Many drivers have refused for years to seat children in the front passenger seat, fearing fines. However, the Ukrainian Traffic Rules (Road Code) do not contain a direct ban on transporting a child in the front. The key factor for safety is not the seat location, but the use of the correct restraint system.
Main Requirement: Height and Safety System
According to sub-item 'b' of item 21.11 of the Traffic Rules, transporting a child without a child restraint system is prohibited if their height is less than 150 cm. This rule applies to all seats in the vehicle. A car seat is necessary to ensure that the standard seat belt properly secures the child's body, providing protection in the event of a collision.
Special Conditions for Children Under Three Years Old
Stricter norms apply to the youngest passengers. Item 21.13 of the Traffic Rules allows transporting a child under three years old in the front seat only if two conditions are met:
- Use of a child restraint system installed facing against the direction of travel.
- Mandatory deactivation of the front airbag.
If the airbag is not deactivated, it can cause serious injury to the child upon deployment.
Compliance with Instructions and Weight
The rules also require (item 21.14) that the use of child seats complies with the instructions of both the vehicle manufacturer and the device itself. Furthermore, item 21.15 emphasizes that the system must be selected strictly according to the specific child's height and weight.
Liability for Violation
Ignoring the rules for transporting children entails administrative liability under Part 10 of Article 121 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. The fine for a first violation is 510 UAH. If the violation is recorded again within a year, the fine amount increases to 850 UAH.
