Is a Fire Extinguisher Mandatory for Vehicles?
2 Answers
Vehicles are not necessarily required to have fire extinguishers. For instance, passenger cars are not mandated to be equipped with them. The usage method of a vehicle fire extinguisher is as follows: 1. In case of a car fire, first remain calm, avoid panic, analyze the situation, and make a quick judgment; 2. When handling the fire extinguisher, stand on the upwind side of the fire to prevent burns, ensuring your own safety before attempting to extinguish the fire; 3. Pull out the safety pin, hold the nozzle, and grip the pressure handle with the other hand. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flames for effective fire suppression.
When it comes to driving, whether a fire extinguisher is mandatory, I think we should first talk about the legal aspect. According to China's road traffic regulations, private cars are not required to be equipped with fire extinguishers, but commercial vehicles such as buses or hazardous material transport vehicles must have them, otherwise they won't pass the annual inspection. Some local regulations in places like Zhejiang or Guangdong might be stricter, recommending daily carrying. From my understanding, although there's no penalty, minor accidents like battery short circuits or fuel line leaks catching fire can turn into major disasters without a fire extinguisher. I've seen a friend's car completely burned out, resulting in tens of thousands in losses, just because they weren't prepared. For safety, keeping one in the trunk is a low-cost way to stay at ease. Check the pressure and expiration date annually to ensure it's usable. In conclusion, it's not about the law, but for your own safety, it's advisable to have one.
