle.
But the traffic rules are silent about motorcycles with a sidecar. In this case, nothing prohibits transporting the child in one. Again, subject to safe transportation and the presence of a car seat.
Is it possible to transport a child if he is sitting in the arms of an adult (mother, father) or in a sling?
Whether in the front seat or the back seat, it is prohibited to carry a child under 12 years of age in your arms, including in a sling. This is also obvious from the same paragraph 22.9 of the Traffic Rules, which states that the child must be transported using car seats or other devices that ensure the safety of transporting children.
But the biggest danger that adults commit when transporting a child in their arms is to fasten together with the child in one common seat belt. In the event of an accident with a frontal collision, the child will not only be pressed against the belt with unknown parts of his body (possibly his neck), but he will also be pressed from behind by an adult, which will have terrible consequences and is unlikely to leave a chance for survival for the child.
A sling is far from being a child restraint device and is not a replacement for a car seat, and it is also impossible to transport a child in a sling.
What groups of car seats are there according to the weight and age of the child?
There are 5 groups of car seats in total, and there is a general rule for installing all of them in the car, both in the front and rear seats.
Transporting children in the front seat of a car according to traffic regulations from 2020 will complicate the relationship between fathers and children. The main concern for children, of course, lies in the responsibility of parents. It happens that wishing their child well, with the best intentions, not wanting to restrict freedom even when moving in a car, parents expose their child to unnecessary danger. The recommended seats for transporting children by car do not necessarily constrain or cause discomfort to children. If you approach the selection of a seat with imagination, its installation, the choice of a comfortable and, most importantly, safe place and occupy it correctly, then nothing but peace and security will be disturbed during the journey. The statistics of the death of minors in road accidents is such that it is safer to follow the rules for transporting children in a car.
Key points in the rules
The question of whether it is allowed to transport children in the front seat of a car is not at all legitimate. It is not prohibited. The rules don't say anything about this. Everything said in them relates to the age of children. Also, height and weight are reflected in the document. Babies can be safely placed in the front. This is convenient for young parents when transporting babies without the presence of any other adults in the car besides the driver. The baby is in front of your eyes, and you don’t have to worry about him along the way. Rules for transporting children in the front seat require:
- Reliable fixation of children under 12 years of age in an equipped seat with a holding mechanism.
- It is prohibited to restrain minor passengers with regular seat belts. They are designed for an adult height of 150 cm and above and can cause injury in a collision or emergency braking.
- Mandatory deactivation of the airbag.
- The front passenger seat is moved all the way back.
- The child in his seat is facing the cabin.
Subject to these few rules, transporting children in the front seat of your car is the safest and is not reprehensible on the part of the traffic police.
The airbag in a car is designed for an adult passenger. And in case of road troubles, when triggered, it can injure a small passenger under the age of 12 years in the front seat of a car. By placing the baby facing the passenger compartment, the risk of damage to the children's neck muscles in the event of an accident is prevented. If there is a strong impact from the car, the baby will only be pressed further into the back of the seat. And in a position facing the glass, the child’s head will tilt back by inertia with greater force than the child’s weak neck allows. Transportation by hand is prohibited. It is impossible to hold even a small person in the event of an impact in a collision. And the likelihood of additional injuries increases. The fastened seat belt should not go over the baby's neck or collarbone.
Transporting children in the front seat has become stricter in 2020. Now, to transport children in the front seat, the use of a special car seat has become mandatory. Installation of such a device is now required for children under 7 years of age. Transportation of children from 7 to 10 years of age is possible without a seat. Instead, a booster is provided (a very comfortable special pillow that raises the baby to the height of an adult). And then you can fasten it with regular seat belts.
Convenient location for children
The fine for transporting children without a seat is now 3,000 rubles. Until 2020, the fine of 500 rubles did not frighten motorists. They preferred their own methods for the safe transportation of their children, even explaining this by the high cost of special child seats. In the current conditions, when such transportation will cost the same money, according to the legislator, the driver’s choice will change in favor of the opinion of specialists. Thus, in order to transport children in the front seat, according to the Road Traffic Rules from 2020, car owners are required to attach special devices. Places are not specified by the rules. The front seat is quite suitable for transporting a baby on errands.
