When can children be transported in a car without a seat?

Rules for transporting children in a car in 2021

The first fine for not having a car seat for a child, 500 rubles, was introduced in 2007. Since that time, it has increased several times, and by 2021 it amounted to 3,000 rubles. up to 100,000 rubles, depending on a number of accompanying circumstances.

Standards for the safe passage of children in vehicles were prescribed in the traffic rules back in 1993. According to them, the possibility of transporting a child in the back or front seat of a car was regulated. They established criteria under which standard seat belts could be used, or whether additional means were required.

Rules for the passage of children in motor vehicles place full responsibility for their observance on adults. According to them, there are separate standards for transporting a child in the rear or front car seat.

Children can ride in the front seat of a car if the following conditions are met:

• if a child is over twelve years old, weighs 36 kg or more, and is at least 150 cm tall, he can ride in the front seat of a car, fastened with regular car seat belts;
• If a child is under twelve years old, weighs less than 36 kg, and is not 150 cm tall, he can ride in the front using assistive safety devices (car seats and their equivalents).

Safe passage of children in the back seat of a car requires the following conditions:

• if the child is twelve years old, his weight and height have reached the required parameters (150 cm, 36 kg), he can ride in the back seat of a car, fastened with regular seat belts;
• If a child is under twelve years old, weighs less than 36 kg, and is not 150 cm tall, he can ride in the back seat of a car using additional safety equipment (child car seat and similar).

The use of auxiliary safety devices that are inappropriate for the weight, age and height of the child, according to the traffic rules, is perceived as a lack of necessary safety devices.

Transporting a child without a car seat, or with a device that is inappropriate for his age, height and weight, is punishable by penalties. The size of the fine depends on a number of factors and can range from 3 thousand rubles. up to 100 thousand rubles.

How much is the fine for a child seat in 2021?

There are several degrees of responsibility for failure to comply with the standards for the safe transportation of children in vehicles.

Individuals belonging to different groups may be subject to separate liability for violating the standards for the safe transportation of a child.

In the case of a trip in a taxi that is not suitable for transporting a child, the fine for driving without a child seat in the car will be paid by both the driver (25,000 rubles) and the passenger accompanying the child - a parent, relative (3,000 rubles) or a teacher, educator ( 25,000 rub.).

If there are clear signs of violation of the standards for the safe transportation of children, the organization providing transportation may be additionally held liable.

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 .

Rules for transporting children in a car in 2021

The basic standards for the safe transportation of children are prescribed in the traffic rules (clause 22.9). Violation of the norms prescribed in the traffic rules falls under the jurisdiction of the Administrative Code of Russia, part 3, article 12.23.

If the child is under twelve years old, but has reached the height and weight required for safe use of standard car seat belts, the situation is regulated by the norms of the administrative code prescribed in Article 12.6. (Regulation on penalties for a passenger not wearing seat belts - 1000 rubles).

In the event of an accident that causes harm to the health of a child, the situation may be regulated by the provisions of Article 238 of the Criminal Code. The amount of penalties under this article can be up to 500 thousand rubles.

A child who is not restrained and not in a car seat cannot be the reason for fines if the car is not moving.

A child who is under twelve years old, but is taller than 150 cm and weighs more than 36 kg, fastened in the back seat with standard seat belts, does not violate the safety standards prescribed by the traffic rules.

If a traffic police inspector stops an ordinary driver who is transporting a small child in his car without a seat, then he faces liability under Article 12.23 of the Code of Administrative Offenses and a fine of 3,000 rubles.

It’s another matter if such a violation is committed by a taxi who is engaged in his activity professionally and has the appropriate permits and travels in a taxi car.

In this case, the driver may be charged under Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation - “Provision of services that do not meet the requirements for the safety of life or health of consumers.”

1. Under the first part of this article, you can receive a fine of up to 300 thousand rubles , or restriction of freedom or even imprisonment for up to 2 years.
2. According to the second part of the same article, if the case involved children under 6 years of age, or the consequences were the infliction of serious harm or the death of a person, the sanctions for the driver will be even tougher. The fine for a child without a car seat in a taxi is from 100 to 500 thousand rubles , or imprisonment for up to 6 years (!), with a fine of up to 500 thousand rubles.
3. Part three of Article 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation is the most stringent and is applied if, for example, an accident results in the death of two or more persons. Sanction: up to 10 years in prison.

That is, if, for example, a taxi driver has an outstanding criminal record, and if he is caught violating Part 1 of Art. 238 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation (simply transporting a child without a seat), then the judge can easily send him to jail, according to the law.

Even worse, if an accident occurs (even if the taxi driver was not at fault, they drove into him) and it turns out that the taxi driver was transporting children with disabilities, and they, God forbid, were injured, the corresponding article of the Criminal Code will inevitably be applied to the driver.

