FEST child restraint device: description, principle of operation, reviews

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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Boosters banned or not 2021

Failure to comply with the above conditions is a violation and is punishable by law. Design nuances The most difficult issue when implementing the idea of ​​building a summer house using MK is coordination with the PF. In accordance with new changes to the law, the use of special fasteners that allow you to adapt a standard seat belt to secure a baby is prohibited. In particular, the use of special pillows that are placed under the child and make it possible to fasten the seat belt to the chest is not allowed.

Regarding information about the revocation of the Hungarian certificate in 2013. The FEST company claims that “in 2013, no tests of the FEST child restraint device were carried out either in Hungary or in Russia,” and the information that it did not pass the safety test “is a lie.”

Because on the website of this public organization there is news about the educational institution “FEST”. And this very device is produced, as you already guessed, in Kostroma, at the FEST enterprise, located at the address: Rabochy Prospekt, building 8. And the public organization has the address: Rabochy Prospekt, building 7. In the proposed amendments, the State Traffic Inspectorate, we recall, proposed The new term is “child restraint system,” which refers to a car seat or booster seat, and the use of adapters is prohibited.

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?

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.

I was issued a fine while using FEST - what to do?

One of the significant problems with manufactured seat belt anchors for children is the need to prove to traffic cops that they are certified and approved.
The fact is that traffic police officers are very biased towards such means, pointing out their lack of safety. Therefore, even the presence of a triangle may result in a fine.

If an employee intends to issue a fine to the driver, the latter should refer to the PP number 761, as well as the compliance of the system with GOST standards. You can also threaten to go to court and file an application to recover funds spent on the trial from the inspector’s own wallet.

If such measures do not help, you can move from threats to actions. Since the law does not specify what exactly is meant by a securing device, not only car seats, but also similar systems can be used.

The presence of a certificate guarantees compliance of the FEST adapter with the requirements of current legislation. Thanks to this, the likelihood of a positive outcome is very high.

What is this

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

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

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

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

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

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

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What the law says

Clause 22.9 of the Road Traffic Rules states that passengers under seven years of age must be transported in special child safety and recreational facilities. From seven to eleven years old, it is allowed to be carried in the back without an adapter, and in the front - only with one. The law does not say which specific DDU needs to be used.

The main thing is that it suits the child’s parameters and has the appropriate certificate.

It is worth noting that this year some amendments came into force prohibiting the use of homemade fixation devices. For example, many parents used a pillow for their baby to prevent the seat belts from going over the neck and stomach. However, this method of transportation is now prohibited.

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.

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.

How to choose the right adapter

When choosing a fixing device, it is important to pay attention to the following characteristics:

1. Size. Today, along with full-fledged adapters, mini-models are sold. They are cheap and have an attractive appearance, but are not able to provide the child with the necessary level of safety. Another disadvantage of such devices is their fragility - children grow quickly, and after a few months the compact retainer will become unusable. Therefore, you should pay attention to full-size models.
2. Manufacturer. It's no secret that Chinese analogues are cheaper than products from trusted brands. But often this reduction in price occurs at the expense of quality. Therefore, it is better to overpay, but buy products from a trusted manufacturer
3. Filling. It is best to choose a device whose triangle contains puff filling. Watt analogues quickly form into clumps, losing their appearance and shape. Over time, such devices begin to perform their functions worse.

