Is it allowed to use FEST restraints in a car?

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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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.

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?

Is it possible to use a triangle to transport children in 2020

It is impossible to hold such a weight in your hands. The child may hit the front seat or fly towards the windshield. In cases where the speed of the accident is low, the parent may crush the child with his own weight.

The backrest tilt level can be adjusted. It is recommended that this indicator vary between 30-45 degrees. In this case, the child’s protection in a frontal collision will be maximum. The chair holds babies' heads well and minimizes strain on the neck.

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.

Is it possible to fasten a child with a triangle fest in 2021

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%.

Now no amateur performances. In the rear seat, you will need a GOST restraint device corresponding to the weight and height of the child.

The State Duma in the second reading adopted a bill banning the removal of stowaway passengers under 16 years of age from public transport, TASS reports.

In the current version of the law, personal data or information about the property of judges, prosecutors or security officials could be classified only by proving that their life or health was in danger.

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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Is the FEST child restraint system allowed in a car in 2021?

Is there an alternative to a child car seat? 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.

One of the authors of the amendments, a member of the Duma Committee on Transport and Construction, Vladimir Sinyagovsky, noted that the ban on disembarking will apply to situations where children without a ticket are on transport unaccompanied by adults. He added that in the future it would be desirable to extend this measure to the disabled, pensioners and pregnant women.

In the child’s pelvic area, the so-called iliac crest is poorly developed, which in an adult “clings” to the belt and reduces the likelihood of the diving effect. And statistics compiled by the French safety laboratory LAB say abdominal injuries in children aged six to 11 are more common and dangerous than head injuries.

Certificate EL No. FS 77-77315 dated December 10, 2019. Founder of PenzaInform LLC. Editor-in-Chief - T.S. Yazychenko

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.

Is Triangle Allowed for Transporting Children 2021

The innovations, which came into force in January 2021, shocked parents who used boosters and adapters to transport their children in the car. Most of them, without understanding the changes, decided that the use of such restraint devices was prohibited.

Then you could have gotten away with five hundred. Additionally, it should be noted that a fine can be issued not only for transporting minor passengers in a car not equipped with restraints, but also for the fact that they are installed inappropriately.

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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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.

Cost and popular models

Triangles for cars for children are distinguished by their relatively low price and versatility. By purchasing one device, you won't have to buy new ones as your child grows. This applies to almost all triangle models, but there are exceptions. This needs to be clarified when purchasing an adapter by checking its characteristics.

many adapters of different price categories on the market

We list the models of the most popular manufacturers:

• Fest adapters are designed taking into account different weight categories of children in three variations. Widely distributed, the cost of the product is from 600 rubles.
• Antey – makes high-quality triangles that can be washed. The price of devices is from 380 rubles and above.
• Crumb is a puff material used as a filler, which increases durability and shock absorption ( 350 rubles ).
• Ganen – used from 4 years of age, suitable for various seat belt fastening systems. The cost of devices is within 400-500 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.

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.

Rules for transporting children in a car

Transportation of newborns

Infants, including very young children, must be transported in a special car seat - a car seat.
The device is similar to a baby carrier, where the child is placed in a cup-shaped body lying down, and then fastened with internal five-point belts. The chair can be installed in both the front and rear seats of the car. The cradle itself is fixed to the seat with your back in the direction of travel using conventional seat belts or the ISOFIX system.

Why is it necessary to purchase a car seat? The fact is that the largest part of the body in babies is the head. But due to the immaturity of the musculoskeletal tissue, babies have a very fragile skeleton, so the neck muscles cannot support their heads during sharp nods. A chair with the correct backrest angle fixes the baby’s body in such a way as to maintain a safe position in the event of a frontal impact and avoid traumatic stress on the neck.

For transporting newborns, infant carriers of categories 0 (cradles from a stroller) and 0+ (a full-fledged car seat) are suitable. A baby carrier can only be installed in the rear seat, while category 0+ devices can also be installed in the front seat.

Rules for transporting children under 7 years of age

According to traffic regulations, children of this age can ride in the front or back seat only in a car seat or using another type of child restraint system. In this case, they must be fastened with internal belts, and the device itself must be secured using standard belts.

From the age of 7, you can use a booster - a special restraint device that allows you to raise the baby’s body so that the seat belt does not pass over the neck, incorrectly distributing the load upon impact, but across the chest. There are discussions about the safety of boosters in the State Traffic Inspectorate: they do not fully protect against side impacts and do not secure the neck.

Belt adapters cannot be used to transport children under 7 years of age: the device does not provide the passenger with adequate safety. It can only be used as part of a restraint device, for example, to tighten the inner straps of a car seat. The device must be selected according to the child’s weight.

Suitable categories of car seats are 1, 2.

Transportation of children aged 7-11 years

According to current regulations, once children reach the age of seven, they can be transported without a car seat, fastened with standard seat belts. However, this only applies to transportation in the back seat of a car or truck: driving in the front seat without a child seat is only possible from 12 years of age. Also, if you are carrying a small passenger in the front seat, you must turn off the airbag - in the event of an accident, it can injure him.

However, in order to provide maximum protection for the child during the trip, parents should take into account his weight and height. According to the law, the limit for refusing a car seat is a height of 150 cm and a weight of 36 kg. So, if a child has reached the age of 12 years, but has not yet outgrown the specified parameters, then do not rush to give up a child seat or other child restraint systems: car seat belts cannot fully perform their functions if the child is too small.

When choosing a car seat, pay attention to the label with the indicated category “3”.

How to transport children in other vehicles?

You can transport children in the cabin of a truck, observing all age and weight restrictions, but transportation in the back is excluded. As for two-wheeled vehicles, placing children in the back seat of a motorcycle until the child is 12 years old is strictly prohibited by traffic regulations.

Contrary to popular belief, there are no concessions for taxi drivers: transporting small passengers must follow the same rules as other drivers. If a taxi driver arrives to a call without a car seat, then at the very least you face the unpleasant task of finding out who to pay the fine at the traffic police. Otherwise, you are simply risking the health of your child.

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.

Advantages of adapters

The advantages of such fixing devices include:

1. Compactness. The adapter is much more compact than a standard car seat. Accordingly, it does not take up much space in the cabin and is easy to transport.
2. Versatility. The device can be used on any vehicle equipped with seat belts.
3. Ease of use. To fix the belts using the adapter, you do not need to study the instructions. The principle of use is clear at first glance.
4. Can be used in front and rear seats.

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.

Buy or make it yourself?

You can buy a triangle or make it yourself, provided you have high-quality materials. But keep in mind that a homemade device will not pass a security check, which means there will be no confirmation of its quality and functionality.

If you decide to make the device yourself, measure your child’s parameters, calculate the location of the fastenings and use the diagram. You can find a variety of it on the Internet