Today, the government of the Russian Federation has drafted another bill that will establish new rules for the transportation of children in the car and on the bus. The changes described in this law will come into force on January 1, 2017. Until then, the existing rules will be applied, which are even more stringent than the newly developed ones. In Ukraine, such changes are not expected in the near future; in the coming year, the old rules will continue to operate.
New rules for transporting children in the car
According to the current rules, to carry a child who is not yet 12 years old is allowed both in the rear seat and in the front seat of a car. This rule from 01 January 2017 will not change with respect to children of the corresponding age - the new rules also allow the transportation of a small passenger anywhere, with the exception of the driver's seat.
Meanwhile, when placing a child under 12 years old on the seat in front, the driver must use a child restraint suitable for him by age, weight and other parameters. The rules for the carriage of children in the back seat from 01 January 2017 will depend on their age.
So, if kids under 7 years old still can not be transported without a child seat, then for schoolchildren from 7 to 12 years old, other rules are being introduced - now the child of this age category can be transported in the back seat of a car using only regular seat belts, as well as special fixing devices placed on them.
New rules for passenger transportation of children by bus
The new rules for the transportation of children on buses do not differ much from the current ones, but they establish other, more impressive, fines for the driver and the official or legal person involved in the transportation, in case of violation.
In particular, during transport of minors, the following conditions must be observed:
- all children should be placed in special places for sitting;
- The vehicle must have the identification signs "child transportation";
- the position of all children under 12 must be fixed with straps;
- the bus should have a production period of no more than 10 years, and also be equipped with a tachograph or a GLONASS satellite;
- the driver must have at least one year's experience. During this time, there should be no serious violations;
- The vehicle must include a list of transported children and accompanying persons, a program of the route, as well as a charter contract.
In addition, special attention is paid in the new rules to the transportation of children in buses at night, that is, from 23 to 06 hours. Since January 1, 2017, it is allowed only in two situations - the transportation of a group of children to the railway station, to or from the airport, as well as the completion of a trip started earlier, at a distance of not more than 50 km. If this rule is violated, all persons responsible for the organization of transportation face serious penalties, and even the driver may be stripped of his rights.