How many points are deducted for eating while driving?
3 Answers
Eating while driving results in a 2-point deduction. Eating while driving is considered an act that hinders safe driving and will incur a 2-point penalty. The regulations of the Traffic Safety Law and its hazards are as follows: Traffic Safety Law regulations: When driving a motor vehicle, the following behaviors are prohibited: driving when the doors or compartments are not properly closed; hanging or placing items within the front or rear windows of the vehicle that obstruct the driver's view; making or answering handheld phone calls, watching TV, or engaging in any other behavior that hinders safe driving. Hazards of eating while driving: Eating while driving can lead to distraction, and even slowing down may not effectively avoid danger. If it is merely to save time or for convenience, the risks far outweigh the benefits. According to foreign statistics, the risk of accidents increases by 1 times when eating while driving and by 1.5 times when drinking beverages. These behaviors are more dangerous than using a phone while driving, and their hazard level is comparable to drunk driving.
Does eating while driving result in penalty points here? It depends. Firstly, traffic regulations don't specifically mention penalty points for snacking, but if the behavior affects safe driving, traffic police often deduct 2 points and impose a 200-yuan fine. Enforcement varies by city; stricter places like Beijing and Shanghai might penalize you for eating buns at a red light. Eating while driving is distracting—misreading road signs or rear-ending another car could happen. I once nearly had an accident this way. It's best to avoid eating or drinking in the car; if hungry, pull over safely. Regularly check your driving habits to prevent minor issues from escalating. Before long trips, eat well—safety comes first.
Will eating while driving result in demerit points? Honestly, it depends on luck and location. I've discussed this with friends—traffic police usually decide whether to penalize based on your level of distraction. In some major cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou, enforcement is stricter; eating could cost you 2 points and a fine of 100-200 RMB. But most of the time, no one bothers—I used to eat instant noodles while driving when I was younger. However, it's dangerous; just a second of diverted attention could lead to a collision. I recommend not taking the risk. If you need a drink, use a straw cup or pull over to eat. Developing safe driving habits is beneficial in the long run.