Let's look at a few important facts about transporting all children:

1. If the design of the car (or one of its seats) does not provide seat belts, then in this car (on this seat) a child can be transported without a child seat and not fastened. However, this is not safe.

2. Previously, traffic regulations required that only child restraints that could be used to fasten a child using seat belts should be used in a car. However, modern child seats are fastened using the ISOFIX standard, which does not require the use of standard seat belts. The updated rules take this issue into account. Now drivers using seats with the ISOFIX system do not have to worry about traffic police fines.

3. Previously, paragraph 22.9 dealt with vehicles, which included not only cars, but also, for example, mopeds and tractors. Those. Both mopeds and tractors had to install child restraints when transporting children. The updated rules only apply to passenger cars and truck cabs. In other vehicles, child restraints are not required.

Changes to the rules for transporting children in a car in questions and answers

The fine for not having a child seat varies depending on who committed the offense:

It is possible to pay the fine with a 50% discount within 20 days from the date of delivery of the decision to the citizen.

Most often, difficulties with the law on child seats arise in large families. One car can comfortably accommodate two, rarely three, seats, but without them all four or even five children could fit in the back seat.

Another drawback is the imposition of fines on taxi drivers. Sometimes parents deliberately do not warn that there will be a child in the cabin, so as not to increase the cost of the trip. When an inspector stops a car, the blame falls on the taxi driver. In extreme cases, the fine for parents will be 3,000 rubles, and for the driver – 25,000.

Types of car seats for children on the Russian market:

Each type of seat is used only for children of a certain age. Some car seats, for example, categories 0 and 0+, are adjustable depending on the child’s height and weight, but from 1.5 years old it is necessary to purchase a larger seat.

When purchasing a child seat for your car, there are a few things to consider:

1. Type of belt fastening. There are two types of fastenings: standard and improved - ISOFIX. Both options are suitable for passing a traffic police check, but the ISOFIX system is more reliable in the event of an accident.
2. Seat belts on the seat. Small children must be secured in the bassinet. Special built-in belts are designed for this - three- or five-point. Fixing with a safety table is also possible. The best option is a five-point harness.
3. Chair frame. The most durable and reliable is the aluminum frame, as opposed to plastic.
4. You should choose those models that are equipped with a durable, large headrest and sides.
5. Preference should be given to covers made of cotton fabric, as they are better suited to the baby's skin and do not irritate it.

• By car and driver
• By resolution number

Rules for transporting children in a car

For most parents, nothing changes - the rules for transporting a child in a family car or in a taxi in 2021 remain the same. The changes affect the transportation of groups of children by bus - the rules are really becoming stricter for organizers of such trips.

Parents should be aware of these changes, at least briefly, just to monitor the safety of their children when sending them to children's camps, on school excursions, etc.

After 12 years, children can already be transported without using a car seat, but only if the child is taller than 1.5 meters. If his height does not exceed the specified mark, then it is worth using holding devices. Also, from the age of 12, a child can ride in the front seat without special restraints , fastened only with adult seat belts.

If a child is traveling in a car with his parents, in 2021 the classic transportation rules apply. The minor must be in a car seat that is suitable for his height and age. Transporting children under 12 years of age in the front seat of a car is not prohibited if special restraints are used. Parents must select the appropriate device themselves.

And for children over 7 but under 12 years old there are still some restrictions. They can also sit in the back row simply by fastening with regular seat belts. But simply transporting them in the front seat is still prohibited. If a child rides in the front, he must be in a car seat. In this case, the driver needs to turn off the passenger airbag: in the event of an accident, it will only injure the child.

All children under 7 years old will only have to ride in a car in a car seat. From a legal point of view, they cannot be fastened with regular belts, even if they are taller than 1.5 meters.

The location of the seat does not matter: the child seat must be in both the front and back rows. And it should be selected taking into account the height and weight of the child.

Child on the bus

This section deals with buses of all types, i.e. about vehicles with more than 8 passenger seats. The size of the vehicle, again, does not matter. The buses can be either small minivans or huge tourist buses.

Let's look at an interesting example. Gazelle minibuses have become widespread in Russia. Moreover, they are available in various modifications.

The registration certificate may indicate the following vehicle type options:

• cargo van;
• bus (other buses).

Externally, Gazelles of different modifications are similar to each other, but the rules for transporting children in the front seat differ. On a bus, a child of any age can be fastened with a regular seat belt, but on a cargo van, a child restraint system is required for children under 7 years of age.

New rules for transporting children in cars in 2021

No child seat is suitable for infants, but you cannot hold them in your hands during the trip. Both options are extremely unsafe. The chair will not work because the baby’s muscles and spine are not yet fully developed: in a sitting position, he can get injured even during sudden braking. Simply holding him in your arms is also dangerous: during a collision, an adult simply will not be able to hold him.