Interesting Facts

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

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

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

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

Prices and popular triangle models

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

What does it look like

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

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

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

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

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

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

Triangle for children

I would like to complain about the work of the bailiffs in Omsk Karo. I haven’t received proper alimony since 2011. I regularly visit bailiffs, and every time I get funnier and funnier. At first, O. Yusupova was the person in charge; every time I visited her, she said: “It’s great that you came and didn’t call. Live communication is better than over the phone,” she asked me for the debtor’s phone number, his place of work, the phone numbers of his relatives, “we’ll work!” " Subsequent visits follow the same pattern: how great it is that you came, takes contact numbers, writes down cheat sheets. Will be working! One fine day I arrive, and my partner is already Galina Gennadievna! She throws up her hands: oh, oh, oh, Yusupova left such a mess behind, nothing can be found, so let’s sort it out. Could you please give me the debtor's contact information? Oh my God, again with a new one (are they eating their cheat sheets or something)! But this is even more fun. Galina Gennadievna: yes, you don’t need to write any statements, your statements don’t go anywhere, it’s just for me. So you came in person - and that’s great! (after all, live communication is better than over the phone - am I experiencing deja vu?). She also often complained that nothing could be done. It is not possible to hold the grief of the alimony worker accountable; no, he says, we have such measures of influence, and there is nothing to take from him, it seems that the person has no bills or property. And several times I went to Galina Gennadievna. The story is the same: give us your contact information and we’ll work! My angelic patience is wearing thin. I ask Galina Gennadievna to provide the file for review. SP promised to prepare it and set a day for her to come. I'm coming. And the joint venture responsible for the non-payer’s site, Yulia Mikhailovna, that’s it! , says, there is no Galina Gennadievna! According to tradition, Yu. M. Asked for the debtor’s name. She opened the computer and said: “Why are you coming to us? Everything is fine! (oh, oh, oh, oh, I think another scenario!). What's good, I ask. Yu. M.: alimony is being transferred to you, the decree was sent to the debtor’s place of work in August. Could you please clarify, dear sir, in August of what year? Clarifies. It turns out that in August 2011 (for reference: outside the window it was September 2013), - well then, write a statement. I am writing a statement. Yu.M. He says: I have a vacation in a week, I definitely won’t have time to do anything in a week, there’s a lot of work. Come back in 1.5 months. I have angelic patience (although my acquaintances have long been advising me not to go to this Yalta, but to contact Lenin), I trust the word of the joint venture, I arrive in 1.5 months... and I’m not at all surprised that the joint venture is different, Tatyana Vasilievna. Scenario: the name of the alimony payer, searching for information on the computer, and why have you arrived, the decree has been sent to your place of work, take a closer look! Oh, yes, 2011. Well, write a statement, we will work, and by the way, could you please tell me the contact information of the non-payer? No, I say, look, I no longer have any data saved. T.V. Very kindly reports that the matter is in the archive, and from the archive there are 10 workers. Days, generally call in two weeks. I even wonder what will happen when I arrive. And when will this show end? When will joint ventures really start working, and not just beautifully describing the results of their work in the press. It’s so difficult for me to get out to this Yalta, every day I’m in a hurry after work, just to be able to pick up my child from kindergarten before 19:00. My statements disappear in the Bermuda triangle of Karo in Omsk. Rudeness, indifference and lack of professionalism! I will definitely write a sequel to this bestseller, the next event of the Omsk bailiffs related to the collection of alimony payments and the protection of the rights and interests of children.

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.

What child restraint devices are allowed by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate?

Let's consider paragraph 22.9 of the traffic rules, which deals with restraint systems:

22.9. Transportation of children under the age of 7 years in a car and a truck cab that is designed with seat belts or seat belts and an ISOFIX* child restraint system must be carried out using child restraint systems (devices) that are appropriate for the weight and height of the child.

* The name of the ISOFIX child restraint system is given in accordance with the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR RS 018/2011 “On the safety of wheeled vehicles”.

Transportation of children aged 7 to 11 years (inclusive) in a passenger car and truck cab, which are designed with seat belts or seat belts and an ISOFIX child restraint system, must be carried out using child restraint systems (devices) that are appropriate for the weight and height of the child , or using seat belts, and in the front seat of a car - only with the use of child restraint systems (devices) corresponding to the weight and height of the child.

There are no other references to child restraints in the rules, so let’s turn to the text of the Customs Union regulation TR RS 018/2011 “On the safety of wheeled vehicles,” the link to which is given in paragraph 22.9. Appendix No. 10 to this document contains a list of requirements for types of vehicle components.

N p/p	Vehicle components	Requirements or name of the document containing the requirements
…
35.	Child restraints	UNECE Regulation No. 44-04

Thus, the technical regulations provide a link to another document - UNECE Regulations N 44-04 . These rules, as amended on 13 February 2014, can be found on the website unece.org.

This document is quite large. It describes the various options for child restraints and the rules that apply when testing them for safety.

We will not consider it in detail within the framework of this article; if you wish, you can do it yourself.

Nevertheless, I will give an important conclusion that can be drawn after studying UNECE Regulations N 44-04: the device of any design shown in the figure at the beginning of the article can meet the requirements of this document.

In addition, there is one more important condition that a child restraint system must meet.

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 a triangle in a car

The undeniable advantages of using an adapter include:

• Simplicity and ease of use. Triangles are easy to attach and comfortable; older children can fasten themselves with a seat belt without assistance.
• Lightweight and small size. Compared to bulky car seats and boosters, this device saves free space on the car seat. Made of lightweight fabric, it does not hinder the child’s movement during long trips.
• The versatility of the device makes it possible to use it without additional accessories in any car model.
• Low cost compared to other fixing products.
• It can be mounted on the front seat of the car .
• The speed of installation allows you to use the adapter even in a taxi car.

Disadvantages of the device

Like every model of restraint devices, triangles for children also have their disadvantages:

• There is no protection for the body and head. Compared to child car seats, adapters do not provide sufficient protection for the body and head of a child in the event of a side collision.
• Inability to use in older cars that have a different seat belt fastening system.
• With little growth, the child may not reach the window.
• In an accident, the load is concentrated on the child’s chest and internal organs.

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.

Forecasts for the use of FEST in the future

As stated, for 2021, there are no precise justifications for the ban on devices. But do they have a future and if so, what is it? If you look at the regular updates and speeches of legislators, you can see that many deputies and even senators are actively advocating for a strict change in the rules regarding FEST and the like. They also note that any transportation of children should be carried out exclusively using a car seat, or a specialized frame seat, if the child is older.

So far, despite active protests, no adjustments to the ban have been legalized. Although such remarks were first heard in the government back in September 2011.

Also, if you believe the data, the government still intends to bring this issue to an end and revoke the FEST certification next year. This means that any FEST-type restraint devices will automatically lose their legality in use, and those who continue to use them will be punished with a fine.