Is it possible to use triangle adapters to fasten children in the car

For the transportation of children in cars, infant carriers, seats, boosters and triangle adapters are used in accordance with the requirements of the traffic rules. The latter are positioned as a profitable alternative to car seats, but their safety and legal status are being questioned.

Requirements for child restraints

According to clause 22.9 of the SDA, transportation of children under 12 without a child restraint is prohibited. Toddlers under 7 years old must be fastened with a remote control, regardless of their location in the cabin. Children from 7 to 11 years old are transported in car seats and adapters when placed in the front seats. Requirements for DUU are regulated by UNECE Rules N 44-04 and GOST R 41.44-2005 (Russian equivalent). These include:

• compliance of the product configuration with the height and weight of the baby;
• availability of a certificate of conformity of the Customs Union;
• passing laboratory tests declared by the manufacturer;
• marking, including information about the date of manufacture, brand, instructions for use;
• safe product configuration, heat resistance, resistance in dynamic tests;
• categorization of the device depending on the location in the cabin (universal, semi-universal, limited, special).

When the product is released, the manufacturer carries out the marking, and then submits an application for testing. If the safety and quality of the device is confirmed in the course of laboratory studies, it is allowed for circulation and certified. Having a certificate is a legal requirement for child restraints.

Does the adapter meet the requirements

According to section 5 of GOST R 41.44-2005, if the remote control system has been tested, meets safety standards, is labeled and certified, then it complies with the requirements of the law. According to the results of crash tests and dynamic tests, the design of the triangles does not fully meet the safety requirements. Products are vulnerable to side impacts, increased risk of head and neck injuries due to the design of the strap. In 2017, Rosstandart stated that such models do not comply with EEC rules.

Nevertheless, triangles that have been tested and certified in accordance with customs legislation are recognized as complying with the requirements of the standards. The use of a remote control with a certificate is not considered a violation of the law, so fines on this basis are illegal.

What devices can be used

The use of an adapter is legal if the device is accompanied by a Customs Union certificate. A duplicate of the document is transferred to the buyer along with the goods. Otherwise, you must request it from the manufacturer. It is important that the adapter is appropriate for the weight of the baby. Based on the weight of the child, it is acceptable to use adapters equipped with a hip attachment (for children from 9 to 18 kg) and adapters without additional straps (from 18 to 36 kg).

According to European standards, when choosing a DUU, not only the weight, but also the height of the child is taken into account. Russian GOST classifies devices only by weight category. Triangles are suitable for children of all ages.

Why you should bring your certificate

According to clause 2.1 of the SDA, a traffic police officer is not entitled to require a certificate of conformity as confirmation of the legitimacy of the triangle. However, presenting it will confirm that the adapter belongs to child restraints. This will serve as an argument in favor of the illegality of a fine for driving without a DCU.

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