How many points are deducted for coasting in neutral?

2 Answers
MacSophie
07/25/25 5:31am
Coasting in neutral results in a deduction of three points. Coasting in neutral refers to the act of shifting the vehicle's gear to the neutral position while driving, thereby cutting off the power transmission between the engine and the transmission. The vehicle relies on its inertia to coast rather than turning off the ignition switch. The following are the hazards of coasting in neutral: 1. Increased fuel consumption: Coasting in neutral does not necessarily save fuel; instead, it may lead to higher fuel consumption and potential vehicle slippage. When coasting in neutral, the wheels continue to drive the turbine at high speed, agitating the automatic transmission fluid. The automatic transmission oil pump stops working due to the neutral gear position, causing all components inside the transmission to lose cooling, which can damage internal parts and lead to slippage and other malfunctions. 2. Damage to the automatic transmission: Coasting in neutral can potentially harm the automatic transmission. The difference between the vehicle's speed and the engine's RPM during neutral coasting increases friction, reduces lubrication effectiveness, and accelerates the wear of internal friction plates in the automatic transmission. 3. Risk of rear-end collisions: Coasting in neutral reduces engine braking effectiveness, potentially causing rough gear shifts. Since the engine and automatic transmission are disconnected, the vehicle remains in an accelerating state, gaining speed as it coasts. If the distance between vehicles is short and the leading vehicle stops suddenly in an emergency, the likelihood of a rear-end collision increases significantly.
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CarsonDella
08/10/25 5:47pm
As someone with years of experience in driver instruction, I can share this insight: coasting in neutral refers to shifting the gear into neutral while driving to let the vehicle glide, which may sound fuel-efficient but is highly dangerous. According to traffic regulations, this behavior constitutes improper operation or endangering safe driving and typically results in a 2-point penalty. Consider this: when the car is in neutral, engine braking is lost, significantly increasing braking distance. In emergency situations like sudden braking or sharp turns, control is greatly reduced, and accident risks skyrocket. I've seen many cases where people tried coasting to save a bit on fuel, only to be caught by police and penalized—or worse, causing serious accidents due to delayed reactions. The penalty system exists to uphold public safety, so always maintain the correct gear while driving—don’t let a little cleverness backfire. During driving lessons, instructors emphasize that developing good habits is paramount.
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