For infants, special infant carriers are sold in which they will remain in a horizontal position at all times. This reduces the risk of injury during braking and accidents. This car seat can take up two seats. But some models can be installed in the front seat; the law does not prohibit this.

The law does not establish any restrictions on the installation location of a child seat. The only condition when transporting a child in a child seat in the front seat is the absence or deactivation of an airbag.

As for safety, the central seat in the back row is considered the most secure. This is where it is best to install a child seat in order to protect the child as much as possible in case of accidents.

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Minor passengers are allowed to be transported in cars and truck cabins, subject to certain rules. It is prohibited to transport children under 12 years of age on the back seat of a scooter or motorcycle. Now they are allowed to be transported in passenger cars if the seat is equipped with a special seat or cradle. The booster and triangular configuration adapter are not suitable for this.

Recommendations for the correct transportation of infants in vehicles are prescribed in the Russian Federation Traffic Regulations, in paragraph 22.9. The latest version states that it is not allowed to transport newborns without restraints. There are no detailed explanations, but this implies the use of a cradle, LDC, stroller, car seat, taking into account the age and weight of the passenger.

If the question arises whether it is possible to transport a small child in your arms, it is worth reading clause 22.9 of the Russian Traffic Regulations, as amended. The rules here are the same as for children under one year of age, provided that there is a device that matches the weight and age of the baby. Passengers under 7 years of age and older are allowed to travel if standard seat belts or a system with the Isofix mark -1 are provided.​​​​​​​

The law on transporting children in a car states: it is permissible to transport a child in the front seat if there is a standard restraint element. If a small passenger is in the back seat of a car or truck cab, he must be fastened with seat belts or be protected by a securing device.

It is not necessary to buy a separate seat - you can make it yourself for free, in compliance with the requirements of traffic rules for transporting children, depending on the year of birth. The created accessory will protect the little passenger if the design meets all the necessary requirements.

If you have doubts about a homemade device, it is better to buy a factory analogue. The child can be involved in choosing a child car seat. This helps to purchase the most comfortable model, taking into account anthropometric data. You should not buy an accessory “for growth”. The operation of such products does not give the desired effect. Among the main selection criteria are the types of fastenings and methods of fixation.

Without special devices, transporting children in a car in the front seat is allowed from 12 years of age. The child's height must be at least 1.5 meters. For safety, it is necessary to use standard securing straps, adjusting them accordingly.​​​​​​​

Fine for transporting children without a seat in a car in 2021

The table shows the official standards for children's car safety devices, in accordance with the law and the requirements of the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate.

Law enforcement officials can impose fines not only for the absence of a child seat, but also for improper installation of the accessory, or violation of the norms for accompanying children at night. The seat is not allowed to be installed upside down. This contributes to serious injury or death as a result of an accident or emergency stop.

Children under 7 years old can only be transported in a car seat . It doesn't matter whether they ride in the front seat or in the back. In addition, according to current requirements, children under 7 years of age are prohibited from being left unattended in the car - there must be someone of age nearby.

Rules for transporting children from 7 to 11 years old depend on their location in the car:

• in the front seat - only in a car seat;
• in the back seat - you can use both a car seat and standard car seat belts.

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Child car seats may not be used if the child is over 12 years old. Thus, it is permissible to replace the car seat with other restraint devices: special pillows, boosters, and so on, while securing the baby with standard belts.

It is prohibited to transport children in your arms, in weight, in a cradle or seat from a regular stroller, using regular pillows, since these methods do not provide the proper level of safety.

The installation of child restraints is permissible:

1. In the front seat of the car.
2. In the back seat.

Transporting children in the front seat is permitted:

• for babies aged 0-1.5 years using a car seat, which is installed perpendicular to the seat or with the back to the direction of travel of the car. In this case, you need to turn off the airbag
• children of other ages using car seats. Installation of the restraining device is carried out by facing the direction of travel

Transporting children in the back seat of a vehicle is permissible:

• for infants aged 0 - 0.15 years in a car seat, installed with its back to the direction of travel
• for other children using car seats (up to 7) or other devices and regular seat belts (7-12 years old)

Child in the cab of a truck

This section deals with trucks of all types. Starting with multi-ton tractors and ending with light trucks based on cars.

What is of fundamental importance is not the appearance and size of the car, but the information specified in the “Vehicle Type” field of the registration certificate. If the value “truck” is entered in this field, then the following rules should be used:

Rules for transporting children according to traffic rules in a car in 2021

You can ride in the front seat from birth, but you must follow the prescribed rules.

This is a special device for babies under 1 year of age, designed for different categories - from 10 kg and above. The child is placed horizontally and secured with straps.

