How many points are deducted for a child sitting in the front passenger seat?
3 Answers
No points are deducted for a child sitting in the front passenger seat. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, the Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law, and the Ministry of Public Security Order No. 123 on the Issuance and Use of Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses, there are no explicit mandatory regulations prohibiting children from sitting in the front passenger seat or requiring the use of child safety seats. However, most vehicle manuals indicate that children under 12 years old (or shorter than 1.4 meters) should not sit in the front row. The front passenger seat is the most dangerous position, as in the event of sudden braking, parents are unable to provide timely protection to a child seated there. Vehicle seat belts are designed based on adult standards, suitable for individuals weighing over 36kg and taller than 140cm. If used for children, the seat belt may press against the child's neck, causing greater harm in the event of an accident. Even holding a child in the lap is highly unsafe. Hazards of children sitting in the front passenger seat: When the airbag deploys, the strong impact force may knock the child unconscious; In a collision, an unrestrained child may be ejected, and even with a seat belt, there is a risk of injury or ejection; Children's tendency to move around may distract the driver, and they might play with the gear shift. Precautions for sitting in the front passenger seat: Do not hold a child: Children under 12 years old should not sit in the front passenger seat, nor should they be held there. Use seat belts correctly: Without a seat belt, sudden braking could eject the passenger from the vehicle. Reclining the seat too far while wearing a seat belt can turn it into a noose, posing a strangulation risk during sudden braking. Avoid controversial discussions: Avoid discussing contentious topics with the driver, as arguments can lead to emotional loss of control, potentially causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Conversations should be mild and soothing to the driver's mood, avoiding any actions that might provoke or upset the driver.
I have a little troublemaker at home. Last time I took him out, I let him sit in the front passenger seat for convenience, only to be stopped by traffic police, resulting in a 1-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. This really scared me. Later, I looked it up and learned that national regulations prohibit children under 12 years old or shorter than 1.5 meters from sitting in the front seat, mainly because airbag impacts are too strong and can easily harm their little bodies. Now I firmly use a child safety seat in the back seat—not only is it hassle-free and reassuring, but it also avoids such fines. Parents driving with kids, remember to follow the rules and don’t be as careless as I was, to avoid losing points and affecting the family budget. Safety first—don’t take risks with your child!
Driving a small truck for ten years on the road, I've seen too many cases where drivers were fined for placing children in the front passenger seat. Specifically, the penalty usually starts with a deduction of 1 point from the driver's license, plus a fine of around 200 yuan, depending on local law enforcement. I believe this is not just a legal issue but also a matter of risk control—sudden braking or airbag deployment in the front seat can seriously injure a child. Therefore, no matter what vehicle you're driving, I advise everyone to secure their children in the back seat with seat belts. Make it a habit and avoid taking unnecessary risks. Accumulating too many penalty points can affect your driving qualifications. As drivers, our priority is to arrive home safely—less trouble means more peace of mind.