It is useless to save on seats, boosters or other means that ensure the safety of your heirs. According to current rules, transportation of children under 12 years of age is carried out only with the use of restraining mechanisms. Punishment by the traffic police is inevitable.
The ability to attach a child seat to the front seat is not available in every car model. There are two possible options here. Driving on the road with a child in a secured seat in the back seat or converting the front seat. Timid arguments about the impossibility of securing a child safety device in the front of the cabin will not have any effect on the inspection forces. The traffic police inspector will still fine you.
Seats. What are there
The most convenient design solutions for the chair include the ability to detach the backrest from the seat. Then what remains is the so-called booster. This seat simply raises the little passenger’s body to a safe height. The road traffic rules do not specifically indicate either the types or designs of devices for transporting young passengers. It turns out that by placing a blanket under the baby, raising him to the height of an adult, and fastening him with seat belts, the rules have been followed. The reaction of traffic police to such “devices” is still unknown.
Important! The rules place emphasis on the child's growth, i.e. If a child has already grown over 150 cm by the age of 10, he no longer needs any special structures for moving in a car. Age does not matter at all. And the requirement to present documents for children in order to establish their age is absolutely unlawful.
Children after 12 years of age weighing more than 36 kg, of course, continue to remain children. But they are already allowed to sit next to dad in the front part of the cabin. Everything here is the same as with adults: the seat belt is fastened, the airbag is activated.
The ban on transporting children in old buses, which are in no way equipped or adapted for safe travel, as provided for in the rules, has been postponed until July 1, 2020.
You need to move in a car in compliance with traffic rules - this means not only driving the car competently, but also ensuring the safety of passengers in its cabin. The traffic rules as amended in 2016 oblige vehicle drivers to take maximum measures to ensure the transportation of a child in the car, especially if he is in the seat next to the driver, that is, in the front seat of the car.
Standards for transporting children in a car
- inside the car in the front seat;
- in the back seat of a car;
- in the cab of the truck.
According to current regulations, transporting children in the back of a truck or trailer is strictly prohibited. When transporting children in a car equipped with seat belts, transport of children under 12 years of age is carried out exclusively using special means of restraining the child:
- (for newborns and infants);
- adapter in the form of a triangular pad;
- (for a child’s height from 1.2 m).
The booster must be equipped with a special strap with a buckle designed to fit and secure a standard car seat belt on the child’s shoulder - without such a strap the booster cannot be used. Road traffic regulations prohibit transporting children on the back seat of a motorcycle.
It is forbidden to transport children in groups of several people in private cars. If the number of children is 8 or more people, transportation will be considered organized, and transportation of such groups is allowed only on a bus. Mass transportation of children requires special permission from the authorities responsible for these issues.
It is not prohibited to transport young passengers in special child restraints in the front seat of a car. For the smallest passengers (newborns and infants) you will need a car seat, for older children - a car seat. The adapter cannot be used with a standard harness or booster pad for newborns or infants. It is not prohibited to place babies, including newborns, in the front seat of a special child vehicle, but the front seat is not the safest place for a child, so you should consider choosing another option.
When transporting children in a car, it is necessary to use special seats that ensure the safety of small passengers. Transporting infants in a car seat
Transporting the youngest passengers in a passenger car requires a special way of installing the cradle - in the back seat in the safest place perpendicular to the movement. It is imperative to secure such a cradle; this is done using the car’s standard seat belts.
The child in the cradle must also be secured; the car cradle has special holding straps. The design provides for a horizontal position of the baby inside the cradle, this makes breathing easier and protects the baby’s still soft and flexible bones from excessive stress.
The cradle allows you to transport babies in a car from the age of a newborn to six months, this device is quite large and will not last long, so you can use the car seat from the very beginning, you can drive with it for several years.