If the car seat is placed on the front passenger seat, then it is imperative that the baby’s back is facing the windshield, that is, with its back to the traffic. This is an important requirement. Such a trip is guaranteed to be safe for him. In case of sudden braking, nothing will threaten him.

Children under seven years old can be in a car seat with standard belts and the ISOFIX system. In simple terms, the child must be placed in a car seat or restraint device with a belt fastened at the same time.

Up to 7 years only in a car seat!

From 7 to 11 years

Children from 7 to 11 can sit in a seat with special ISOFIX fastenings or be buckled up. They can also be located in front, but only with the use of a child restraint system. It is important that the device matches parameters such as height and weight. Failure to comply with this condition will result in a fine. In the event of a minor collision with another car, the airbag may deploy and cause injury to the passenger - it should be turned off. If the airbag does not turn off, then it is best to give the child a seat in the rear passenger seat.

Children from 7 to 11 are in the front seat only in a car seat; in the back seat they can be fastened with seat belts.

In what cases are parents most often fined? There may be two options here:

• the child should be in a child care system, but is without it;
• not fastened.

If a passenger requires a child restraint system, but does not have one, the owner of the car will be fined 3,000 rubles. When it is permissible for a child to be without a child restraint (over 11 years old), but he is not wearing a seat belt, a fine of 1000 rubles.

The chair is installed as follows:

• move the front seat so that it is not in the way;
• we place the child control system in the right place;
• we pull the standard seat belt through the slots of the device;
• We check the strength of the installation and fastenings;
• We make sure that the belts do not squeeze, do not hang down or are not in the child’s neck area.

Installation of the equipment will not take much time, but at the same time guarantees the safety of the passenger. A car seat should be purchased with a child so that it is suitable for height and weight; you should not make a purchase “for show.”

Drivers often have questions related to the rules for transporting children in a private car. We will try to answer the most common ones:

• Where is the best (safest) place to place the car seat? – The safest place is considered to be the central part of the rear passenger sofa. You can also place a car seat with a newborn on it.
• Do you need to take documents for child care with you? A traffic police officer has the right to request a document for the device to be checked in order to ensure its safety and compliance with established rules and regulations. We recommend storing it in your vehicle.

To avoid problems with the law, you should strictly comply with them. Remember that they relate to preserving the health and life of the child, so do not neglect them.

At what age can a child ride in a car without a child seat?

The rules for transporting children under 12 years old from January 1, 2021 remain the same as last year.

When transporting a child under 12 years of age in a car that is equipped with seat belts, it is necessary to use child restraint systems or other devices that allow the child to be fastened with adult seat belts.” 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."

clause 22.9 of the traffic rules

Thus, based on traffic regulations, it is permitted to transport children under 12 years of age in a car equipped with seat belts:

• in child restraint seats or infant carriers;
• using booster seats;
• other means that allow the child to fasten with adult seat belts (FEST adapter)

Changes have been made to clause 12.8 of the traffic rules regarding the prohibition of leaving children under 7 years old in a car without adult supervision. In this case, the time during which personal transport is stopped is important. If no more than 5 minutes, then you can leave the child alone.

Violation of this clause entails a fine on the driver in the amount of 2.5 thousand rubles for Moscow and St. Petersburg and 500 rubles for other regions.

What is meant by the term “special restraint device”? It can be either a car seat corresponding to the child’s age and weight category, or a booster. A child car seat for children under 7 years of age must be equipped with seat belts. Older children can be secured with standard seat belts and additionally use a booster. When placing a small passenger in the front seat, special securing devices are required.

When installing a car seat in the front seat, the airbag must be turned off.

Newborn children can travel in vehicles only in car bassinets or special-type baby carriers. Such devices are designed for a child up to 12 months old and a maximum weight of up to 13 kg. They are usually labeled category 0 or 0+.

Traveling in a car with a child from one to 7 years old (or in the cabin of a truck) is possible using car seats of categories 1,2 or 3, depending on the height and weight of the child. When fixing the seat, standard seat belts or the ISOFIX system can be used. The safety and security of the child must be ensured by its own soft belts built into the structure of the car seat.

At what age is it necessary to transport children in special seats?

Even newborns are required by law to be placed in a special car seat.

Until the age of seven - in a chair. As required by law, children under seven years of age are seated by the car owner in a seat that corresponds to their weight and height.

The chair can also be placed on the passenger seat in the front. One condition - turn off the airbag if you place the seat backwards. The button is usually located on the side of the glove compartment - near the door hinge. This is necessary so that the deployed airbag does not throw the seat along with the small passenger. This is written in the car manual.

From seven to eleven years old - in the back seat. A child over seven years old is allowed to ride in the second row without special devices. A standard seat belt will suffice.

A sticker next to the front airbag deactivation button shows what will happen to the seat and baby when the airbag is activated.