Is driving with the trunk open considered a traffic violation?
3 Answers
Driving with the trunk open is considered a traffic violation. Here are the relevant details: 1. Penalty: Driving with the trunk open will not result in demerit points, but you may be fined if caught. Leaving the trunk unclosed violates traffic laws, although this type of violation is not captured by traffic cameras—only traffic police will enforce it. If stopped by an officer, you will be issued a ticket and may face a fine along with a warning. 2. Danger: While driving with the trunk open doesn’t incur demerit points, it is highly dangerous. An open trunk can obstruct the rear window, impairing the driver’s visibility and making it difficult to see behind the vehicle, which can lead to accidents. 3. Safety risks: If the trunk cannot be closed, bumps, sudden acceleration, or sharp turns may cause cargo to fall out, potentially hitting other vehicles or creating road hazards that disrupt normal driving. This poses significant safety risks, so it is crucial to avoid driving with the trunk open.
I've encountered several instances where the trunk wasn't properly closed while driving. The wind noise was terrifyingly loud when moving, and it even blocked the rearview mirror, forcing me to crane my neck to see vehicles behind me - extremely unsafe. According to Chinese regulations, specifically Article 90 of traffic laws, both doors and trunks must be securely closed, otherwise it's considered a violation. Police will issue a 200 yuan fine upon discovery. The reason isn't just about fines - an unsecured trunk might spill cargo that could hit following vehicles or pedestrians, potentially causing chain-reaction accidents. I personally witnessed a rear-end collision on the highway caused by an open trunk - the scene was chaotic. I recommend developing the habit of manually checking the trunk closure before departure, promptly repairing faulty locks, and always prioritizing safety. These small details truly shouldn't be neglected.
My car is equipped with a smart system that alerts me on the dashboard if the trunk is slightly open, which is super practical. This design exists because it's considered a traffic violation and unsafe—any unsecured part of the car on the road can cause issues. Regulations require all parts of the vehicle to be stable, as an open trunk can obstruct the view and easily lead to accidents, especially when reversing or changing lanes. I've seen police in the city fine drivers 150 yuan for such minor issues. My advice is to upgrade the trunk lock or sensors to avoid getting fined; if you're carrying a lot of cargo, use straps to secure it—don't cut corners. Overall, drive more carefully.