Transporting infants in a car seat
The car seat also secures the small passenger inside its own structure using special belts. The seat itself is fastened inside the car using car belts or brackets - some models of seats are equipped with the latter as an option.
The tilt of the seat backs is adjustable, the recommended angle is from 30 to 45 degrees. The recommendations are due to the fact that this angle provides maximum protection for the baby in the event of a frontal collision of vehicles. An additional advantage of the chair is that it provides good support for the baby’s head and shoulder girdle and reduces the load on the neck muscles. If a child needs additional head support (for example, due to his early age), special cushions or fabric folded into a cushion can be placed.
Babies can also be transported in a car seat, but it must have a special ergonomic design and the ability to change the angle of inclination Reasons to get a chair
- compliance with traffic regulations;
- minimizing the risk to the child.
It is prohibited to transport a child in a car without a special restraint device. The introduction of a restraint system for children under 12 years of age into the traffic regulations is due to the design features of a passenger vehicle, more precisely, the height of the mounting of its standard seat belts - it is designed for a passenger over 1.5 m tall. Only such a person can be effectively restrained by the belt in dangerous situations (sharp braking) and in accidents, without threatening his life. For small children, a regular seat belt cannot provide effective and safe retention; it will also put pressure on the neck. In an emergency, the belt will not protect you, and sometimes even add damage to your health.
The regulations also prohibit the transportation of babies in their arms, in a regular cradle from a stroller. When vehicles collide at medium speeds, the baby's weight increases by an order of magnitude, holding him becomes problematic even for a strong adult.
When transported in an unsecured box or cradle, the effect will be the same as when transported by hand. The age range from 0 to 12, during which children should be transported in car seats and other restraint devices, was chosen due to the fact that at the age of 12 a small person, as a rule, grows to 1.5 m in height. And in this case, it is already possible to use the car’s standard seat belts to ensure the safety of the young passenger in both the front and rear seats of the car.
Car seat placement: safe and comfortable
- front seat;
- any back seat.
Where is the safest place for a baby in the car? The safest place to install a child car seat is this is the center rear seat. In case of an accident, according to statistics, the passenger who is in this place suffers the least. Another advantage of installing the seat in the center is the open windshield, which means a good view for the child. You need to secure the child car seat correctly, no matter where it is installed - this is also a very important point.
You can also place a car seat on the right side of the driver; this is not prohibited by law or other regulations, but an important condition must be met - turn off the airbag. When activated, the airbag can harm the health of the child in the car seat. The seat must be secured with a standard seat belt or brackets, if any are included in the kit. After 12 years of age, a child can use standard seat belts on a general basis, in which case the airbag must be active.
You can also transport a child in a car seat in the front seat next to the driver, but this can only be done with the airbag turned off. Choosing a car seat and motivating factors
Transporting a child in a passenger car without restraint devices is prohibited, but this is not the main motive for good parents. Of course, any person wants to avoid a fine, but in this case we are talking not just about some abstract requirements, but about the life of a child.
It is better to choose a chair not with an eye to the future, so that it “will last forever,” but rather one that is suitable for the height and weight of the baby. It is important that the baby likes the chair in terms of comfort and energy efficiency. An important point is the quality and type of fasteners directly in the device - the child must be secured securely.
The driver, taking a passenger, especially a baby, into the cabin is responsible for his life. Therefore, it is very important to try to preserve the life and health of the passenger, using all required protective equipment (seat belts, child car seats, etc.). The leading motivator in this case should not be the fear of getting a fine, but the responsibility and consciousness of the driver.
Clinical and perinatal psychologist, graduated from the Moscow Institute of Perinatal Psychology and Reproductive Psychology and Volgograd State Medical University with a degree in clinical psychology
Many even experienced drivers cannot give a definite answer regarding whether it is possible to transport a child in a child seat in 2017. Traffic rules change annually, amendments and changes are made to them to protect drivers, pedestrians and passengers from accidents and injuries.
