Is a Fire Extinguisher Mandatory in Cars?
2 Answers
Private cars are not required by law to be equipped with fire extinguishers. However, according to the 'Technical Specifications for the Safety of Motor Vehicles in Operation' (GB7258-2012), all vehicles (excluding three-wheeled vehicles without a cab) must be equipped with a warning triangle. Passenger vehicles (those carrying more than 9 people) and school buses must be equipped with fire extinguishers. During annual vehicle inspections, a fire extinguisher must be present in the car; otherwise, the inspection will not pass. For safety reasons, car owners can choose to equip their vehicles with fire extinguishers. The 'Road Traffic Safety Law,' Article 21, stipulates that before driving a motor vehicle on the road, the driver must carefully inspect the vehicle's safety and technical performance. It is prohibited to drive a vehicle with incomplete safety facilities or components that do not meet technical standards, as these pose safety hazards. The 'Fire Protection Law,' Article 23, states that the production, storage, transportation, sale, use, and destruction of flammable and explosive hazardous materials must comply with fire protection technical standards and management regulations. Entering premises where flammable and explosive hazardous materials are produced or stored requires adherence to fire safety regulations. It is prohibited to illegally carry flammable and explosive hazardous materials into public places or on public transportation. The management of warehouses storing combustible materials must follow fire protection technical standards and management regulations. For cars, dry powder fire extinguishers and water-based fire extinguishers are recommended. Dry powder extinguishers are fast, effective, affordable, and widely applicable. Water-based extinguishers are further categorized into water-based clean water extinguishers, water-based foam extinguishers, and water-based mist extinguishers, which are dust-free, anti-suffocation, effective in extinguishing fires, and environmentally friendly. Common causes of car fires include electrical fires and fuel leakage fires. For electrical fires, water-based mist extinguishers are more suitable. For fuel fires, water-based foam extinguishers are better, while dry powder extinguishers are versatile and widely applicable, suitable for both types of fires. Both types have their own characteristics and are suitable for vehicle use; the choice depends on specific needs. Ordinary household cars can use 1-2 kg extinguishers, which are lightweight, easy to carry, and simple to fix in the car.
To be honest, as a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, according to national regulations, vehicles must be equipped with a valid fire extinguisher during annual inspections - you simply can't pass the inspection without one. I've checked the relevant policies, and it's now basically mandatory, especially for private cars, to prevent catastrophic fires during journeys. Fire extinguishers are inexpensive; just spend a few dozen yuan on a dry powder type and replace it regularly - don't cut corners. Don't underestimate its size - if you encounter engine smoke or an electrical fire, timely extinguishing can save tens of thousands in repair costs or even a life. Everyone should pay attention to regular maintenance and ensure it's placed in an easily accessible location. Even if regulations were more lenient, I think it's worth having one for safety's sake - no one wants accidents when their car's on the road.