For this reason, today we will talk about whether it is possible to transport a child in the front seat in a child seat, and also at what age it is generally allowed to put children in the front seat of a car.
In fact, transporting a child in a car is not as easy as it might seem at first glance, since for different age groups there are separate transportation rules that help to protect the baby as much as possible.
The main responsibility of every driver is the complete safety of the child in the car, especially considering the fact that today the law on transporting children is quite strict when compared with transporting adults in a car.
The thing is that ordinary seat belts are enough for an adult, but such belts are not provided for a small passenger, and adult belts are simply not suitable for a baby, for this reason parents must use a restraint device.
What do you need to know?
If a child is transported in a car, the driver must ensure the child’s safety; for this it is necessary to install a special child seat, and the restraint system may be different for each age.
But even if the driver has such a device in his car for transporting a child, this does not mean at all that the traffic police officer will not issue a fine for the violation, since not all seats may meet the basic criteria.
It is very important to follow some rules when transporting a child in a vehicle in the front passenger seat. For example, the selection of a chair must be made with an exact match for the age, height, and weight of the child; if the baby has already outgrown the restraint device, then the chair will have to be replaced with a suitable one.
The chair must be well secured with seat belts, and in addition it is very important to pay attention to the quality of the purchased product.
When the child seat is positioned against the movement of oncoming cars, the airbag must be removed or simply turned off in this place. If you follow these rules, the child will be safe, and the driver will avoid a fine.
Is it legal to carry a child in the front seat?
Today, many people would like to know whether it is possible to transport 
a child in the front seat in a car seat 2017 or without a restraint device, and if so, what transportation rules must be strictly observed in this case.
If we turn to the basic law of traffic rules, we can find out that according to clause 22.9, the driver has the right to transport a child under twelve years of age exclusively in a special seat or restraint device that helps ensure the safety of the baby.
However, the law does not stipulate where exactly the child should be; for this reason, transporting a child in the front seat of a vehicle is completely permitted.
For those who do not know whether it is possible to transport children in the front seat in a child seat 2017 and up to what age this must be done.
The law provides information that a child can be in the front seat of a vehicle without a special restraint device only after he or she is twelve years old. If the driver decides to ignore these rules, then the punishment may be an impressive fine.
Basic rules of transportation
If we consider the new laws of the current year, then some changes have come into force, so now transporting children in a car is also carried out using a child seat or car seat, but seats are only necessary for children under seven years of age. Thus, it turns out that the law on whether it is possible to transport a child in the front seat in a child seat in 2017 was modified; now a child who has reached the age of seven can be in a vehicle while driving without a special restraint device.
The law had to be modified, since children from eight to twelve years old have different development. For this reason, even at eight years old, a child can reach a height suitable for using standard seat belts.
In this case, if the baby is seven years old, then the parents themselves have the right to decide whether the child needs a child seat, or whether they can refuse it.
But these rules apply only to trips in the back seat of a car; if we talk about whether it is possible to transport a child in the front seat in a child seat in 2017, then this rule has been preserved. And although the laws have been changed, only children over the age of twelve can be in the front seat of a car, or younger children, but already in a child seat or car seat.
Many professionals believe that it is much more dangerous for an adult child to be in a car seat that is not properly secured in the car. Not all cars have seat belts that allow the seat to be firmly secured to the seat, and this leads to more serious injuries. Parents have the right to refuse a seat if the child is already seven years old.
Action of traffic rules
Traffic rules were established to protect the driver and passengers from unexpected situations on the road, such as an accident. The seat makes it possible to ensure maximum safety for the child, this is especially important if the child is riding in the front seat of the car. But there are some nuances that must be observed additionally.
For example, if a passenger holds a child in his arms during a trip, this is considered a violation of traffic rules, especially when moving in the front seat of a car, since this place is considered the most dangerous.
Simple front seat belts are not suitable for children under twelve years of age in the front, and rear seat belts are not suitable for children under seven years of age. In the front seat, a child under the age of twelve can only move in a special seat.
